Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from Kingman, AZ growing up in a trailer home with no heat and no hot water, alongside railroad tracks parallel to the famous Route 66. Today this is not how I expected my life to end up, to be an author of a book. I didn’t expect to live through my childhood and I am not supposed to be here after having a code blue called on me last year as you will read in the book. So I am thrilled to be alive and here, to be able to be a part of a project to encourage and inspire the world which has been my personal mission throughout the years. I have had many life difficulties and risen as like a Phoenix several times as will be eventually addressed in my autobiography but this chapter “Phoenix Defying” is just a glimpse into my most recent rising. As for the rest of my personal life I am also an advocate for several causes that have touched me personally including child abuse, domestic violence, adrenal Insufficiency (a rare daily life threatening condition) as mentioned in the book, foster care, and chronic daily pain. My life’s mission is to touch others lives through various avenues including beauty pageants, volunteering and speaking at events. I am currently the 2018/2019 International Ambassador for Ultimate Elite Pageants. I compete in pageants to show pageants are more than just looking for a pretty face, we are about serving the community and advocating for important causes. My platform is “Defying the Odds” and I’m proud to share it with the world and hopefully give at least one person a glimmer of hope and encourage them to Defy their Odds. I literally rose again from the ashes and was given another lease on life. I HAVE to live life to the fullest and take every opportunity that comes my way. I want to leave a legacy of service to my community and inspiration to the world I feel this book, my first one, is just the start.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When I Rise, I Thrive. is the brainchild of Kyra Schaefer who brought together the stories of people from different walks of life to provide encouragement, healing and transformation in others as they read through the stories. I chose to align myself and contribute my own personal story to the project because my personal mission for years has been encouraging others to “Defy their Odds” by defying my own as best as I can each day. I felt that this book and the idea behind it aligned with my heart’s goal and mission.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When it comes to poetry the inspiration can literally strike at any moment even waking me up. I have to jot down whatever comes to mind or it slips away. When it comes to writing stories I tend to do a basic outline but than wait until closer to the deadline. I work better under pressure. I have always been that way even throughout high school and college and I always got A’s and B’s. I just sit down, shut out the world and write away.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There is no one person or book necessarily who has influenced me persay. I have to say in respect to being influenced I am influenced by ever single person who has written a book from child to adult, celebrity or non celebrity.
What are you working on now?
I have a daily life threatening condition called Adrenal Insufficiency which is what part of my story surrounds in my book. Any sudden trauma, sickness or stress and we do not receive extra medication much like a diabetic we can go into an adrenal crisis and possibly die. So to that effect I am working to get my autobiography of surviving child abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues and overcoming a;; those obstacles. Also as a mental health advocate working on collaborating on some books to reach others with my story as well as raise awareness on Adrenal Insufficiency.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In this day and age it is all about social media. so I have been promoting on Facebook, my website and my Instagram. As a first time author I am learning as I go.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, seek advice, be open to critiquing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never stop learning”
What are you reading now?
The Minimalist Home
What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned above putting together my autobiography to encourage others to “Defy their Odds.”
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?
Several of the books by Nora Roberts and maybe one book on history.
Author Websites and Profiles
Karista Rose Website
Karista Rose Amazon Profile
Karista Rose’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account