AMANDA MCINTYRE | APPROACHING WINTER SOLSTICE

There are so many traditions we hold dear at this time of year. Many stem from our memories of growing up, or experiences that we incorporate into our lives afterward. I was not born in the Gaelic isles, but I have it in my lineage-Scotch and Black Irish, my mother used to tell me, though in truth, I’m still researching the latter. But as there is for many of us, this far off island holds a powerful draw in its beauty, legends and lore and so it was for me, when I wrote WINTER AWAKENING in my novella for Winter’s Desire-a Harlequin Spice anthology just released that features the magic of Winter Solstice.


December 21, 2009 marks the "shortest day" or what is also called the "Darkest Midnight." One year ago, on that day, my writing partners in this Celtic journey, Kristi Astor and Charlotte Featherstone, submitted our first manuscript for a mini-series of Celtic-based anthologies focusing on the ancient Celtic calendar year and the festivals of the seasons. Winter’s Desire (Winter Solstice) Beltane Fires(Spring Solstice) and Dark Pleasures (Samhain) we have one more in the works celebrating the festival of Midsummer as well. Each book is unique in that each novella stands alone and yet also is woven together by the thread of an element, chant or story based on a Celtic legend.

To read more of APPROACHING WINTER SOLSTICE and to comment for a chance to win a copy of Winter's Desire please click here.