Monica Marcinko made her first elf-clad appearance in the Nevada Day Parade on Oct. 30.
Carson City has a new elf in town, but don’t worry – she’s not taking down names for Santa’s “Naughty and Nice” list. Instead, Monica Marcinko is busy spreading holiday cheer with her new book, “I Want to be an Elf.”
The story follows a young girl named Veronica who writes a letter to Santa Claus, asking to become one of his Christmas elves.
Marcinko wrote the story 15 years ago and published the book on Dec. 23, 2020, but she decided to wait for the 2021 holiday season to start promoting it – decked out in her elf costume.
“It’s been a fun adventure for me,” Marcinko told the Appeal during an interview over hot chocolate.
She said that some of her biggest supporters and inspiration have been her siblings. Her sister Vera, who lives in Pennsylvania, gave her the idea for the story (and her elf costume). When the two were younger, Vera wrote a letter to Santa, asking to be an elf for the holiday season.
The main character, Veronica, in “I Want to be an Elf” is drawn to look like Marcinko’s niece.
Vera’s letter is featured in the book, and the main character, Veronica, is a blending of Monica and Vera’s names.
Marcinko’s older brother John even helped her record a song to go along with the story. And her logo – “Believe in YoursELF” – came to her when she saw her boyfriend write “Invest in yourself,” and she misread it as “Invest in your elf.”
It’s a story with a family behind it, and Marcinko is excited to share it with readers everywhere.
“You dress up like an elf, and who can’t just smile? I think everyone secretly wants to be an elf,” she said, laughing.
To join in on her elfish hijinks, come to one of Marcinko’s holiday appearances:
• Polka Dots Holiday Showcase at the Adam’s Hub, Nov. 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Story Time Adventures at the Children’s Museum, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.
• Appearance at Piper’s Opera House in Virginia City, Dec. 4, 3 p.m.
Or visit her website, www.believeinyourself.store.
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