Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?  

My name is Crystal Reavis and I’m 35

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m originally from Roswell NM but I live in Colorado

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I have been married for thirteen years and have 3 wonderful children. We love hanging out together and playing games together, hiking and watching TV. My family is my life and the reason I do everything I do. I even homeschool my kids because we feel it’s what’s best for my family. My husband is super supportive of my career and helps me all the time when I need it.  My education is kind of all over the place. I am an avid learner so I’m always seeking knowledge.  I have a diploma in marketing and social media marketing. I also have business Admin training and training for being an MA (medical assistant.) I also have a diploma in English studies.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am about to publish my second book. It’s the second book in my current series the Awakening. I’m so excited to share it with my readers.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing when I was around 7 or so. I have always loved writing and wanted to get all these ideas out of my head. I felt like I was constantly bursting with stories that I needed to write down.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was in the 8th grade we had an assignment to write a story. My teacher told me mine was very good and offered to talk to a publisher friend of hers. I declined due to being shy but that helped my confidence a lot. From that moment forward I felt like I was a writer. I never dreamed of being published though.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

The idea for it popped into my head one day and I just sat down to write. It sortof just flowed together. It’s about angels and I knew I wanted to do something a little different then I’d seen before. Wanting to make them different is what really inspired me to write it.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

This is such a dumb answer lol. The book title is the name of my main character and I got it off of a list of angel’s names. Not the most romantic answer but there it is.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I am a punster and it can be challenging sometimes. I try to outline and have to great success but I just love to sit down and write. I do run into some difficulties but for the most part I feel like the words come easier this way. I know many writers say you need to outline but I do what works for me.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

One of my side characters is loosely based off of my husband. I made his home state my husband’s home state and he kind of looks like him.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I do not travel at all. Most of my research is done online or by reading.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

For my first book my publisher did the cover. My second book a fellow author is going to do the design for me.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

That there is good and evil all around even if we don’t see it. Forces may be fighting over us right now and we’re clueless to it. The theme to angels and demons pretty much.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

I haven’t had much time to read at the moment with a new baby. I do plan on reading the books of some of my fellow up and coming authors at my publishers soon though.  My favorite author is Terry Goodkind. I love his world building and the way the characters feel like real people. I feel like they could be living next door to me.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My friend Dana! She has been a great support to me! I have so many family members that have helped and aside from them Dana has been amazing! She is a beta reader for me, she messages me to see how it’s going, we’ve bounced ideas off each other. She’s been a great help and inspiration. I’d also to add she is a fellow writer too so she knows all the work it takes to do this.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I do! This is what I do full time. If I’m not writing or editing, I’m marketing. I’m even paid to help market other authors. This is literally my career.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Hmm, interesting question. I guess if I would change one thing it would be adding a few more action scenes. My first book is more about my characters and their development. I have fight scenes and tension but I could have added more fighting scenes.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Oh yes, a couple of things.  My editor pointed out when I’m in the writing process I tend to tell more then show. I’ve had to make an effort into showing more. I guess I’m naturally inclined to tell. I’ve gotten way better about it though. Also, that I learned really fast to get a thick skin. It can be hard having your work critiqued and I had to learn not to take it personally that people were just trying to help me. I can now take criticism like a pro.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I haven’t really thought about it really. I would want someone new, someone up and coming. I think that would give the story a fresh look.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Just write! I have had people ask me where to begin and really overthink the process. I always say just start! Starting is the hardest part and once you do that the rest will follow.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you! Thank you so much for reading, sharing and enjoying my work. The likes on my posts and Tweets, the sharing of my posts, the beta reading, the conversation all mean a lot! I owe you my readers so much! I can’t thank you all enough!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Sadly, I’m not reading right now. I have been taking care of my new born so that hobby has been set aside for now. I do plan on reading some of my fellow Breaking Rules Publishing (my publisher) authors soon though.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I believe it was Where the Red Fern Grows.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My family for sure

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I would say Stephen King. I watch videos on his writing advice all the time and he’s fascinates me. I’d love to be able to sit down and talk writing with him one day.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Doing embroidery, reading when I have time, doing research on everything I read about, messing around on Facebook.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I have a lot of shows I like. Right now my favorite is The Witch but I also love Game of Thrones and Project Bluebook. My favorite movies are Young Guns 1&2

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

My favorite food is probably nachos, my favoritecolor is forest green and my favorite music is country and 90’s pop.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I’ve always wanted to be an archaeologist but in reality, I’d probably be in marketing.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

I would spend it with my family and do all the things we’ve always wanted to do.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

Here lies Crystal Reavis wonderful wife, mother and writer.

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

I have just started my blog this month. You can find it here http://crystalclearwritingonline8.poetry.blog/. I am currently getting my website up and running. I will update my readers when that is finished and they can find me on Facebook and Twitter.

Amazon Authors Page USA https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Reavis/e/B07FPT2JDT?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1577574368&sr=1-1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Reavis/e/B07FPT2JDT?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1577574409&sr=1-1