Interview With Author Cheryl Christopher
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and lived there much of my life. My husband and I worked in photography. After losing our youngest son at 16, wanting to change everything about my life, I went to the Paris American Academy and Paris, France. Meeting many designers, I created a bridal gown business with a collaboration of designers and marketing to the international bridal market. After losing our oldest son to a suicide, I closed the bridal business and our photography business, moving to the Texas Hill Country to grieve. We lived there for ten years. In those years of recovery, I started to paint. After moving to Bryan, Texas to be closer to our surviving kids and grandkids, we lost our oldest grandson, who we were helping to raise, also to a suicide. With God’s help, we have managed to survive and hold onto our hope. These events propelled me into writing my first book, “A Portrait of Grief,” Hope and Healing After the Loss of a Child.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
After writing my first book, I thought I was one and done. I had said it all.
I hear from many mothers who have lost their children, as well as others who are grieving the loss of health, pets, parents, spouses and close friends. I found that the Lord had given me more to say and wanted to offer whatever help I could to those suffering from grief.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when I can, where I can. Often, the days seem too short sometimes to get any writing done. Like many artists, organization is not my strong suit. I spend more time looking for what I’ve written than actually writing. Somehow, with God’s help and lots of prayer, it comes together.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love C.S. Lewis, Watchman Nee, A.W. Tozer, J.I. Packer, Frederick Buechner, Jim Branch, Donald W. McCullough. I love to read books on theology. I often listen to podcasts by Timothy Keller.
What are you working on now?
Having just finished Forget-Me-Not, I am working on marketing it. It is my intention to write a book for my grandchildren. They want my recipes (I cook a lot) . I want to add advice on life skills as well as some devotional elements.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning on that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I remember the first line of one of Scott Peck’s books. He said, “Life is difficult.” Well, so is writing. And possibly the hardest thing is sitting down and staying there until you get it done. Once you accept that it is going to be hard; you are half way there. Every part of it is difficult, but you can do it. Just don’t give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write without editing. Get something on paper. Nothing is good to start with.
What are you reading now?
I tend to read several books at one time, going from one to the other. Presently, I am rereading Sacred Thirst by M. Craig Barnes, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre ( I picked this up at a Catholic Funeral, not sure where you can find it) , The Stories We Live By by Dan P. McAdams, Save the Cat Writes A Novel by Jessica Brody, and I am just finishing Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. I especially love British mysteries, but am not reading one at the moment. I am always reading cookbooks.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think I answered that earlier, but it will be a book for my grandchildren on good food and wise living.
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?
the Bible, The Essential C.S. Lewis, and a Survival Guide
Author Websites and Profiles
Cheryl Christopher Amazon Profile
Cheryl Christopher’s Social Media Links
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