Name: Maeve Christopher
Age: That’s classified J
Where are you from: Boston, MA, USA
A little about your self `ie your education Family life ect
I grew up in the Boston area. I enjoyed science, so attended college and graduate schools in New England and Philadelphia. As a health care professional, I also had an interest in small business and writing. I became involved in various media and writing projects for fun. Currently I live in the Boston area, and I’m at work on my fiction. I hope Book #5 of The Redemption Series will be out in late 2013 or early 2014.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?:
I’m at work on Book #5 of The Redemption Series. This book will introduce a character that becomes central to my next series.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing? Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve enjoyed writing and making up stories all my life. But it wasn’t until about ten years ago that I gave myself permission to begin writing fiction with publication in mind.
I let the characters in my head spill onto the page—and ended up with 800+ pages with no thought of point of view. I was having fun, and I knew the story was worthwhile. But the execution left something to be desired. So I joined some local groups, worked with critique partners, and over time learned more about the craft of writing.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I always considered myself a writer, but as I said, I began serious pursuit of publication about ten years ago. I think if you know that you have to write, you’re a writer J
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Characters always show up in my head, often as a result of creating stories from everyday experiences. It was finally a time in my life when I let myself devote the necessary time to writing.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I tend to write concisely, and rely on many revisions and beta reader/editor feedback to make sure everything is clear to the reader.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Killer Cupid, Fame, Fortune & Secrets, and In the Name of Glori all came during the writing process. I began Last Tangle in Paris with the title in mind.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
My overall theme is: “There’s no place like family.” Always “family” with a twist and the touch of the Supernatural.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic? I’ll leave that for readers to decide J
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Some are based on knowledge or experiences I’ve had. Some are strictly from my imagination.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? The Bible.
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
My critique partners include Liberty Blake, Karen Frisch and J.M. Griffin. They’ve given me tremendous help and encouragement over the years.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Since I’m currently writing Book #5, I read mostly nonfiction related to the book I’m writing.
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’m at work on Book #5 of The Redemption Series. This book will introduce a character that becomes central to my next series.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. God.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career? Yes.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? No.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It’s been with me as long as I can remember. As a child I had a notebook where I made up stories and drew pictures to illustrate. I knew from the start I was no illustrator—but loved to write!
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I often single out a tag line or a “What happens” question for The Redemption Series books. For Book #5 it is: “What happens when you’re not who you think you are?”
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I tend to write slowly and revise/edit as I go. It’s a bad habit that slows me down. Now that people are asking when the next book comes out, it’s a challenge for me to make my process more efficient.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Brennan Manning wrote non-fiction, but it’s his story-telling that impacts me so much.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? I take from my travels and memories in writing.
Fiona: Who designed the covers? Calista Taylor
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book? Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
At the start, it was difficult for me to tell a story with a lot of characters and points of view. I had to go through numerous revisions to make sure it was clear and compelling. I was still concerned about that when the books came out, but interestingly many readers say that’s just what they like—getting to know all the characters and their stories, and how they intertwine.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Trust your process. It will probably be different from other authors, but that’s okay.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you for reading! And thank you for contacting me through my website and/or Facebook. I love to hear from readers!
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
I’m an animal lover, and often describe myself as a dog person with cats. I enjoy reading and getting outside for a walk –especially on the beach. I also enjoy making my own skin care products, which you’ll notice turns up in In the Name of Glori.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I don’t watch much TV, but enjoy shows like NCIS and Big Bang Theory. I find I don’t have enough time to keep up with them though.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Having done other things, I know that writing is what I like to do.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? if so what is it?
Please visit me on my website and sign up for my newsletter: www.MaeveChristopher.com Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormaevechristopher or “Like” my fan page: www.facebook.com/MaeveChristopher
THANK YOU, Fiona!