Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Christina Li, BA, MA, is an author, editor, journalist, wife, and mother of five. She home-schools four of her five children (the oldest is in college!!) and has seen first hand the amazing things that happen when you say ‘yes’ to God.
She and her family live in the NorthWest suburbs of Chicago, serving on the ministerial staff of The Life Church of Des Plaines, IL. Besides writing, Christina LOVES a great cup of coffee, fresh roasted and brewed by her wonderful husband.
She has written and published several books, in various genres, including non-fiction (encouragement), children’s fiction (HomeSchooling), and romantic suspense (fun, inspirational, and sprinkled with humor).
To date she has two books in the ‘A Little Bit of Coffee, Flowers, and Romance’ series with one more coming soon!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rescuing Vanessa: A Little Bit of Coffee, Flowers, and Romance
This book was a lot of fun to write. What inspired me was my children’s love of sitting love of sitting on the roof of our house in the summer time drawing, reading, or doing school work. The neighbors were a bit concerned and I used the idea of this as a scene for this book. 🙂
Other elements included were pink, striped duct tape. One of my daughters loves this! And, chess. (The kids usually beat me, but we have a lot of fun!) Of course, coffee is an element as well. Because my husband roasts our coffee, I was able to have Vanessa’s grandparents do this as a business and included some real-world knowledge of this. (The smell is utterly fantastic!)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I seem to write in fits and spurts, partly because I’m organizationally challenged and partly because I have five kids that I homeschool. Anyway, for me it’s best if I outline the whole story first, major scene by major scene. There is ‘wiggle room’, but this is so much easier for me. I can sit down and know exactly where I’m going, but it’s often fun and surprising how my characters get there!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Jane Austen books as well as Grace Livingston Hill, LaJoyce Martin, and Baroness Orczy. I love the adventure, mystery, and innocence. I can enjoy these books with my children without worry.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on a third book in the ‘A Little Bit of Coffee, Flowers, and Romance’ series called, ‘A Rose to Love’. This is the story of Jesse (Sam’s brother from Violet Miracle) and Guinevere (a British girl). I love the fact that Guinevere is British (love the accents!) and that she plays the violin (my husband does as well). Jesse has opened up a detective agency with his friend Will and they have to keep Guinevere’s American uncle out of prison. That has been so enlightening researching what a private investigator really does!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon’s KDP select program free days (5 every 90 days) and getting the word out through Author Marketing Club, Awesome Gang, and other awesome sites like this one!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Your best advertising and marketing comes from having a backlist. As you put more books (in the same genre) out there, you’ll get more ‘customers also bought these books’ and yours will be included.
Also, take advantage of ‘free days’. These do boost sales and it’s great getting your book out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to give away your book.
What are you reading now?
Several! I’m in the middle of Charlotte by Karen Aminadra, a continuation of Pride and Prejudice. So, far it’s terrific. Also, I’m reading A Confident Heart by Renee Swope. Wow!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. After I’m done with ‘A Rose to Love’, I’m going to finish my motivational book and get that published (finally!) and start outlining for Ivy and Will’s story, finishing up the ‘A Little Bit of Coffee, Flowers, and Romance’ series. Then, I’m thinking I might try my hand at regency fiction. I love that sub-genre.
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?
Bible, some kind of survival book,
Author Websites and Profiles
Christina Li Website
Christina Li Amazon Profile
Christina Li’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile