Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a creative busybody, to put it in a nutshell. I have an awesome husband and three super kids. I go to school full time, nearing the end of my degree in elementary education. I’ve returned to writing after a 2 year hiatus when my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. I love writing young adult fiction, specifically those in paranormal or fantasy (anything that has to do with the impossible becoming possible). My debut novel, MAGICBOUND, was recently released on Amazon, and was my first book. I have, however, written other books in the YA genre and will eventually be releasing them into the wild as well.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, MAGICBOUND, was inspired years ago when I had the time for online RPG (roleplaying through writing). It was a great creative outlet for a beginning writer to fine tune my skills. In that experience, one of the characters I had created was Lusa. She was my bad girl, and eventually, I decided to write a story revolving around her. That was back in 2000. I had not yet decided to become a “serious” writer, and life distractions kept me busy until 2008. I finally decided writing was going to be a full time job for me, and joined a great writing workshop in the area (DFW Writers’ Workshop), attended conferences, and became a part of a super online writing community. Through these relationships, I honed my craft and finished two books. Then, I had my third child, and the day after, my daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, so I decided writing would have to be put on hold.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not entirely sure they would be considered unusual. I typically have to listen to music. I have a station on Pandora, and for about a month, I plant the “seed” of my story in my mind and “water and feed it”, letting it develop and bloom, or “marinate” so-to-speak, until I have developed enough ideas to create a general outline. I typically keep notes in a journal or via my voice recorder. Once I’m actually writing, dark chocolate is usually a companion along with the music. I also have to read each chapter again once I’ve completed it to make any immediate revisions. I’m a bit OCD.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Aside from my Purgie friends and their amazing books, I love Maria V. Snyder, Rachel Vincent, Alyson Noel, Lauren Kate, Kristin Cashore, Libba Bray, Rick Riordan, C.S> Lewis, Tolkien, Cassandra Clare…I mean, the list goes on!
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on the sequel to MAGICBOUND, tentatively titled MAGIC RIFT. It will continue to follow Lusa & Kaden’s story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I enjoy social media through blogging (http://christacarol.blogspot.com), twitter @christacarol, and Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t become discouraged, and grow thick skin to take some constructive criticism. Find a group of good writers and share work, revise, find a beta reader, and be open-minded! It’s hard to step away from your “baby” and hear what others have to say, but it’s so important in the growth of your writing skills.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up, never surrender! 😉
What are you reading now?
I plan on finishing the Fallen series by Lauren Kate, and This is W.A.R by Lisa Roecker.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue growing in my craft, finish the sequel to MAGICBOUND, and work on some of my other works I have not completed, including a dystopian, and a middle grade fantasy.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That is such a hard question. Some of them stem from childhood, like the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings. I also enjoy the Harry Potter series, the Hunger Games series, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, and so forth. I can’t really just pick one!
Author Websites and Profiles
ChristaCarol Jones Website
ChristaCarol Jones Amazon Profile
ChristaCarol Jones’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account