Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m yet another refugee from the corporate world, spending a good many years as an accountant and banker before deciding to write full-time. I have a bachelor’s degree in History and an MBA, and my writing is a great way to indulge my passion for reading and research. Publishing as an indie author provides an outlet for my entrepreneurial side as well.
I’ve written two books so far, part of an eventual five-book series.
Christina lives in a semi truck full time, traveling the United States with her truck driver husband and two cats, Phoenix and Nashville.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Valley of the Shadow is coming out in January 2016. It follows Rise of the Storm in the Desolate Empire series, historical fantasy based on the Thirty Years War (1618-48) and the Protestant Reformation.
The initial inspiration for the series came decades ago when I visited Heidelberg Castle as a teenager visiting family in Germany. I was very taken by the tragic, yet romantic tale of the ill-fated Elector Frederick V and his glamorous wife, Elizabeth Stuart, the unwitting instigators of the Thirty Years War. For a long time, I considered telling the story in historical novel form, but the conflict as a whole is confusing and unwieldy. A few years ago, I decided it might be easier (Ha!) to tell as fantasy. I could simplify, dramatize, and squeeze in the Reformation to boot.
It’s been far more challenging than I ever could have imagined, but also a lot of fun.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My whole life is a bit unusual. My husband is a semi-truck driver and I ride with him full-time. I literally write all of my books while sitting in the passenger seat. I could be anywhere in the lower 48 states at any given time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been a fan of the sweeping epic, ever since my grandfather introduced me to the Iliad at about age ten. When I gobbled that up, he recommended War and Peace, which remains my favorite book of all time. I also adore the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Dune series, Song of Ice and Fire, and all manner of long-winded fantasy.
What are you working on now?
I’m almost halfway through writing Hammer of the Gods, the third book in the Desolate Empire series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I haven’t done too much promotion. I’m trying out a few promo sites as I prepare to launch Valley of the Shadow, but I’m concentrating on writing and getting a few more books out before I spend much time or money promoting.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find a support network of other writers. My writing really took off once I joined a few online groups. I’ve been active in the writingchallenge.org group on Twitter as well as the Weekend Writing Warriors blog hop. When you’re feeling down about your writing, or generally unmotivated, having a group of people who inspire and support you is invaluable.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is not just an art, but also a craft you can learn. I read that at the beginning of one of James Scott Bell’s books and it opened my eyes. Until then, I’d been resistant to writing fiction-even though I badly wanted to- because I worried I didn’t have enough talent. I have a background in classical piano, and realizing that you can learn writing technique just like any other artistic technique really changed my life. I love learning and love practicing and realized I could develop whatever talent I had that way. I didn’t have to be born a genius.
What are you reading now?
Two radically contrasting novels: Vlad- The Last Confession, by C.C. Humphreys and Nice Dragons Finish Last, by Rachel Aaron. The first is depressingly dark while the latter is light and clever, and I’m enjoying each of them very much. I’m also admiring the stellar craft of both authors.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to round out the Desolate Empire at 5 books, then dive into a shorter spin-off series, giving similar historical fantasy treatment to the English Civil War. The more I research, the more possibilities I see, so if I want to keep doing this for the rest of my life, I’m in no danger of running out of subject material.
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 definitely have to bring War and Peace, since i like reading it every few years. Would it be cheating to bring the Lord of the Rings trilogy as well? I like re-reading that fairly often too. Let’s just say I’d be very unhappy on a desert island without a library!
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