We are joined today by Sheila Roberts, author of the newly released Christmas book “On Strike for Christmas.” Sheila, thanks for chatting with us. Can you give us a synopsis of your book?
Christmas is fast approaching and many of the women in the town of Holly are bracing themselves for stress, overwork, and very little understanding or appreciation from the men in their lives. But then inspiration hits. Joy Robertson, Laura Fredericks, and their knitting buddies decide to “go on strike” and give the men an opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to make the holidays merry and bright. Soon other women are joining in and husbands all over town are getting a crash course in decorating, shopping, and what to wear to see Santa, and are searching frantically for an interpreter to translate the mysteries of holiday recipes. The men may just come to appreciate the holidays after walking a mall in their wives’ high heels. But maybe the women will learn something, too.
How did you get the idea for this book?
My husband actually gave me the idea for this story. He wasn’t properly getting into the spirit of the holidays, so I threatened to put him in a book. And that got me thinking about what the holidays look like here in America. We women pretty much do it all. What would Christmas look like with the men in charge? Would there be any holiday celebrations, any wrapped presents, any Christmas cookies, or would we all just sit around and watch football? And how much of what we women think is important is really important? I think I got a great novel out of the deal.
Did it take you long to find an agent and publisher?
I already had an agent, the wonderful Paige Wheeler, and she brought me to Rose Hilliard at St. Martin’s Press, who loved the book. I am excessively happy at St. Martin’s and the book is doing well. But getting the book into good enough shape for a publisher to want it took a lot of work. My agent asked me to rewrite it three different times. Finding a home for it was a bit of a nail biting process. I was happy when St. Martin’s got it. I’ve wanted to be with that publisher for a long time.
Have you ever gone on strike yourself, or are you living vicariously through your characters?
I love this time of year too much to go on strike. But my husband and I definitely are the prototypes for Joy and Bob. If I had my way we would have company every day. This is such a wonderful time of year and the season has such deep meaning. I really enjoy celebrating it.
We’ll continue our interview with Sheila tomorrow. In the meantime, you can learn more about her and her books by clicking here.