Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I had a nomadic childhood as a result of my parents’ work. The opportunity to explore and interact with the vast variety of environments and perspectives within the US and parts of South America deepened my appreciation for the beauty and diversity of these countries. After high school, I studied photography before getting a degree in History. I have always loved stories -the ones from our past and the ones we create. My goal, both in reading and writing, is to share the wonder of the human condition, with all the joys, sorrows, and triumphs that entails.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Creosote Bush is my first novel. The story, although fictional, was inspired by the people and conversations I had while studying photography in Seattle. I chose the title after reading about a ring of creosote bushes growing in the Mojave Desert. There are several such rings, but the one I read about is called King Clone. It stretches across the sand in a rather unassuming and unimpressive manner. Yet this clonal colony of genetically identical bushes is estimated to be 11,700 years old. Pushing ever outward, but still connected. Some might say, like us.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I first started writing The Creosote Bush nearly twenty years ago. I “finished” it more times than I can remember. During this time I was also working, getting married, having kids, moving across country, and so on. But I always kept coming back to it -editing, getting feedback, editing some more- to the extent that I can hear my past selves, each with their own perspectives, speaking to me from the pages. This long editing process gave my thoughts and writing style the necessary time to grow and evolve.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am delighted and immensely grateful for the huge variety of authors and works available. I wish I could mention all those who have influenced me. I found The Sparrow, Ender’s Game, and Siddhartha riveting and thought-provoking. Tanya French’s understanding of the human psyche and her ability to immerse the reader in everything the characters are thinking, feeling, and experiencing is incredible. I love Laini Taylor’s imagination and well-developed worlds and storylines. I love Alice Hoffman’s The Dovekeepers, and Maria Popova’s lyrical Figuring. I appreciate Amy Bloom and John Green for their honesty, and I am moved by Maya Angelou’s wisdom. I love all the authors who have poured their hearts out and shared what they’ve thought, learned, and felt with the world.
What are you working on now?
I believe that connection is essential to meaning. Without it, one loses everything; with it, one gains everything. My next project revolves around three characters who embody what happens when connection is either severed or found.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and the writing community on Twitter have both been supportive when it come to promoting my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going. Read much and write often. As long as you are writing consistently, don’t worry about how long it may be taking. Write first for yourself, but then be open to feedback. Whether the feeback is positive or negative, use it as a tool to become better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going.
What are you reading now?
I am reading In the Dreamhouse, by Carmen Maria Machado.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep working on my next project, but I also am hoping to carve out more time for journaling.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Figuring, by Maria Popova
a History of Philosophy
and Norton’s Anthology of World Literature
Author Websites and Profiles
C Legorreta Amazon Profile
C Legorreta’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account