A Christmas Past: An Almost True Christmas

This book is an annotated story and journal by Julie L. Williams, capturing her personal journey and reflections while writing a novel during NaNoWriMo, over a decade ago. Many things have changed in her life. Her kids are grown and she is divorced but true to self, she still writes. The story blends a fictional narrative about two elementary boys (Jake and Brian) in 1970s Northern Virginia with the author’s present-day personal life, thoughts on writing, running, family, faith, and societal observations. The notes emphasize the author’s struggle and perseverance in writing, her evolving perspective on life, marriage, and the role of faith, and touches on contemporary topics like AI and social media.