Robyn Hook

Fiction That Feeds Your Faith

, ,

How a Writing Conference Helped Me Empathize with My Favorite Elf

I recently met one of my critique partners, Laurie Germaine, in person at the ACFW conference. We had so much fun sharing a room with Amanda Wen at the amazing Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas. And in case you’re wondering, not one of my fears that spawned this blog post about my conference anxiety came…

Robyn Hook
3 minutes
, , , , , ,

I recently met one of my critique partners, Laurie Germaine, in person at the ACFW conference. We had so much fun sharing a room with Amanda Wen at the amazing Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas. And in case you’re wondering, not one of my fears that spawned this blog post about my conference anxiety came true. Although, I did have a close call with the hotel hair dryer finally deciding to roar to life just as I was about to leave the room. Thank God, I heard it and turned the possessed thing off in time, but as I flipped the switch, terror seeped into my bones. A vision of Robyn Hook burning down the beautiful hotel was a horror I hadn’t even imagined might have come true.

Just like Tinsel Kuchler—my favorite human-sized elf from Laurie’s novel! I understood a little of how poor Tinsel must have felt when she set the chemistry lab at her high school ablaze. She caused an explosion that ruined a stash of presents and sent the elves into panic mode to save Christmas. Thankfully, the current Santa’s hot, teenaged grandson and future Santa, Niklas Kringle, was there to lead everyone to safety. And yes, I admit it, I have a crush on this young Santa before the red suit and jelly belly!

If you know me in person, you may have already heard me touting this hilarious book where a clumsy elf who believes she doesn’t fit in her tiny elf world learns she does indeed have a place at Santa’s side, along with an amazing talent. Which I won’t reveal, but here’s a hint: it involves Santa’s reindeer.

I’m thrilled to announce that you can finally enjoy this fun Christmas read! It’s the perfect early Christmas gift and holiday read for those teens and pre-teen girls in your house, but you mom’s and single ladies out there will love it, too!

I had the honor of reading Tinsel in a Tangle chapter by chapter when Laurie subbed it on ACFW’s online critique group (I had to read her subs 3 times in order to find something to pick at), and I read it again after revisions from her Clean Reads publisher, and I have to say, it just keeps getting better—and I loved it the first time! Laurie’s a gifted writer. She’ll draw you into Flitterndorf and make you believe in the magic of Christmas.

In the true spirit of the season, Laurie has committed to donating all the proceeds she receives from the sale of Tinsel in a Tangle toward helping girls rescued from sex trafficking. Initially, she plans to support Agape International Ministries but there are two USA-based ministries she’s considering, as well.

For more about my friend, Laurie, check out this interview with Kelsey Gillespy.

Or grab your copy at Barnes & Noble, or iBooks.

6 responses to “How a Writing Conference Helped Me Empathize with My Favorite Elf”

  1. Jack Avatar
    Jack

    Sounds like a fun read. I’ll have to check it out.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  2. sharonkconnell Avatar
    sharonkconnell

    I”m so glad your nightmare of a conference did not happen, Robyn. And the thing with the hair dryer…possessed is what I’d call it too. It was just the devil trying to ruin your good time. I wrote a story about children involved in the human traffic epidemic as well. There Abideth Hope (soon to be rewritten). I’ll have to pick up a copy of this story and help out a bit. Thanks for writing about it.

    Like

    Reply
    1. sharonkconnell Avatar
      sharonkconnell

      I meant I’ll have to pick up a copy of her book. LOL

      Like

      Reply
      1. Robyn Hook Avatar
        Robyn Hook

        You’ll enjoy reading about I’ll ask Laurie the name of the book that made her want to donate all the proceeds from Tinsel to the human trafficking cause. I’m sure it would be helpful for your research if you haven’t already read it. Thanks for sharing about your book. That’s a hard topic but so important. And thanks for commenting!

        Like

  3. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    The book I read was NO LONGER A SLUMDOG, by K.P. Yohanan, which dealt with the children of the Dalits and Untouchables in India, kids who have little-to-no hope for a future outside of the slums and streets and prostitution. Heart-breaking stories. Because of the lawsuit against Gospel For Asia, however, I didn’t feel like it would be financially responsible to donate to them right now, so I began praying about which ministry I SHOULD give to. My heart cries for the ways children are mistreated worldwide, so I wanted to give to them in some form–but where? Then a friend told me about Agape International Missions, as well as some other USA-based ministries. After reading up on all of them, I chose AIM in the end.

    So, we’ll see how it goes. 🙂 I’ll give updates from time to time on my blog and through my newsletter.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Robyn Hook Avatar
      Robyn Hook

      Thanks, Laurie! It’ll be exciting to see how God uses the proceeds from your story to give hope. I appreciate you sharing a little more on how you came to that decision. It sounds like a great book for Sharon to use while researching for her novel.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment

Trending