1. Rebuffing the Bishop is your first published novel. What inspired this novel and how long did it take to write?
I have always been an avid fan of comedies. What inspired me to write REBUFFING THE BISHOP was to tap into a genre of comedy with outrageous characters, but at the same time, blending a little bit of romance. For me, writing a novel with hints of humor can give a work an unexpected, witty edge.
This manuscript roughly took about six months to write.
2. What was the publishing process like for you?
A roller coaster ride of insanity. After months of agent queries, I signed on with a reputable literary agency based in NY. When my agent left the firm, my manuscript fell though the cracks. Dismayed and disappointed, I decided to research smaller publishers. I received a few offers and eventually signed on with Amira Press.
3. Please tell us about Rebuffing the Bishop. What do you hope your readers will take away with them after reading it?
REBUFFING THE BISHOP is a zany comedy about a young woman who devises a sting to sideswipe the romantic overtures of a family friend – her ex-boyfriend’s father.
Rebecca DiCecca struggles to erase the memory of Greg, her first love. She succumbs to a champagne-induced passion and finds herself in the upstairs guest bedroom with Greg, while his wife celebrates her birthday downstairs. Rebecca is struck sober when Greg’s father, Lester, dashes into the room and discovers the two in flagrante delicto. Unable to shake the sexual image, Lester becomes infatuated with Rebecca, convincing himself he must save her from a life of sin. He threatens to disclose her indiscretion to their small town if she does not take his advances seriously. Cornered, Rebecca teams up with a trio of ne’er-do-wells who devise an innovative scheme.
This novel is not your typical romance story. I hope my readers will be entertained and amused by my wacky characters who will go to any lengths to succeed in their pursuits. Some scenes will make your toes curl, while others, will warm your heart!
4. Where can we purchase Rebuffing the Bishop?
My novel can be purchased at Amazon, Target.com, Amira Press or Fiction Wise.
5. What types of promotion have you been doing? Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers about promoting a book?
I have been doing a lot of book signings in San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Future signings are in San Francisco and Boston.
I also hired a publicist who has targeted media reviews, too. Cosmopolitan Magazine is considering REBUFFING THE BISHOP for review.
My book is also available at a couple of independent brick and mortar stores. In the months to come, I will be pursuing local radio and television shows. My web site has also been a huge help, too.
In order to get a book noticed, an author has to put themselves in the public eye. At times, promoting a book feels like having another full-time job.
6. What are you working on now?
Funny you should ask. A couple of days ago, I started on a new novel. It will be a romantic comedy. It’s playing in my mind like a movie right now, and I have to get it onto paper real quick!
7. Do you have a writing routine that you adhere to?
It seems that my creative mental juices flow either in the early morning hours or later at night. This is when I write my fiction works. If I don’t feel creative at a particular time, I don’t force myself to write. I know that it’s just a matter of time before a thought erupts.
8. In addition to writing novels, you’re a freelance reporter. Please tell us about some of the stories you’ve covered.
I have covered stories ranging from an undercover celebrity story, local news events, court cases, and so much more. I also write for a couple of magazines, too. I have nearly 200 articles published to my credit.
My recent undercover story on Tori Spelling’s Bed and Breakfast for her Oxygen show was recognized by the New York Times, People Magazine, Star Magazine and the National Enquirer . My investigation revealed that Spelling did not own the B & B property like she led people to believe.
9. What was the most exciting story or interview you wrote/conducted as a freelance reporter?
Interviewing Mr. B.B. King was the best experience. Though an icon, he was still able to obtain pure humbleness and kindness. This kind of behavior is quite rare, especially, someone of his caliber.
He told me one thing I will always remember: “Like all the stars in the sky, there are so many ways to follow your dreams.”
10. What is the most important piece of writing advice you’d like to share with our readers that you find keeps you inspired?
Though writing is a very personal experience, and one filled with passion, I have learned that it is also a business. Because it is a business, I have had to become thick-skinned. Throughout your career, there will invariably be agent/publisher rejections and substandard reviews. Nevertheless, these experiences, though at times heart wrenching, will make you a stronger, better writer.
REBUFFING THE BISHOP is Christina's first published novel. She is also a freelance reporter, and has numerous published articles to her credit.
As a freelance reporter, she has covered stories ranging from an undercover celebrity story, local news events, court cases, and an interview with Mr. B.B. King. Her recent undercover story was recognized by the New York Times, People Magazine, Star Magazine and the National Enquirer.
Christina earned her bachelor’s degree from Loyola-Marymount University. In graduate school, her studies were in the field of humanities, where she also became a member of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She recently completed her doctorate degree in business management.
Christina lives in Southern California with her husband, David, her 4 dogs and two horses. Guido, her Belgian Malinois, can be found curled at her feet while she hammers away at her keyboard. Guido is her “good luck charm.” Christina confesses she is a canine stage mother primping up her pups for their Brown Trout Calendar photo shoots.
Thoroughly enjoying the novel-writing process, Christina is working on her second manuscript.
You can visit Christina at www.maconegreene.com
