Tule Author Q&A: Robyn Neeley reflects on “Jingle Jammies” becoming a Hallmark movie!

Robyn Neeley stopped by the Tule blog to discuss her book “Jingle Jammies” becoming a Hallmark film (Christmas by Design) and its premier this month!

Your book “Jingle Jammies” has been made into a Hallmark film, what was your reaction when you heard the news?
To say that I am incredibly excited is an understatement. I was at work when I learned the news and jumped high out of my seat, eyes wide, hand over mouth in disbelief. After a lot of cheering, I went to the Hallmark Channel website to check out the movie’s webpage. It was when I saw the character names “Charlotte” and “Spencer” next to the actors who play them that I LOST it, and the tears began to flow! That was the moment I’d been waiting for for over a year and had envisioned in 2020 when I first started writing the book. Seeing my character names next to the actors, I knew that my dream had just come true. I’ll never forget it!

What are you most excited to see in Hallmark’s film adaptation of “Jingle Jammies”?
I seriously can’t wait to see all the wonderful changes made to adapt this into film. Of course, I’m going to be looking out for any similarities to the book and “Easter egg” moments. I’m already doing that with the photos on the Hallmark Channel website. I spotted in one of the publicity photos a drink dispenser with some type of holiday green drink, and it just so happens I have a Grinch hot chocolate in Jingle Jammies. I also noticed that there is a Dee Dee character in a similar occupation to the one in Jingle Jammies. (I zoomed in on the actress’s name tag for that one and was pleasantly surprised that it in fact reads, Dee Dee.:)

How did you decide on holiday pajamas being the center focus of “Jingle Jammies“?
With the creative guidance from the Tule editorial team, we played with several elements to the original pitch including changing the occupation of one of the main characters from a handbag designer to popular sleepwear designer of the season’s must-have Christmas jammies. I thought that suggestion was brilliant and so original! People love showing off their Christmas jammies and for many families, it’s one of their time-honored traditions. You never see anyone miserable sporting their jammies! I leaned into this element of Christmas that I found super fun. I even got to design – in my head – a pajama line, which I had a blast writing. If I knew how to sew, I’d be showing them off this holiday season!

How are you celebrating the premier?
I’m hoping to surprise my mom who is just over the moon about all of this. She’s a huge Hallmark fan, and we’ve watched so many Hallmark movies together over the years. She lives in another state, and it would be so special if I could watch the premiere with her.

If not Christmas, what other holiday would you write about?
I really enjoy writing stories set around the fall season in general, but every year, just when I’m thinking about writing a different holiday romance, I see a dog in Christmas pajamas; or my town’s Christmas square strung in lights; or the Starbuck’s signature red cups and BAM; I get pulled back into the fabulous Christmas allure once again. There’s something so magical; and so hopeful; and just so perfect about falling in love during the Christmas holidays. Am I right? It really is a wonderful time.

Thank you for having me, and I sincerely hope Tule readers will tune in to watch Christmas by Design on Hallmark on October 27 at 8 p.m./7 p.m.!

About the Author.

Robyn Neeley is an east coast gal who loves to explore super cute small towns; watches way more reality TV than she cares to admit; can’t live without Dunkin Donuts coffee; and has never met a Christmas cookie she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance with heart and humor. Sign up for her e-newsletter at www.robynneeley.com.