Christine is an author of a range of book series. She loves books (just as much as me, probably even more) and has managed to turn her home dining room into a library! Her books are The Sophisticates Series, the College Bound Series, Hooked and Hitched.
Buying books, reading books, and writing books are her thing and Christine especially loves a well-worn book. She has an awesome Bookstagram that her followers adore, which showcase just some of the many books she has in her library.
What made you want to write?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I even went to writing camp for a couple of summers when I was in middle school. But I wasn’t sure how to pursue that dream so instead of going to college for writing, I went for fine art. I did graphic design for about ten years after graduating and it wasn’t until I became a stay-at-home mom that I finally had a story that I needed to tell. I was inspired after reading about JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer. JK used to take her baby to a coffee shop and write while her child napped and Stephenie used to write while her kids were at sports practice. I realized that if I wanted to be a writer, I had to make the time to do it. It was like any other job and I had to work at it.
What is your favourite book to date?
It is impossible to choose a favorite book. I love A Court of Mist and Fury, A Kiss of Deception, Winner’s Curse, Gemina, and Crooked Kingdom. Harry Potter, of course, is a favorite series.
What was your favourite book growing up?
I was infatuated with the Black Cauldron and the Chronicles of Prydain when I was younger. I was also enthralled with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Your first book: where were you when the idea came to you?
This is going to sound really boring, but I think I was just sitting on my couch when the idea for my first book came to me. I never published that book, but I think most of my ideas for my books come from every day life….when I’m in the shower or driving around or reading a news story.
Where is your ideal writing space?
I have a library in my house where I write during the day and a secret room where I write at night. The library is perfect for the day because there are two bay windows that let in so much light and have a gorgeous view. My secret room is necessary at night because when the television is on and my kids are being rowdy, I have a quiet place to go and concentrate.
Which author(s) inspire you?
As a human being, Colleen Hoover inspires me. She is talented and funny and gives back to the world and her readers. Sarah J. Mass and Leigh Bardugo inspire me because they write strong female characters and stories I am addicted to. JK Rowling inspires me because she stands up for what she believes in, just as her characters did. The world she created has brought so many people into reading and as she said, “Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”
If you were to go to any library or bookstore in the world, where would you go?
I don’t know a lot about famous bookstores around the world, but I would like to go visit An Unlikely Story Bookstore in Massachusetts. That is the bookstore that Jeff Kinney created. I’d also like to visit the Bookworm Box again. That is Colleen Hoover’s bookstore and all the books in there are donated and signed by authors. All of the proceeds go to charity.
If you were to find someone reading your book anywhere, where would it be?
I think I’d see my Sophisticates series in a school lunch room since it’s YA dystopian. My Hearts of Stones series would probably be read in a coffee shop since it’s NA romance.
What do you love about reading and/or writing the most?
What I love about reading is that I can get lost in a story and live a life that is different than my own. I can be as fearless and strong and talented as the characters. I can live through their heartbreak and happy triumphs. As for writing, what I love most is when someone tells me that they enjoyed my book. That what I wrote made them laugh or cry or swoon. There is no better feeling than touching someone’s heart.
Check out Christine’s books here.
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