"Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin—inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night." - John J. Geddes #Quote
First things first. How are you and what have you been doing to find holiday joy in the season?
I am thrilled to have some planned and much needed time with my incredible family and some (kind of goofy) traditions we began years ago that are still going strong. I miss the snow on Christmas Eve the most.
Some of my memories of Christmas as a child were Currier & Ives perfect, so wonderful they were like a dream. I deeply cherish those times and hope we all strive to make new ones like this to get us through the next challenge.
Time together, and a real conversation or even a cup of cocoa with someone who cares about you is worth a king's ransom of gold.
A million thanks to every person who has brought happiness, laughter, kindness and creative mettle to the past year. So many talented and authentic people have shown up and given me space, read my work, encouraged, made me laugh when I needed to lighten up and I am ever so grateful. Thank you!
There is a new project on the horizon ILUVULUCY : A supernatural love story. The work is already in progress.
Meet Tony Bianchi of iOscape Studios who has brought me on to collaborate and co-write a novel which will be developed into a feature film.
Anyone who knows my work realizes that ghosts show up in many stories, but this one goes a step further by exploring metaphysics and the connective power of love.
It's an interesting and dynamic project, as we both have vivid imaginations and want more than anything to connect with others via story, be it on screen or the pages. Stay tuned!
The Irish Phantom Series has a new novella (Mont Pelier) which was a long time coming, research was endless and of course, as with all projects that involve historical tie-ins it continued to surprise in the notion and truth that history repeats itself, if we don't do our best to know it, remember it and understand how it affects the future.
Thank you to all who have checked it out and supported this project!
Lastly I wanted to chat briefly about the third year of The Haunted Series which will be published in autumn 2022, and is also a wonderful collaboration.
This annual anthology with Veronica Cline Barton has become something we both look forward to. The planning began almost the moment we published this year's, Tangled Webs.
The title will be revealed in late spring for the next edition and oddly some of the themes and imagery keep coming up in ways that I cannot explain. The Muse is endlessly mysterious.
If you enjoy spooky, eerie and surrealist stories that take you across the world, you will love this anthology. I am not known for my wit, but as a #cozymystery writer, Veronica has the knack and there will always be one story that gets a little silly or satirical to keep the reader guessing what's next.
As we all wind down towards the big day and the final moments of 2021, please do something that brings you happiness, peace and joy. Be kind. Be extra patient with yourself and everyone you meet.
Below is a delicious toddy to warm you up that will make your house smell yummy. If you are a writer, please wait until after you edit and then have one...
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Take care! Thanks and deep gratitude to my loyal subscribers The Literati! Please let me know how you are and what's new. www.bibianakrall.com/contact
Until next time find your Peace, Love, Hustle and then Read or Write. Xox - Bibiana
"All heroines, all the time."
Orange Zest Mulled Cider
2 liters apple cider whole cloves 1 organic orange
3 star anise seed pods 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 cinnamon stick 1 vanilla pod, halved 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
(if you buy extra oranges and cloves, these make a gorgeous DIY air freshener with a pretty bow attached and hung in closets or a kitchen window.)
Instructions:
Pour the cider into a sauce pan on low heat.
While the cider is heating, wash and dry the orange. Poke cloves into the orange. Be creative and make a pretty pattern if you like.
Slice the orange into rounds, add sugar, orange slices and spices to the cider. Bring all to a boil, then reduce and simmer for approx. eight minutes.
Ladle into heatproof mugs while warm and serve.
Feel free to improvise and add a shot of dark rum or bourbon to each cup for a grown-up version that will knock your socks off. :-)
Cheers!
First that orange mulled cider sounds delicious, thanks for recipe. You had me with that gorgeous photo of that home in the snowy mountains. May you and your family have a merry and joyous Christmas and may 2022 be wonderful and an exciting year for you.
So much good news. You’ve had a very successful year and now another new year beckons with so many exciting opportunities! Well done! Thank you for your support and delight for writing and writers and enjoy a beautiful holiday season with your loved ones. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
💕✨🌹What a fantastic year, Bibiana! I am so excited for you and Tony for your project--it sounds amazing and an opportunity of a lifetime! I know you will excel and succeed. Congrats on the Irish Phantom series, Mont Pelier was a great read. It's been a delight to work with you on The Haunted Series too--I'm very much looking forward to our next collaboration. Here's to an exciting New Year and loads of fun! xoxo, V #HappyHolidays 💖👑🎀🎄