Christine Church is a versatile author. From books about animals to horror anthologies, Christine has passion for writing. She began writing at age nine, her first published book was House Cat, a guide handy for indoor cat owners. A popular series of hers, Fate of the True Vampires, was completed independently, and was even self-published. Two books of the series have received awards: book one received the Finalist Medal in the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and book two received the 2017 Finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award. The series has even achieved best-seller status! Our goal for this interview is to learn some more about Christine, behind the scenes of her career.
Favorite quote from your book?
“For months I thought you were dead. It nearly killed me. I can’t lose you now. You saved my life. It’s time I saved yours.”
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Depends on the age. When I was really little, I wanted to be a mermaid. Then I wanted to be a rock star, then a famous actress. The actress dream never went away, but with my mental disability, it was nearly impossible. I had been writing since I was nine years old but never thought of it as a career. When I realized I would never make it as an actress due to such a severe chemical imbalance in my brain, I went for writing. I had been doing it for as long as I could remember because it was a big love of mine. It never occurred to me that people wrote novels from home; I always thought novels were written in an office in NYC, and that wasn’t possible for me, so I let that go.
Then I found a copy of Writer’s Digest magazine. That was when I discovered I could write a novel from home. In the early 1990’s I wrote my first novel. A very bad attempt! I kept on working at it. In the meantime, I published in non-fiction and even won major awards with my books. It was not until the early 21st century when I received an amazing and very encouraging email from a big literary agent in NYC that I decided to keep trying with my dream of writing and making a good living at fiction. That book was Beyond Every Mirror. I self-published my first series to get it out there quickly (Fate of the True Vampire), and am still working along on that series.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was nine years old when I used to write and illustrate picture books. Back then I didn’t know I wanted to be a professional novelist. I just knew I loved writing stories.
How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason for writing each book?
As stated, I didn’t write to become an author. I didn’t even know a person could write from home! I wrote from age 9 out of passion alone. At age 18, I sent a letter to the publisher of my favorite novel at the time, asking “How do I write a novel?” Of course, I received no reply. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties I learned about publishing. By 1998, my first book was published traditionally, and that in itself is an interesting story. Now, each book I write is created from deep within my youthful passions.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
ALL my major male characters have long hair. I have a fetish for 1980’s style glam rock stars. Tall, slender, long hair, no facial hair. So, all my major male characters (with the exception of a few due to the need to remain true to history) have long hair, no facial hair and are tall and thin.
Do you like to create books for adults, youth and/or children? Why?
Adults. Sexual preference has always been a big motivator in many of my books and, though I do not write erotica and my books are not explicit, I like characters who are sexually active, so I write only adult books. Though I am contemplating a young adult or new adult series.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written probably a dozen books and have planned out at least a dozen more.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Depends on the book. When I started writing, self-publishing (POD) did not really exist. Not as it does today. I wrote quite a few books back in the early 1990’s. I am in the process of “revamping” those books into novels I can either self-publish or send out to agents.
How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)?
This is a tough one! As I have A.D.D. it is near impossible for me to spend a LOT of time writing unless I have a deadline! I find that I write best on deadline. That’s how I got my non-fiction traditional books published. However, for my self-pubbed books, I don’t have any outside deadline, so I have to MAKE myself write. My best time is late at night when the world is quiet. But, when I am on deadline, I write days in the library and LOVE it.
What does your family think of your writing?
I am alone and really have no one (only my cats and my horse), so my writing is my own. In the past, when I lived with my stepfather it was difficult–the first book I ever wrote was hundreds of manuscript pages long. I was so proud of myself for finishing it! I placed the printed copy on the coffee table before my stepfather and said with a sigh, “It’s done!” When I explained what “it” was, he said, “Why would you waste your time doing this? It’s not like you will ever be published!” That book is still in publication to this day (House Cat)–and my stepfather is dead!
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I spend what time I can with my horse, Kobeejo. He is my soulmate and the best friend I have ever had! My dream is to make enough with my writing to buy a small horse farm for him and for my few friends who have horses.
What do you think makes a good story?
I am big on vampire stories with hot long-haired heroes and time travels of the same. To be honest, I find few novels today that I like, so I write what I want to see out there, what I want to read! My favorite books from the past include Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and Remembrance by Jude Deveroux. I loved the first 4 Vampire Chronicles books by Anne Rice. After those, I have not liked much by her or other authors. I am very picky about what I like to read, and so I am picky about what and the way I write! I like ACTION, plot twists and cliff-hangers.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating/writing your books?
That I actually know how to write!!
What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
I’ve been compared to Anne Rice. Actually, I have been told I am better than her, though I personally don’t think that… not yet anyway.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Every now and then. Usually, to tell me how much they love my writing style.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
They just come out of my head. Most are ideas I came up with many years ago, and most of those came from music I listened to back then. Today, I can pretty much come up with anything and turn it into a book as long as there’s a passion for it.
Do you have any suggestions to help one become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Pretty much everything that’s already been said by other authors; read a LOT in the genre you prefer. Learn what the authors did or didn’t do that made the stories work for you. Emulate at first until you get your own “voice.” Writing is a very personal endeavor. Find out why you want to write, within yourself, then just let it out on the page!
Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events?
Back in the early part of the century, physical book signings were still the best way to meet readers. Today, however, almost everything is done digitally. If I was a famous author who would draw a big crowd, I would be out there meeting folks in person, as I did back in the ’90’s. But, as someone who took a break for too long, then came back, book signings don’t really get me too far.
Tell us about your most recent book?
My most recent published book is Beyond Every Mirror, a time dimensional paranormal fantasy romance. It’s been in the works, literally, for over 35 years. When I was in high school, I wrote the short story version. Then, decided it would make a good novel. I worked on that novel in various forms for decades. I have had NYC literary agents tell me they are in love with the book, my writing, etc. Everyone who reads it adores it, even those who are not into the genre say they want to read it more than once, or that they “fell asleep with the book in their arms,” as one reader told me. It’s unique with a lot of action.
Right now I am writing a brand new section for my first book, Sands of Time, which is archaeological scrolls found that date way back to ancient Egypt and tell the story of a hybrid human/God and her quest for a family. It explains the origins of the first vampires. Sands of Time is out and available, but this new edition will include all new chapters, even explaining the death of Cleopatra.
What’s more important: characters or plot?
They are equally important, as they play off one another.
Do you write every single day?
I try to, but often find myself stuck in marketing mode.
Are you planning to adapt any of your stories to the screen?
Actually, I am.
How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
Near impossible! Don’t do it unless you have a TON of money for marketing (which I don’t) or you have such an insane passion you NEED to do it (which I do)
Find the author
Stalking Prey: Short Stories of Horror to Keep You Up at Night
By award-winning author Christine Church, these short tales of horror will thrill you, chill you, and keep you wanting more… Even as things go bump in the night around you!
Womanizing men who get what they deserve, gargoyles protecting long abandoned buildings, A kid who wants a vampire for Christmas, A woman who professes her love too late, a man saved from his own demons – by a cat, and so much more! These are just a few of the stories you will find in this collection of thriller and horror stories by award winning author Christine Church.
Love Vampires? Check out the author’s “Fate of the True Vampires” series. Romance Fantasy? You’ll love “Beyond Every Mirror.”
