Nancy Christie's Blog, page 17
June 20, 2023
“Who are you?” — Answering the Caterpillar’s Question
Photo by pure julia on Unsplash
“Who are you?” said the Caterpillar.This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, “I—I hardly know, sir, just at present—at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.”(From Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll)
I’ve been thinking a lot about titles. Titles can be useful because they help define who a person is and in many cases, the pecking order in whic...
June 14, 2023
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 6.14.23
The post Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 6.14.23 appeared first on The Writer's Place.
June 13, 2023
Thoughts on writing and life for June 2023
Just a few thoughts on why writers need a personal manifesto to keep them on trackThis is an edited excerpt from my June 2023 newsletter, The Writing Life.
You can also listen to it on my Living the Writing Life podcast.
A while back I read an interesting excerpt from You Need A Manifesto by Charlotte Burgess-Auburn. In the excerpt, the author talks about the need to know your destinations (in other words, your creative goals) and the importance of ensuring that what you are doing on a daily b...
June 7, 2023
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 6.7.23
The post Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 6.7.23 appeared first on The Writer's Place.
May 31, 2023
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 5.31.23
The post Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 5.31.23 appeared first on The Writer's Place.
May 30, 2023
Tuesday’s Tips: Generating a Buzz About Your New Book
Each time I have a new book ready to release, I create a marketing and promotion schedule that’s a mix of old and new: tactics that I have used in the past that worked well combined with strategies that I hadn’t tried before but seem worth exploring on this go-round.
Being willing to try something new when it comes to book marketing is essential. And it was certainly the case when my last book, PERIPHERAL VISIONS AND OTHER STORIES, dropped May 2020. All my reliable efforts—in-person events, work...
May 27, 2023
Latest reviews for REINVENTING RITA
It's always exciting (albeit a little nerve-wracking) when your latest book is out in the world. Will reviewers like it?
Will readers like it?
Have you done the best job you could have done in telling the story?
That's where I'm at now with Reinventing Rita, and so far the comments I've received have been positive. (Which means I can now release the breath I have been holding since the ebook launched months ago!)
Here are excerpts from a few of the reviews I've received:
From BigAl’s Books & Pals: “a story that a lot of older and middle age folks, regardless of gender, are going to relate to in some fashion and be pulling for Rita to figure things out as you sympathize with her situation.”
From Leslie Rasmussen, award-winning author: "I enjoyed following Rita as she found her strength and followed her heart and discovered another side of her. This is the kind of book you wish kept going even after the story is over.”
From K. Dianne Schwartz, author: “I love that term: Midlife Moxie. I admire how Nancy doesn’t call in the inevitable male to sweep away the struggling middle age female, saving her from herself. This book is real life. You need to read it.”
From Dorothy Rosby, award-winning author and humorist: “Delicious! And in more ways than one. Reinventing Rita features a woman in transition creating beautiful baked goods and desserts as she creates a new life for herself... encouragement to all of us to follow our bliss whatever our age.”
From Chante Thomas, author: “Rita is so relatable! She has a huge talent but is scared to let it be seen... I could not put this book down!”
From Clarissa J. Markiewicz, novelist: “Anyone who has ever had an Act II will relate to the empty nest syndrome Reinventing Rita brings to life... With a dash of humor, a slice of reality, and a sprinkle of charm, Reinventing Rita is a delightful addition to author Nancy Christie’s Midlife Moxie series.”
From Patricia Averbach, award-winning author: “Reinventing Rita is a tasty soufflé of a novel with a nourishing message at its heart... This wonderful tale, full of humor and delicious insights into the plight of starting over in mid-life, is a sure winner for anyone interested in good writing, good food, and a good story. Highly recommended.”
From Dawn Reno Langley, author: “Christie’s well-written tale about a woman finding herself…covered in flour…is a funny and touching one that most women with a little life experience can relate to and appreciate... If you want a great weekend read, this one fits the bill — both dramatic and comedic with a little ‘moxie’ thrown in on the side.”
From Don Dockry, reader: “Reinventing Rita is an easy read that kept my interest until the end! It has a contemporary message that many people will relate to! It’s a must read for this summer.”
From Lydia Wallace, Goodreads Reader: "Nancy Christie thanks for helping me to reinvent my life... After reading your book and seeing how Rita made her dreams come true... I decided I was ready to make my dreams come true"
If you're looking for a lighthearted novel about a midlife woman ready to find out what life holds in store for her, check out REINVENTING RITA. I know you'll love it!
More details and sales links about the book are here: https://www.nancychristie.com/books/r...
May 24, 2023
Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 5.24.23
The post Wednesday Writing Inspiration for 5.24.23 appeared first on The Writer's Place.
May 23, 2023
Thoughts on writing and life for May 2023
Just a few thoughts on why writers must be willing to explore new genres with their writing.This is an edited excerpt from my May 2023 newsletter, The Writing Life.
You can also listen to it on my Living the Writing Life podcast.
The closer I get to the paperback release of REINVENTING RITA, the more conflicting emotions I am feeling. Of course I am excited about my debut novel and proud of my achievement. At the same time, I am afraid of what it means to leave the safety of short-story-writer...
May 21, 2023
Rita's Support Network

Today starts New Friends, Old Friends week, and this trailer for REINVENTING RITA shows the role those who care about Rita play in her midlife reinvention. Where would she be without them?
Watch it here and share your thoughts about your support circle!
Video: Where would Rita be without her mother and her friends?


