Name Christa Lynn
Age: Young enough to still have fun, old enough to know better.
Where are you from; Atlanta Georgia, USA
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I’m married and have a 16 year old son and a 20 pound yorkie. I work a full time job and write in what little spare time I have.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I recently re-released all 5 of my books as an Indie author. New covers (except one) and updated formatting.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I’m an avid reader, and stories were pouring into my head, so I decided to put it all down. My first book remains hidden and collecting dust.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’m not sure I do now. I write yes, but I don’t consider it a career. But it hit home when I held my first paperback.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I write in first person and sometimes dual POV. Two of my books are in the male and female POV.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I just chose something that told the story. My first book, Running from Destiny is about a girl being pursued by a man way out of her league, and she continues to run from him. But he was her destiny, and she accepts that in the sequel, Accepting Destiny.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes: in Running from Destiny, my tag line is “never cover yourself.” Ally is short and not a model, but she learns to become comfortable in her own skin. This novel also touches on eating disorders.
In Reprisal and Requital, both females are strong and go through a lot. It’s about never giving up.
Seeking Clarity is a riches to rags story, teaching people that money can’t buy happiness
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
In Running from Destiny, Ally is ME in her inner monologue…it’s a lot of how I am, though the story is fictional.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not really, but it could be experiences that others have been through and can related to.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
I like any book that strays from the norm. I love Iris Johansen and other erotic writers, but my favorites ones are one you don’t see every day. So many subjects have been done, I like to follow my heart and not the mainstream.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Sloth, buy Ella James
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I honestly don’t pay attention if they’re new or seasoned, if the book interests me; I’ll buy it.
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’m currently working on Chance of a Lifetime, about a middle aged woman who finds herself single after 23 years of marriage. She makes a change and moves away, meeting Chance….and possibly her chance of a lifetime.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My PA, Rosa McAnulty, my friend Lisa Roth and my entire street team, Christa’s Devious Divas. So many others that I’d need another page to list them.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
If at some point I start making money? Maybe. But authors like me make very little, so in the beginning it’s not about the money. It’s about getting your name out there and gaining a following. Bills need to be paid, so I’ll continue on the career path I’m already on.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I might have made it longer, but after leaving my publisher I had the chance to make a few changes in all of my books before re-releasing them.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
You can find the prologue on my Facebook page.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Sex scenes. They may look easy, but keeping it fresh and not the same old same old, is harder than it looks. The story flows well, but when it comes to the intimate moments, my brain freezes.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I have attended three author signings, but to be honest/, they aren’t cheap. I may do more in the future though, for the right event.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
JM Walker designed my new covers with the exception of Seeking Clarity. That cover was designed by my prior publisher and I got permission to continue to use it.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Writing the book. Yes, it’s hard. And finding the time to do it.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned that authors put a lot of time and effort into their craft. These stories don’t just pop out of nowhere and find their way onto paper. There is a lot to it.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Never give up. As people have told me, this is not a race; it’s a marathon. Also, EDIT your work. There’s nothing worse than finishing your book, publishing it and then reviews start coming in criticizing the editing. Yes, it’s expensive but will be worth the investment in the end.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I love all of my readers, some have been with me since I started this venture 2 years ago. Some tell me they’d read the phone book if I’d write it.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
The first book that stands out is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I also read a lot of Nancy Drew mysteries growing up.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
My friends and family make me laugh, and cry.
Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?
I’d love to sit down with my dad. He passed away before I was able to tell him I had published a book.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?
I don’t want a headstone. I want to be placed in a bio-degradable container with a seed for an oak tree, and grow in a lush green field.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I don’t have a lot of time to do much else, but I’ve just started making my own swag. So that’s been fund.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I have two men in my house, I don’t get to watch much TV.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
I love most anything you can eat, lol. And I like a variety of music from pop to rock.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
As with Sydney DeCarlo in Reprisal, I wanted to be a PsyD. Or a Criminal Psychologist/Criminal Profiler, but life got in the way.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
But it’s in need of updating.
www.smarturl.it/runningchristalynn
www.smarturl.it/acceptingchristalynn
www.smarturl.it/reprisalchristalynn
www.smarturl.it/requitalchristalynn
www.smarturl.it/seekingchristalynn
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