Thursday, November 21, 2019

Thankful for my Hallmark Home & Family Experience by Janice Lynn

Having my first sweet romance released by Hallmark Publishing has been an amazing experience in so many ways that it's difficult to know where to begin if I had to say what I'm most thankful for. Something that certainly is near the top happened on November 8th when I was a guest on the Home & Family talk show on the Hallmark Channel. First off, I've decided being kind is a prerequisite for being hired by Hallmark. Everyone I encountered whether by email or in person was genuinely nice that's from the person who picked me up at my hotel to Cameron Mathison. Everyone. I'm a behind the scenes kind of girl, liking my position behind the computer screen of my laptop to write my stories rather than being in front of the camera so filming for television was WAY outside my comfort zone. That everyone was so fantastic definitely helped ease my nerves.
My son and I flew in on Tuesday, arriving that evening. We spent Wednesday sight-seeing on Hollywood Boulevard. It was interesting seeing all the stars on the street and The Chinese Theater was cool.
On Thursday, we went to Universal Studios to the set of Home & Family. The set is a house that is decorated for Christmas inside and out. It's beautiful. I was taken to my trailer--how cool is that? I met my producer, Katie. She showed me around the set and we dropped off my snowflakes and quilt to a very talented man named Jimmy who works magic to make everything look great. After that, I was taken back to my trailer. Inside the trailer is a sofa of sorts, a lighted make-up desk & chair, a refrigerator, microwave, bathroom, and full length mirror. The fridge is stocked with drinks & snacks.
After a while, Katie got me and I recorded a Facebook live that aired on Hallmark Publishing on November 7th. Knowing I was live was intimidating, because what if I sneezed or burped or did some other weird thing, ya know? But it wall went well and was a positive experience. There were a couple of adorable kittens in the room with me and hearing their sweet meows likely calmed me some.
After the Facebook live, I got to spend some time with my fantastic editor at Hallmark Publishing where we ate and chatted for a while in this lovely tented outdoor area that is set up with food and glass-doored coolers, tables, and outdoor type sofas. I first met Cameron Mathison while out there. He came up and introduced himself to me. Very, very nice man. While out there, I also saw another guest of the day--Mike Rowe. He was getting food and I was with my editor and didn't want to be totally uncool by rushing up to him and asking for a picture & autograph, but doing so did run through my fan-girling mind.
Later, it was my turn to film. Everything happened really fast at that point. I was taken back into the house. Jimmy had put together the adorable branch that the snowflakes were hung on and the supplies were displayed on a table. I was seated at a table with Cameron. He gave me some awesome, calming words. It was a ready, set, go moment. Filming started and ran straight through with no retakes. My biggest flub that I am aware of is that I dropped a snowflake. As they are made of plastic canvas, it wasn't a biggie--thank goodness.
 After recording, I said goodbye and was taken back to my hotel. On Friday morning, I watched the segment with my son on my laptop. It was a surreal experience seeing and hearing yourself on television, but what an amazing way to promote a book and cause you love so much? In Wrapped Up in Christmas, my heroine donates a quilt to an organization called Quilts of Valor. This is a real life group I belong to. Their mission is to wrap veterans and service members in quilts. I love curling up with a comfy blanket and find doing so comforting and want to support what this wonderful group does.

If you've not had a chance to read Wrapped Up in Christmas yet, I hope you'll get a copy and let me know what you think about Sarah & Bodie's story. It's available at AmazonWalmart, and most places books are sold.

11 comments:

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    1. Very much so. I enjoyed spending the time with my oldest son, too. :)

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  2. I enjoyed reading about your experience. I’ve already picked up your book and look forward to reading it soon.
    Congratulations on making the USA Today list!

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    1. Thank you, Kimberly. This is the first time I've ever hit the USA Today list, and actually the first time a Hallmark Publishing book has. Yesterday was an amazing day. :)

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  3. Thanks for sharing your experience. How fantastic. I watched the segment on TV. You looked so calm. You did great!

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    1. I did not feel calm, but everyone there was so nice and that helped tremendously. It was one of those once in a life time experiences you never thought would happen and something I'll always smile when I look back on. :)

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  4. How amazing! I’m so happy for you!

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  5. Thank you, Laura. Hallmark has been an amazing publisher to work with. Very nice company. :)

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  6. Janice, What an amazing experience. So, so happy for you and sincere congratulations on your success!

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    1. Thank you, Josie. Never ever did I dream I'd have this experience. It's pushed my comfort zone in so many ways and sometimes that a good thing because it makes us grow.

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