In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, I sit down with historical fiction author and English literature teacher Catherine Astl to discuss her novel Christmas Serenades, a Smoky Mountain–rooted Christmas story grounded in truth, tradition, and meticulous historical research.

We talk about Catherine’s lifelong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains, her commitment to historical accuracy, and how she blends real events and family stories into emotionally resonant fiction.

Behind the Episode: Truth, Memory, and Storytelling

This essay expands on my conversation with Catherine Astl in this episode of Traditionally Self-Published.

Back in May, I set up a table at a local vendor market to peddle my book to anyone who stop and chat. It was hot and muggy—as is the case for Florida that time of year—but I had the pleasure of meeting Catherine Astl, a local English Literature teacher and historical fiction author. A few months later, we found ourselves sitting down to talk about her book, Christmas Serenades, the stories rooted in the Smoky Mountains, and why she is drawn to writing about them.

I enjoyed listening to her enthusiasm about the traditions that once were and how she balances the firm facts of history with the imagination of storytelling. History is not always perfect. There are moments that we might prefer to look away from, but in historical fiction, we are asked to face them—to honor what was, even when it’s uncomfortable. This is the heart of the genre: weaving truth into a fictional world.

The quote that resonated with me most:

“The raw truth is the raw truth. We might not like it, but we can certainly learn from it.”

Though it may not always feel like it, we do carry the hard lessons of the past with us—choosing what to leave behind and what to preserve. And we also carry our beloved traditions, passed down through generations. That is the central thread for her novel, Christmas Serenades: the ways simplicity, memories and truth shape who we are and the stories we tell.

The power of telling the truth

When it comes to writing historical fiction, I was intrigued by Catherine’s commitment to historical accuracy. She takes great care in her research, keeping meticulous notes and documenting every detail she can find. To her, honoring the past means not trying to “correct” it or soften it to make it more palatable.

“Historical fiction means sticking to the historical facts but yet making it engaging as well. That’s the tricky balance of the genre I write in.”

And while making sure that she includes important facts, she also seamlessly intertwines an emotional story to engage the reader and pull you into her world—proving that authenticity and engagement can coexist.

Catherine’s pro tip:

Don’t soften history for comfort.

Readers can feel when a story is honest. Lean into the truth—even the uncomfortable bits—and let your story be an invitation to understand the truth, not avoid it.

Simple traditions, deep meaning

Catherine details the traditions at Christmastime in the Smoky Mountains—how the townspeople would shoot their guns in to the air to celebrate, run around the house in excitement, or decorate the tree with simple strands of popcorn and cranberries. Listening to her and reading the story reminded me how some rituals are timeless. So many of the traditions that I can recall from my own childhood still linger today, carried forward without thought.

“It doesn’t have to be so elaborate to be deeply meaningful and lasting.”

Simplicity. This is at the heart of Christmas Serenades and what makes it so special.

Catherine’s Pro Tip:

Let the small details carry the emotional weight.

Whether you’re crafting a scene or living it, the simplest rituals often leave the deepest impact. Don’t overlook the power of the ordinary.

Making the time to write

Like many authors, Catherine balances working full time as a teacher with her writing. Since her writing is equally as important to her, she makes the space to honor her gift. Each day she comes home from teaching, she sits down from 3-5 to write, even on the days when the words refuse to cooperate.

“You can edit crap, but you cannot edit a blank page.”

There are days when even I think I don’t have the words to put on paper. But the truth is, writing isn’t just about the project you’re working on. It’s about creating the habit. Write anything. Write about not writing. And remember that each word makes you a stronger writer.

Catherine’s pro tip:

Creating a writing window—and protect it.

Consistency will take you further than inspiration. Whether it’s 30 minutes or three hours, make writing a part of your routine and establish deadlines for yourself.

Christmas Serenades

By the end of our conversation, I realized what makes Christmas Serenades so special isn’t just the setting or the story—it’s the care that was put into it that makes it so engaging.

“One of the magic things about books is to live another life for just a few hours through the pages.”

Catherine writes with a reverence for the truth and a love for the people of Cades Cove and the simple traditions that spilled over through generations. It is stories like this one that carry our memories, our hope, and our strength. And those are the lessons that stay with us long after we close the book. About the book

This essay originally appeared on my Substack and is republished here as part of the Traditionally Self-Published podcast.

Listen to the full conversation with Catherine Astl in the episode above.