Interview With Author Christina Kyriss
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My background is in education and retail. Years ago, when I worked in the field of education, summer school was part of my job as an After-school Program Assistant. Then I moved on to retail, as a needed career pivot.
So far, I only wrote and had 1 book published. In my next work, I plan to self-publish. However, I also intend to publish more: combo activity books, color-by-numbers, memoirs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is “Amazing Word Searches.” What inspired it was a solution to the student boredom with word study. I created word searches with the weekly word list. Those kids loved that, and their scores went up. When I moved on to retail, my start was with Walmart, then to plant nurseries. During my time there, I learned so many botanical names of plant, as well their categories. I love working with plants. You will see some of that, in this set of word searches. My husband, Loren, loves walking on trails, so there are a couple of them that feature his favorite nature spots. In addition, I watched YouTube, and discovered Sean Dollwet, and other channels, who really inspired me to make my next moves. Let’s not forget Dave, with his Kindlepreneur business.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write about cats, as well as my completed craft projects. When ideas come to me, I usually use a sticky note pad & pen, or a memo app on my iPhone.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors who influenced me, are James Herriot, and Kathy Tyers. I appreciate their style of writing and genres.
There is a piece that I remember reading in a literature class that I cannot recall, but won’t forget it for its content: about saving a cat that was cut open with surgery, and its recovery. I liked his British sensibilities and tone. It was relevant to me, since my grandfather was a veterinarian.
Kathy Tyers’ style of writing also resonates with me. I enjoyed the Star Wars books in particular, that she wrote (“Truce at Bakura” and “Balance Point”). I like her descriptions and character interactions.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I have two projects that are in the works: a second word search book, that may or may not include a coloring book element, and a memoir about the orange cats in my life. However, I’m debating on whether or not to include all of the cats in my life (to include trigger warnings about their times to cross the rainbow bridge, which is the hardest part to write). I essentially want to inherently encourage others to rescue / adopt, rather than shop.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use various social media and Kindle Countdown Deals often.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You don’t have to spend a lot, if any money, to self-publish, which I recommend, unless you have a trusted publisher who will give you the services paid for, and help promote. Use a good app/program, like MS Word or Grammarly. Also, use what free or low-cost book promotions are out there, unless you actually want to spend a bunch of money.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice are actually also quotes, with Winston Churchill’s famous quote: “Never, never, never give up.” Also, “if you want a thing done well, do it yourself, is so relevant in this age.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I’m reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What is next for me as a writer is to not keep publishing, but expand into other types of writing, like articles about things that I like, ultimately to be a freelance writer. I’m also exploring affiliate marketing.
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?
I would bring a Bible, a James Herriot book, and a journal for marking days and ideas.
Author Websites and Profiles
Christina Kyriss Amazon Profile
Christina Kyriss’s Social Media Links
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