When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I knew I had a passion for writing at the age of eleven. I was intrigued by Stephen King and R.L Stine. My fascination with supernatural stories started when I discovered the Fear Street novels. I love horror and anything that injects fear.
Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?
I love to write mystery, thriller, and horror stories because it’s fun to build a diabolical world of monsters and the unknown. I also love writing horror that showcases characters of diverse cultures. We do not see enough of multicultural ethnicities and I think that it’s up to writers like myself to manifest that into the literary world.
What is the biggest thing that people THINK they know about your subject/genre that isn’t so?
People THINK that horror is only about gore and death and subjecting women in a overly sexualize manner. Horror can be more than that. It’s not all about pain. It’s about showing that no matter what hardships a character goes through, they can still persevere and become a stronger person.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer and how does that affect your writing?
I am a full time writer, but I also have a job. I work day in and day out because I cannot see myself going a day without writing. Creating stories is my passion.
What are some day jobs you have held?
I currently work in the healthcare field but I’ve also worked in food and hospitality for over twenty years.
Do you have a special time to write, or how is your day structured to accommodate your writing?
I usually write in the evening and early mornings before I start work.
What have you written so far?
I have written a series titled The Brother’s Curse Saga. The series has three novels out so far with book 4 coming out this winter.
Do you work with an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing?
I used to outline but now I let my ideas guide me throughout the story. It seems to be working well for the past couple of years.
How do you feel about indie/alternative vs. traditional publishing?
Most people believe that traditionally-published authors are far more successful and are more elite within the writers world as opposed to independently-published authors. I believe that every writer, whether you’re a beginner or literary pro, have one thing in common and that is to tell stories. Stories that take you into imaginative worlds where you’re immersed as a reader.
Independent authors are talented, gifted, crafted artists that have so much to offer in literature but are shunned, told they are not good enough. Told that if they really believed in themselves they would have made the effort to send query letters to major agents and publishing houses.
No one ever thought that maybe most indie authors would rather take the initiative and have more control of there work where it is isn’t debased or dissected by gatekeepers to fit what mainstream wants.
How do you market or promote your books and what strategies (e.g. social media, email, blog tours, etc.) have demonstrated the most success for you?
I market my novels both on Instagram and Facebook. On occasion, I do book readings of my series on Youtube. I post promotional videos, custom-made illustrations to display my characters, and I also have one-to-one conversations with readers.
Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book?
My latest book is the trilogy to The Brother’s Curse titled Christopher’s Curse. Without giving away any spoilers, the third installment is packed with thrills and unexpected surprise. We delve into the world with a demonic gargoyle that is also the son of the main protagonist. It’s a pretty wild ride.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing this book?
I thought of creating this story when I was twelve back in 1993. I was watching Stephen King’s Sleepwalkers and thought of writing a story about shapeshifters.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
I love Jason. He starts off as an unlikable character because if his backstory, but he evolves into such a different person with more compassion and empathy as the series continues.
Who is your least favorite character and why?
Victoria. She is that one friend who isn’t really your friend and puts on a false facade to make herself look like a good person which she is not. She doesn’t care about anyone else but herself.
Do you listen to or talk to your characters?
I act out my characters while I write. That has made me close to them and I really care about them and how their lives will turn out in the story.
If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast?
Antoinette Robertson, Bill Skarsgard, Charlie Barnett, Gina Rodriguez, Michael Trevino, Lewis Tan, Ashleigh Murray, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dave Franco, Jasmin Guy, Michael B. Jordan, Alex Pettyfer, Daniel Kaluuya, Kareuche Tran and Jurnee Smollett.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Everything. The story, the characters, the chaos. There is nothing I didn’t enjoy about the first three novels. I look forward to many more.
What is your next project?
My next project will be Book 5 once Book 4 comes out.
What do you like to read in your free time?
I love to read demonology books.
Want to learn more about Christine and check out the books?
Waking Writer 