I sit down with Canadian author Nova Adams to unpack how a “quick” holiday novella turned into an 80,000-word small-town slow burn that balances cozy cheer with real emotional stakes. Nova shares the origin story behind The Crush of Christmas Past—written to brighten a friend’s darkest season—and how found family, age gap dynamics, and a grumpy-sunshine pairing come together without glossing over grief or growth.

We get candid about the indie author grind: juggling a full-time job, sneaking in 2 a.m. drafting sprints, and learning to market a debut without a big budget. Nova breaks down her craft choices, from acting out dialogue to keep conversation natural to using dual POV so readers can see beneath a broody exterior. 

Add The Crush of Christmas Past to your holiday TBR on Amazon or Kindle Unlimited, then press play and join the conversation. If this episode made your TBR taller, follow, share with a romance-loving friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more readers find the show.

Follow Nova Adams on IG & TT: @nova.adams.writes

Cover Art by: moi

Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut

Contact Email: [email protected]

Podcast IG: @spillthesmutpodcast TT: @spillthesmutpodcast

Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction