Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

Congratulations to Christina Fecher on the release of Santa's Summer Vacation in Michigan

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I started working on this book when my daughter was five–she’s now 16! But as any working mom knows, our dreams often take a backseat to our very full, often overflowing daily lives. At the time, my corporate communications career was growing (still is–yay!) and my husband and I were busy raising our two kids. Like many families, our lives were packed and our time rarely felt like our own.

Still, I knew I needed to carve out a little time for myself. Writing a book had always been a dream of mine. So while traveling for work – after catching up on emails and finalizing communications – I didn’t turn on the TV to unwind in my hotel room. Instead, I kept my laptop open, tapped into my imagination, and started writing for me.

During those quiet moments, I often thought about people who rarely get a break: small business owners, corporate spokespeople … and Santa. Santa was a huge fixture in our lives back then, and it suddenly struck me: it was time he went on vacation.

The proud lifelong Michigan resident in me knew just the place for his first trip.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

First of all, can I just say how cool it is to be able to talk about “‘my readers?” I hope they enjoy exploring Michigan through the fun rhymes and beautiful illustrations–and that it inspires them to visit these places with their families.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Considering it took me a decade to get across the finish line, I’d say that was the most difficult part! But it also made the journey incredibly meaningful, because I’ve truly treasured – and learned from – every step along the way.

If we’re talking specifically about writing, the biggest challenge was making sure the rhymes flowed naturally while still supporting the storyline. There were numerous stops and starts to get it just right.

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?

Thanks to my lifelong career in communications and publicity – and my deep appreciation for what I now call my #AuthorJourney – I began marketing my book long before I even found my illustrator and publisher.

Last summer, I launched a website that features a blog chronicling both my #AuthorJourney and my life in the corporate communications world. Through the blog, I strategically revealed pieces of the book’s development and shared updates with my audience, which I then promoted on my social channels – where most of my marketing takes place right now.

I’ve also leaned on my knowledge of the media landscape to pitch my book’s release to reporters, bloggers, and podcasters. It’s incredibly time-consuming, but I’ve already earned coverage in two separate articles, and I’ll be appearing on a local TV station later this week and have two more interviews planned for the near future. I have more work to do here, but I’m pleased with my gains in this short amount of time.

In addition, I’ve tapped into my network to build new relationships and leverage existing ones to create opportunities for book signings and readings tied to larger community events. I just hosted my very first author event at the Muskegon Lumberjacks “Read to Succeed Night” hockey game on March 6. It was incredibly successful – especially considering the fans were there to watch hockey – and many left with a copy of my book!

And the momentum is continuing. I have many more events lined up, including several classroom readings during March is Reading Month thanks to many of my friends who are teachers. It’s exciting, but I’ll admit—this level of outreach, promotion, and event planning takes an enormous amount of time and effort and I definitely didn’t quit my day job! Still, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my book connecting with readers in real life. My friends keep texting me pictures of their children curled up with my book on their lap – and it truly makes my heart soar. That’s what it’s all about!

My book is currently available in paperback, hardcover and eBook formats on Amazon, as well as in a few local stores in the Muskegon and Grand Haven area, including Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gifts and The Book Cellar. I’m continuing to put in the work to expand where it’s available, so please visit my website for the latest updates on new locations and upcoming events.

What's next for you?

Once you start, it feels like you can’t stop. My book is doing really well, and I’m using that enthusiasm to fuel my creativity.

Over the summer, I wrote my second book in only three sittings. It’s still a draft that definitely needs some refinement, but my illustrator and publisher are very excited about the manuscript and are eager to continue working together. I’ve also started a third book and am currently in the “noodling” phase for a fourth.

This is just so much fun! Don’t get me wrong – it’s absolutely a lot of work. But it’s also incredibly rewarding and worth every minute.

After the ups and downs of the past year – and, in all honestly, the decade it took me to get here – I’m first and foremost focused on my family. They’re the best set of cheerleaders I’ve ever had in my corner. I’m also still focused on my corporate communications career, but am beginning to share what I’ve learned on this journey to help other authors like me.

I don’t know where all of this will lead, but for the first time in my life, I’m embracing the unknown and truly living in this beautiful moment.

More about the book . . .

Santa has traveled the world – but only from high above, speeding through the sky in his sleigh. He’s never truly visited anywhere … until now.

After tiresome preparations at the North Pole leave Santa and his team feeling glum and in need of a well-earned break, they trade their boots for flip flops and head out on their first-ever vacation in hopes of rekindling their holiday spirit. This whimsical tale of adventure is bursting with fun as Santa and the elves explore the exciting sights and sounds of Michigan, the “Mitten State.”

Illustrated by Robin Boyer

Published by: Wilson Lindberg Books, LLC

More about the author . . .

Christina Fecher is a writer, communicator, and proud West Michigander who has always believed in the power of a good story. She graduated from Michigan State University (Go Green!) with a degree in journalism and began her career as a reporter for The Detroit News, where her work earned multiple writing awards. Over the years, she moved into public relations and corporate communications, serving in both state government and the private sector, including Midwest retailer Meijer. In 2025, she embraced a longtime dream to become a children's author and set out to assemble an all-female illustrator and publisher team from the Midwest. Together, they released Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan in February 2026.

Michigan has always been Christina’s home. She was born and raised in the Mitten and has lived in each of the regions represented in her debut book. That deep sense of place helped inspire Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan, along with everyday adventures with her husband, their two active teenagers, and two lively fur babies. When she’s not working on her computer, you can find her cheering her children on from the sidelines, cuddling their dogs she lovingly calls “The Littles,” traveling whenever possible and spending quality time with family and friends.

https://linktr.ee/christinafecherauthor