Relax and Read Book Club: The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

Spabreaks.com’s Relax and Read Book Club gives you the chance to discover new books, learn about the authors, share your opinions and really escape into an inspiring world of literature.

This month we're reading the seasonally appropriate The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score, in which a late season hurricane turns Merry, Connecticut, into a disaster, damaging town manager Noah's home and ushering in celebrity, home renovation expert and TV star Catalina King to save the day. As characters collude, an enemies-to-lovers tale unfolds with a little bit of Christmas magic thrown into the mix.

"I can not believe I didn’t realise Lucy freaking Score had written a Christmas book, is funny, romantic and just perfect" - Amazon review

What inspired you to write this book?

Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017 and I was really moved by the footage of neighbours helping neighbours survive and recover. Like a lot of situations in real life, I wished that I had the ability to make it better. And that was the inspiration for The Christmas Fix, a happily ever after for a town damaged by a storm.

Can you provide a brief overview of the book's storyline or central themes?

Cat King is a DIY reality TV queen who has a personal connection to the town of Merry. She’s determined to help rebuild the small town in time for Christmas. But the town manager, Noah, is skeptical of her motivations and blocks her at every turn.

Do you have a favourite character in the book? If so, what makes them special to you?

I loved writing Cat. She’s so confident and effortlessly herself. She sets firm boundaries. And she doesn’t worry about what people think of her while still managing to care a great deal for them.

Could you share insights into your daily writing process and routines?

I start writing in the morning in my home office with my door closed, my noise cancelling headphones blasting music, and at least two beverages to keep me company. I set a timer for 25 minutes and do nothing but write. Then I take a five-minute break before getting back onto the page.

Who are some of your favourite authors or books, and how have they influenced your writing?

I’ve always loved Nora Roberts and her books. She has a magical knack for painting a picture without bogging the reader down with description. The same with Liane Moriarty. She is queen of feeding readers enough bread crumbs to make them desperate to find out what happens next. I greatly admire their craft!

How does your wellness routine integrate with your writing practice, and do you make any specific adjustments during writing periods?

I work with a personal trainer who comes to my house three times a week and drags me away from my computer to lift weights. I also enjoy yoga classes to help stretch stiff muscles. One of my favourite things to do when I’m in the thick of a book is to raise my desk and use a walking pad (very slowly) while I write. It gets my steps and words in!

Is there a particular spa treatment you enjoy, and what draws you to it?

Nothing beats a good massage. I carry a lot of tension in my shoulders so having someone work that out is amazing. I also have some of my best book ideas on the massage table between sleep and wake.

Lastly, what is your top tip for maintaining overall wellbeing, especially during busy times like writing and promoting a book?

For me the most effective strategies have been prioritising good quality sleep and food. I’m not someone who can thrive on five hours of sleep and a steady intake of junk food (believe me, I’ve tried).

I’m a light sleeper so over the years I’ve developed a whole elaborate sleep routine. I read every night before bed and often sleep with an eye mask or even ear buds to help block out the rest of the world. I will absolutely prioritise sleep over anything else… including showering.

As for food, I aim for lean proteins, at least some veggies, and lots and lots of water at regular intervals. I load up on hot tea and electrolytes for book tours to keep me healthy. And I try to limit (but not eliminate because I’m not a monster) sugary treats.