Author Interview · Hope Came at Christmas
A Conversation with Caroline Abblitt
Author of A Christmas Heart & Invisible at Christmas · carolineabblitt.com
Let’s meet Caroline Abblitt, author of two heartwarming stories in Hope Came at Christmas. In addition to YA fiction, she also writes songs, poetry, and devotional encouragement. Though crossing cultures and continents, each of her short stories, A Christmas Heart and Invisible at Christmas, uncover the deep, open-armed love of the Father’s heart.
Caroline was kind enough to take us a little deeper into her stories and discuss her own soft spot for writing for teens and young adults.
What draws you to write for young adults?
I remember struggling with various things when I was younger, including insecurity and anxiety. I loved to read, but the YA novels I read often brought more negativity and confusion. God has brought such a beautiful transformation in my life through His love, and I want to write stories that can help girls discover His love for themselves, and find hope and help in Him for the tough battles they face.
Who is your favorite side character in your story/stories, and why?
In Invisible at Christmas, there’s a very kind older lady called Betty, who encourages Callie, hugs her and prays with her. I’ve met multiple wonderful older ladies who have done that for me, and I hope that readers meet people like them, too!
If your readers could learn just one thing from your story/stories, what would it be?
That Jesus is the answer they need in their struggles and that knowing God’s love through faith in Jesus is the best gift we can ever receive.
The characters in these stories often face difficult decisions or circumstances. What encouragement would you offer a teen—or anyone—walking through a challenging season of life?
I’d encourage them to turn to the Lord, surrender their heart to Him, and ask Him into the situation. And going to a good church and reaching out to someone who loves Jesus like Betty would be a great idea, too!
Just for fun, would you like to share one of your favorite Christmas traditions?
There are so many, but I do love reading, and I tend to read my favourite Christmas stories again and again each year! I think I’ll need to add stories from this anthology to that list now!!
Thank you, Caroline, for opening up your own heart and blessing your readers with such wonderful stories this Christmas!
To learn more about Caroline and her work, check out her website or the social platforms below.
