Muskegon author’s longtime dream comes true with published children’s book

Christina Fecher’s dream of becoming an author has been years in the making. Now, seeing her first children’s book available to readers feels almost surreal.

“Someone needs to pinch me,” Fecher says. “I just can’t believe it’s here.”

Her debut picture book, Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan, recently launched on Amazon, and quickly reached early milestones — including recognition as a #1 New Release in Children’s Travel and Children’s Christmas Books. 

The book was quickly featured on The Mitten, the blog published by SCBWI-MI, the Michigan chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

The Muskegon writer has shared insights into her first-time experience on social media and in her blog, inviting readers behind the scenes and chronicling what she calls her “#AuthorJourney.” 

The timing couldn’t be better; March is Reading Month. Fecher’s schedule is quickly filling up.

“I have a bunch of events lined up,” she says. “The paperback edition is available now on Amazon, and there will be distribution to local bookstores and specialty retailers throughout Michigan in the coming weeks.”

Hardcover and e-book editions are expected later this spring.

A long process

Fecher began writing the story more than a decade ago when her daughter was 5 years old — she now is 16.

The idea was inspired by family life and the magic of childhood holidays.

“Because the kids were young and Santa was very prominent in our life, I just thought, ‘Huh — he deserves a break,’” she says.

At the time, Fecher was working in corporate communications and frequently traveling for work. Writing became a creative outlet squeezed into quiet moments between professional responsibilities and motherhood.

“I was traveling for work, and to wind down, I didn’t turn the TV on,” she says. “I just started writing for me.”

Progress came slowly.

“It was a lot of stops and starts. A lot of rewriting. A lot of trial and error,” she says. “Becoming an author was always there in the back of my mind, but I wondered — could my name really be on the cover of a book?”

Despite setbacks, she never abandoned the idea.

“Deep down, a part of me always believed I would see it through.”

Eventually, an unexpected turn in her career created space to focus fully on the project.

“Life intervened almost serendipitously, and I was able to take a step back and invest in myself,” she says. “I finally had the room to get it right.”

Invaluable collaborators

Bringing the book to life required assembling the right creative partners — something Fecher approached intentionally.

“It was really important to me to build a Midwest, female-led team,” she says.

She connected with illustrator Robin Boyer and publisher Hillary Halverson, founder and CEO of Wilson Lindberg Books, through personal networks, including an introduction from her sister.

“When I saw Robin’s sketches, I knew she was meant to bring Santa to life,” Fecher says. “Every moment felt like a milestone because I was a newborn in the world of publishing.”

The collaboration quickly clicked.

“It really mattered to me to have women who understood the process but were willing to walk alongside me,” she says.

Halverson says the project marked an exciting expansion for her publishing house.

“Working with Christina and Robin has been a joyful experience from start to finish,” Halverson says. “Christina has poured her heart and soul into every word of this book.”

In Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan, the busy holiday season leaves Santa and his elves in need of rest. Trading winter boots for flip-flops, they embark on a summer adventure across Michigan, rediscovering joy while exploring the sights and culture of the Mitten State.

The illustrations include numerous Michigan-themed Easter eggs designed to delight young readers and local families alike.

Sharing what she has learned

Throughout the process, Fecher has wanted to support other aspiring authors by documenting lessons learned through a blog and social media posts.

“It was important to me to take people along with me,” she says. “I was just so excited that I wanted to share that with my people.”

The openness has already had an impact, she says, noting that aspiring writers have begun reaching out for guidance.

“I definitely hope to inspire others,” she says. “Someone told me meeting me felt serendipitous. That meant a lot.”

“It’s not a get-rich business. That’s not why I’m doing it.”

The experience of completing her first book unlocked something creative.

“The second book I wrote in three sittings,” she says with a laugh. “Once you start, the floodgates open.”

The debut marks a milestone for Fecher, an award-winning writer with more than 20 years of experience in journalism and strategic communications. 

A Michigan State University graduate, she spent six years as a reporter for The Detroit News before transitioning into corporate communications roles supporting state initiatives and nationally recognized brands, including Midwest retailer Meijer.

“When you’re a child, you’re allowed to have big, once-in-a-lifetime dreams,” Fecher says. “But as you get older, those dreams can feel out of reach. This book represents years of creativity, setbacks, and perseverance — and belief in an idea that refused to let go.”

As readers begin discovering Santa’s warm-weather adventure, Fecher is still adjusting to her new title.

“It’s just so crazy to me,” she says.  “You really do have to pinch me.”