Christmas Spotlight: Lynn Marie Hulsman

Posted 17th December 2015 by Emma in Book News, Q&A / 0 Comments

Christmas Spotlight: Lynn Marie Hulsman

Tell me a little bit about you

Lynn Marie Hulsman is the bestselling author of three romantic comedies, who also writes cookbooks. She enjoys Nora Ephron movies, pop psychology, terriers, and napping. She is not a fan of people walking three abreast on New York City sidewalks or spiders of any ilk. She does not believe in white chocolate.

Once a stand-up comic, and now a PTA mom and corporate ideation agent, she spends a lot of energy keeping her wise-cracks to herself.

What do you love about Christmas?

My favourite thing about the holiday season is the feeling I get from people, including those near and dear and complete strangers, that we’re all in this together. The brotherhood and sisterhood of people comes to the forefront, and it fills me with hope. For me, hope is energy. Hope refills me, and buoys me up to be a better person, and to clean up my corner of the world for the benefit of all.

On top of that, I enjoy the permission to disengage… from work, from screens, from worry. The biggest gift of the season to me is time. Being allowed to loll around with friends and family, chatting and relaxing, is such a treat. I love watching Christmas movies, snuggling in blankets with seasonal snacks and drinks, telling jokes and laughing, and playing cards and board games with the kids.

I also like dressing my dog, Piglet, in festive outfits. Him? Not so much.

What do you hate about Christmas?

If I “hate” anything, it’s the pressure people put on themselves. That urge to be perfect steals joy. I’d much rather go to a friend’s house and ignore the dust and clutter, than think she worked her fingers to the bone making the place spotless for my arrival. And I adore Christmas food, but for those who aren’t naturals in the kitchen, I’d prefer a simple cheese board and cold roast to a full-on feast if that could mean more relaxation. I feel the same about gifts. I don’t want to see friends and family stretching beyond their means. Now that I’m older, I see that the gift is the company of people, and their attention. Life is short. Things don’t matter… experiences do. Unhurried time is what I crave.

What is your favourite Christmas book?

I’d have to say How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Many years ago, I had a Dutch boyfriend, and I brought him this book for a present. His English was excellent, but the Dr. Seuss-style language and made-up words were new to him. He hadn’t grown up with this as a staple the way I had, so the story was fresh to him. He read it out loud in his Dutch accent, as we drank coffee in bed. We both laughed till we were crying and clutching our sides.

What is your favourite Christmas song?

Let it Snow!

What was your best Christmas?

That song embodies everything I want for the holidays: Staying in with no rush to be anywhere, and enjoying the warmth of the fire and of friendship.

I had a great Christmas when I first moved to New York City. My best friend flew in and he, my roommate, and I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the East Village. We had a little tree that we hauled up five flights, and since the stores were closed by the time we shopped, all we could get was Mexican chorizo sausage. We made a spicy lasagne, and watched videos all day long. But any Christmas that I spent with my grandmother and mother, who are both gone now, is my best Christmas.

What was your best Christmas present?

Getting a shiny, black toy poodle puppy that was all my own was pretty special. He was presented to me under the tree in the formal living room. I was a young teenager and I cried with happiness.

What was your worst Christmas present?

Underwear and socks.

Describe your ideal Christmas

Well, I wouldn’t say no to spending Christmas in an English Manor with roaring fires and servants to bring me shawls and hot drinks, and to lay on a feast around a huge table. But, my ideal holiday is always to slow down, spend time with people whose company I value and enjoy, and to let go of pressure and worry.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

A salt mill. I feel pretty good about my chances.

Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.lynnmariehulsman.com

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lynn-Marie-Hulsman-Author-591579824213840/

Twitter: @lynnmariesays

Christmas Spotlight: Lynn Marie HulsmanA Miracle at Macy's by Lynn Marie Hulsman
Also by this author: A Miracle at Macy's
on October 8th 2015
Pages: 376
Goodreads
Amazon KindleAudible

One lost dog. Two lonely hearts. A Manhattan Christmas full of magic.
'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' meets 'Marley & Me' with the romance of 'When Harry Met Sally'! This is the story of shy homebody Charlotte who loses her beloved pet dog Hudson the week before Christmas. With the help of uptight Englishman Henry, Charlotte goes on a magical treasure hunt around Manhattan to find her furry, four-legged bestie, who she rescued from the trash years before and gave him a place in her home – and her heart.
Spotted in Central Park as one of Santa's Little Helpers, or last seen in the arms of a supermodel in Times Square, Hudson leads Charlotte and Henry on a very merry dance around the Big Apple, where love, (or should that be Christmas?!) actually is all around.
This is a brand new romantic comedy from Lynn Marie Hulsman, author of the bestselling 'Christmas at Thornton Hall' and 'Summer at Castle Stone'.

About Lynn Marie Hulsman

Author Lynn Marie Hulsman’s varied employment background includes stints writing at a direct marketing agency specializing in casino advertising (Loosest slots in town!), ushering at Manhattan Theatre Club, where she saw John Slattery naked (onstage) over 50 times, editing for big pharmaceutical companies (Ask her anything about the prostate: She knows.), creatively ideating for major global brands (I’m in it for the catered lunches) and passing out cheese cube samples (a decided low point). As a performer she’s done comedy at places like Caroline’s, Stand Up New York, The Big Stinkin’ Comedy Festival in Austin,TX, and Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. She can’t tell you what she’s ghost written (obv!) but she’s co-written two books on cookery, and authored The Bourbon Dessert Cookbook. She does not believe in white chocolate. She lives and writes 26 floors above 42nd Street in New York City with her husband, children, and a cranky, elderly Bedlington Terrier.

Emma

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.