Novels

Creating Write Christmas: an interview with Thommy Hutson

Thommy Hutson is a bestselling, award-winning author, screenwriter, producer, and director.

A graduate of UCLA, he began his career co-writing the story for the Warner Bros. animated hit SCOOBY-DOO IN WHERE’S MY MUMMY? He followed that with co-writing the concept and additional material for CHILL OUT, SCOOBY-DOO!

As an author, Thommy crafted a limited-edition coffee table book detailing the making and legacy of horror icon Wes Craven’s 1984 classic A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. A trade version followed from Permuted Press/Simon & Schuster. His novel, the teen thriller Jinxed, (Vesuvian Books) is the first in a trilogy that has been called “A must-read for classic horror fans … Hutson could easily take on the mantle as the next Lois Duncan.” Hutson was named on the 7 Essential LGBTQ Horror Authors for Your Summer Reading Lists.

Thommy wrote the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries original film, A CHRISTMAS FOR THE BOOKS, which was the highest-rated scripted program the night it premiered. He co-scripted the teen thriller INSTAFAME (Lifetime), wrote a screenplay for an audio holiday project, and is in development on a family feature film. In addition, Thommy produced the critically acclaimed feature THE TROUBLE WITH THE TRUTH, an insightful relationship drama starring Lea Thompson and John Shea. He also produced DREAMWORLD, a quirky, romantic dramedy. He has also worked as a staff writer on a Hulu web series.

A member of the Producers Guild of America, a Saturn and Home Media Magazine award-winner, and an aficionado of holiday films as well as teen movies from the 80s and 90s, Thommy continues to develop unique, compelling, and provocative projects across multiple genres for film, television, publishing, and home entertainment.

Write Christmas
Thommy Hutson
Published by: Rosewind Books
Publication date: December 1st 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy

Abby Nicholson used to love Christmas. Until she didn’t.

After leaving Winter Glen, the small town famous for its Christmas celebration and her family’s greeting card company, Abby is forced to return to the home she left behind when the unexpected passing of her father thrusts the business into her hands.

Turning her back on the magic of the holiday beloved by her father and the town, she decides to sell the business. Signing the paperwork with the very pen her father used to create it, she is shocked to discover her hometown has become a whole new world.

One where Christmas has vanished!

Now stuck in a place devoid of hope, joy, and the spirit of the season, Abby sees family and friends altered in the most terrible of ways.

Determined to set things right, though unsure how, Abby takes out her father’s pen and begins to draw. When she realizes her art is coming to life, she sets out to recreate the holiday and bring back the most wonderful time of the year.

But some are determined to keep an iron grip on the town and will do anything in their power to stop her.

Urban Fantasy Magazine: How does working on a holiday-themed book affect the writing and publishing process? Are there any challenges you ran into?

THOMMY HUTSON: The only challenge writing a holiday-themed book was making sure I got it done in time to release for the holidays.

Urban Fantasy Magazine: Your Goodreads bio discusses your work in film in addition to your work as a novelist. Could you tell us a little more about that?

THOMMY HUTSON: I actually started out as a screenwriter, though I had always wanted to write novels. After I completed my first novel, “Jinxed,” I discovered the process was both easier and more difficult in ways I had not predicted. What I really learned to love about writing a novel is the room to breathe in the writing to describe things, and how I can really get into the character’s mind to explore their thoughts and feelings. To really feel and understand what drives them. There’s just more space and time to do that than there is in a script. I love both mediums for different reasons and want to keep working in both.

Urban Fantasy Magazine: What was your biggest motivator in deciding to write your first novel?

THOMMY HUTSON: My agent! She knew I had wanted to write novels, but never had done it. She always felt that the way in which I write scripts, and my voice, would really lend themselves to novels. She really pushed for me to write a book and I am so glad she did. That book was “Jinxed,” which is the first in a trilogy. I am currently close to the end of writing the sequel, “Cursed.”

Urban Fantasy Magazine: The premise of Write Christmas is an interesting one. What sparked the idea for it?

THOMMY HUTSON: Christmas is my favorite holiday. The memories I have of family and friends together during the season are so strong, but so is the desire to continue the traditions I grew up with. I don’t think I’ll ever lose those memories or feelings, but what would happen if I did? Would I be the same? Would everyone around me be the same if the spirit of the season so many hold dear vanished? I wanted to explore that idea, and the notion of what we want versus what we need. There was also the idea of really finding oneself after finally accepting that you’ve been lost. It’s important to look within ourselves to understand that, as hard of a lesson it can be, the things we cherish and love never really leave us. We just have to find ways to hold on to them. And, sometimes, we need people to remind us to see everything that is good instead of seeing only what’s bad.

Urban Fantasy Magazine: Do you think you will write more holiday-themed books in the future?

THOMMY HUTSON: Absolutely. I’m excited to get working on another!

Urban Fantasy Magazine: What’s one book you’ve read recently that really lifted your spirits?

THOMMY HUTSON: It’s actually a book I have read before, but love to read at the holidays: “A Dog Named Christmas” by Greg Kincaid. It’s sweet, charming, dramatic, and full of Christmas spirit.

Urban Fantasy Magazine: It sounds like a great read. Thanks so much for the interview! Readers can find more info on Thommy Hutson and Write Christmas below.

Book links:

Goodreads / Purchase

Author links:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram


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