1. When did you start writing?
I've been an avid reader since I was very young. When my first daughter was born, I was a stay at home mom. One day, life was quiet, and I didn't have a new book to read. I decided to try to write... just the type of book I would like to read! That story became "Nurse at Deer Hollow," my first book.
2. You’re a successful author in both the romance and mystery genres. Is it difficult to juggle between the two? Do you prefer one over the other?
To tell the truth…everything I've written has a bit of both in it. The romance brings out the internal conflict in the characters, and the mystery crystallizes the external conflict. This makes for a more intense story, in my opinion.
3. Your latest book, Love, Julie, is an August 2006 release. Please tell us about it. Will you be conducting book signings? If so, where and when?
This is my first historical novel. My heroine, Julie, escapes incognito to a new life out west in Montana in 1890. Rejecting a forced marriage, and wanting to break the bonds of high New York society, she starts a new life as a teacher in a one room school house. Add a skeptical sheriff with his own secret, a lot of sexual tension, and Julie's determination that everyone has the right to learn to read. The town of Grey Eagle will never be the same!
I'll be signing at the NJRW conference, Saturday, October 7th. This book signing is open to the public, and will include many of your favorite authors! Details can be found at www.njromancewriters.org . Join us!
4. Do you have a set routine when working on a novel? How long does it normally take for you to complete a book?
This totally varies, depending on life commitments at the time. I am also a playwright, and a marriage and family therapist.
5. What has the path to publication been like for you? Did you have an agent before you sold your first novel? Do you have an agent now?
I write for Avalon Books, and haven't needed an agent so far. But if I did, I wouldn't hesitate to get one. I sold my first book "over the transom" with information found in ''Writer's Market", and didn't know too much about the industry at all. I've learned a lot since then.
6. Creative people constantly have ideas popping into their heads. Where do some of your ideas come from? What is the determining factor on what novel you will write next?
I have a million ideas in my head. My books always start with a character. I "build" the character fully in my head, and the plot seems to evolve from that. Things I experience in life can become themes in my books. In Love, Julie, there is a literacy theme. This came from an RWA book signing for literacy a few years back, when I heard a woman speak passionately about how learning to read was the key to ending poverty and changing lives.
The book I am currently writing, called "Cindy's Prince", is a kind of reverse Cinderella story. Instead of yearning for a life in the "castle" with the prince, this modern day heroine inspires the rich prince to embrace "real life" and care about the poor and improving society's values. This came from my own experiences about the importance of helping those in need.
8. With such a busy schedule, how do you balance your multiple careers (writing, teaching and therapy) as well as family life?
This is the biggest challenge. It's hard to keep balance in life at times. Sometimes one thing has a greater priority than the other. I'm coming to see that life goes in phases, especially women's lives. Education, career, new marriage/relationship, children, elderly parents, empty nest, health concerns, retirement...the list goes on. I've found that for me, embracing each stage fully, with gratitude, no matter how hard it is, and knowing that it will pass, is the key to success for me. At some times, I've been able to write more than others. I accept that, and try to keep my "creative brain" alive no matter what.
9. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing your workshop for first time conference attendees. You do a skit called: Jessica Flasher. It’s hilarious, but so important for people when they are about to have their first editor/agent appointment. Would you please share a couple of pointers for our readers about what they should or shouldn’t do during an editor/agent appointment?
Some points I've found valuable:
a. Attend every conference and workshop possible to get accustomed to the business side of writing, remove fear, and develop skill and friendships. Come to the NJRW Conference in October and meet Jessica Flasher (aka me) and have a great weekend in the world of writing and publishing.
b. Embrace agent editor appointments as a time to learn, and to get comfortable with pitching your work. Know you are NOT going to sell your book at this time, so let go of the pressure. What you are hoping for is an invitation to SUBMIT your mss. Only a good book can sell a good book. So don't BRING your book. The editor doesn't want to carry it home. Bring your smile, and a short description of your story and its market.
c. Get to know the market, so you pitch at the right agents and editors when the time is right.
d. Meet everyone. Be kind, supportive and friendly. The formal word for this is "networking". The real word for it is "nice". What you put out in the universe usually comes back to you.
10. Lastly, what advice would you like to share with our readers regarding the writing life?
The most important thing I can stress is how important it is to embrace the fact that you are a writer. There will be rejection, criticism, fear and self doubt. Even the most "successful" writers face these daggers every day. It takes a lot of courage and perseverance to keep filling pages, to keep organizing thoughts, to keep putting our hearts into words and onto the page when affirmation (and publication) can be so elusive. But it's worth it. No one else can write your story. And the world needs your story, your thoughts, your creative message. For me, the support of my writer friends is my safety net when the going gets rough. I'd suggest joining a writing group, whether on line or in real time, to have those connections, and most of all, keep writing!
Christine loves to hear from readers and aspiring writers! Please visit her at www.ChristineBush.com
