Christina Hoag's Blog, page 9
January 11, 2017
"Criminally Good" interview with Christina Hoag
Author Lucy V. Hay features me in a "CRIMINALLY GOOD" interview! Thanks Lucy!
1)
http://www.lucyvhayauthor.com/crimina...
So, who are you & what have you written?
I’m Christina Hoag, a journalist and novelist living in Los Angeles. I’m the author of Skin of Tattoos, a literary thriller set in L.A.’s gang underworld (Martin Brown Publishers, August 2016) and Girl on the Brink, a romantic thriller for young adults (Fire and Ice YA/Melange Books, August 2016).
I’m also a former reporter for the Associated Press and Miami Herald and worked as a correspondent in Latin America writing for major media outlets including Time, Business Week, Financial Times, the Houston Chronicle and The New York Times. I additionally co-authored Peace in the Hood: Working with Gang Members to End the Violence, a groundbreaking book on gang intervention (Turner Publishing, 2014). For more information, see my website, plus you can follow me on Twitter as @ChristinaHoag and/or friend me on Goodreads HERE.
2) Why do you write crime fiction?
I love delving into the seamy side of life and what drives people in that world, which is very different than mine! My characters do things that I never would so maybe that’s why I like writing them. I’m fascinated with the psychology behind the criminal mind and how people get to be that way, the risks they take. Other than that, crime makes great drama and conflict, the basis of any novel.
3) What informs your crime writing?
Working as a journalist for many years has deeply influenced my fiction. As a reporter, you have an entrée into many subcultures, slices of life and people that normally you would not have access to. That’s how I was inspired to write Skin of Tattoos, which is set L.A.’s gang underworld. I wrote a magazine story on gang members deported to El Salvador and that formed the genesis for the novel. I later did a lot more research and interviews, but that was the seed of it. I’m also a big fan of psychology and figuring out what makes people tick, hearing about their childhoods and so on. That has a major influence on how I build character. I also love travel and I’ve travelled all over the world and lived in numerous countries so I like incorporating some type of international element in my work.
4) What’s your usual writing routine?
I’m a morning writer. I get up early, have my coffee and check the news and then sit down and write until I feel my brain turning squishy, usually early afternoon. Then I get some exercise and try to do some marketing and social media work. It’s amazing how much time that stuff consumes!
5) Which crime book do you wish YOU’D written, and why?
I love crime fiction that delves into the world of the criminal and reveals the inner workings of crime. I love Queen of the South by Spanish author Arturo Perez Reverte, who tells the story of a Mexican woman who becomes head of a narcotrafficking cartel in Spain. I just couldn’t put it down. Man, do I wish I could write something like that!
1) http://www.lucyvhayauthor.com/crimina...
So, who are you & what have you written?
I’m Christina Hoag, a journalist and novelist living in Los Angeles. I’m the author of Skin of Tattoos, a literary thriller set in L.A.’s gang underworld (Martin Brown Publishers, August 2016) and Girl on the Brink, a romantic thriller for young adults (Fire and Ice YA/Melange Books, August 2016).
I’m also a former reporter for the Associated Press and Miami Herald and worked as a correspondent in Latin America writing for major media outlets including Time, Business Week, Financial Times, the Houston Chronicle and The New York Times. I additionally co-authored Peace in the Hood: Working with Gang Members to End the Violence, a groundbreaking book on gang intervention (Turner Publishing, 2014). For more information, see my website, plus you can follow me on Twitter as @ChristinaHoag and/or friend me on Goodreads HERE.
2) Why do you write crime fiction?
I love delving into the seamy side of life and what drives people in that world, which is very different than mine! My characters do things that I never would so maybe that’s why I like writing them. I’m fascinated with the psychology behind the criminal mind and how people get to be that way, the risks they take. Other than that, crime makes great drama and conflict, the basis of any novel.
3) What informs your crime writing?
Working as a journalist for many years has deeply influenced my fiction. As a reporter, you have an entrée into many subcultures, slices of life and people that normally you would not have access to. That’s how I was inspired to write Skin of Tattoos, which is set L.A.’s gang underworld. I wrote a magazine story on gang members deported to El Salvador and that formed the genesis for the novel. I later did a lot more research and interviews, but that was the seed of it. I’m also a big fan of psychology and figuring out what makes people tick, hearing about their childhoods and so on. That has a major influence on how I build character. I also love travel and I’ve travelled all over the world and lived in numerous countries so I like incorporating some type of international element in my work.
4) What’s your usual writing routine?
I’m a morning writer. I get up early, have my coffee and check the news and then sit down and write until I feel my brain turning squishy, usually early afternoon. Then I get some exercise and try to do some marketing and social media work. It’s amazing how much time that stuff consumes!
5) Which crime book do you wish YOU’D written, and why?
I love crime fiction that delves into the world of the criminal and reveals the inner workings of crime. I love Queen of the South by Spanish author Arturo Perez Reverte, who tells the story of a Mexican woman who becomes head of a narcotrafficking cartel in Spain. I just couldn’t put it down. Man, do I wish I could write something like that!
Skin of Tattoos featured on author blog!
I started off the New Year with a bang: an interview about Skin of Tattoos
on author Dawn Barclay's blog, The Literary Exhibitionist. Thanks Dawn!
http://www.punctuatedpublishing.com/b...
Tell us something about the book that the blurb doesn’t reveal:
There’s a coming-of-age theme in a key subplot involving Mags’s fractured relationship with his family, which also colors his personality and motivations. Mags is resentful of his over achieving older brother Frank, he’s desperate for his distant alcoholic dad’s approval and his mother’s attention, and he’s very protective of his younger sisters. I loved writing about his family life, and it was very satisfying to see Mags grow and resolve his conflicted feelings toward his family at the end.
What was your favorite review about the book? Why?
“None of the characters seem hastily constructed or come off as clichés. Their pressures and motivations are clearly stated and genuinely felt, and readers will quickly become invested in Mags and his confrontation with an uncertain future” -- Kirkus Reviews. I really felt validated with this part of the review because I put enormous time into sculpting these characters and I fell in love with all of them, even Rico, the baddie. I really felt them so I was enormously glad that came through.
If given a chance, which author (living or dead) would you like to meet (have met) and why?
I think it would be William Shakespeare. I’m a Shakespeare nut. Last summer I saw eight of his plays! I find it astounding how many of our expressions in English come from his works. I’d love to ask him about his creative process, his philosophy of life and human nature, and try to figure out the source of his marvellous, timeless wisdom, plus if he’s surprised how his works have endured for 400 years.
If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast as which characters?
For Rico, I like an actor named Richard Cabral (American Crime Story), who was an L.A. gang member in real life so he’s already tatted up; he has a very intense, edgy look. I’d cast either Benicio del Toro or Demian Bichir as Pops, Mags’ father, and wholesome-looking Benito Martinez as the parole officer, Angel. I’m not sure who would play Mags. The actor has to have the right balance of wholesomeness and edginess. I’d shoot the movie on location in Los Angeles. Maybe Kurt Sutter, who created the hit FX motorcycle gang show “Sons of Anarchy” would like to direct.
When and why did you decide to become a writer:
I won a prize for “writing interesting stories” when I was six years old so I guess writing was always there. It came out as soon as I literally learned how to put pen to paper. I also was a total bookworm as a kid and I wanted to write books when I grew up. When I discovered journalism in high school, I knew that’s what I wanted to do because it was a writing career. I’ve written fiction on and off my whole life.
What gave you the idea to write this book?
I was sent to El Salvador back in 2000 to do a magazine story on gang members deported from Los Angeles to San Salvador, which most of them really didn’t know because their families had emigrated when they were infants. It was a classic “fish out of water” story. They neither belonged in El Salvador or in the United States. Some barely spoke Spanish. It’s really a strange take on the immigrant experience. Their story resonated with me. I could relate to them because I had moved around the world as a child, so I also feel I don’t really belong anywhere. Although my novel is not about deported gang members; it’s the tale of rival homeboys in L.A., the book was inspired by those interviews in El Salvador.
What is your favorite quote from the book and why?
I have a few but here’s one of them: “Fighting’s the only time when I really feel something, you know, the pain. When I hurt, I know I’m really alive. Feel me?” One of the homies, Tweety, says this in response to Mags asking him why he likes boxing so much. It shows that in the gang world there’s a lot of emotional trauma that drives gang members, pain that they manage by numbing themselves like zombies. Tweety is so inured to his emotional hurt that the only way he can break out of his automaton state is by getting physically hurt. It’s a warped mentality in a bleak existence.
Are you traditionally published or self-published and why?
I prefer to go with a traditional publisher because it’s third-party validation of my work. It means somebody has read my book and deemed it worthy of publication. That says something right there. On the other hand, anyone can self-publish anything, which means a lot of subpar stuff is out there. That makes it that much harder for self-pubbed books to get noticed, especially if you’re a debut author. However, for authors with an established following, I think self-publishing is a very attractive option. You keep all your profits, all your rights and all your control! It does mean you have to handle a lot more of the business side, though.
Do you belong to any writer’s groups? Which ones and how have they helped you?
I’ve found Sisters in Crime to be the best of the bunch. SinC has regional meetings and events, which are great to meet other writers, as well as several very active listservs where you can post any kind of query. They have groups for new writers where you can find a critique group. They also promote members’ individual works through tweets and newsletters. There’s a real spirit of camaraderie. Last but not least, their dues are modest. I highly recommend this group, which men can join, too, by the way!
What advice do you have for other writers based on your experience?
Believe in yourself and that you have something to say. That’s the greatest gift you can give yourself. No matter how many rejections you get, as long as you believe in yourself, you’ll have the strength to keep going.
on author Dawn Barclay's blog, The Literary Exhibitionist. Thanks Dawn!http://www.punctuatedpublishing.com/b...
Tell us something about the book that the blurb doesn’t reveal:
There’s a coming-of-age theme in a key subplot involving Mags’s fractured relationship with his family, which also colors his personality and motivations. Mags is resentful of his over achieving older brother Frank, he’s desperate for his distant alcoholic dad’s approval and his mother’s attention, and he’s very protective of his younger sisters. I loved writing about his family life, and it was very satisfying to see Mags grow and resolve his conflicted feelings toward his family at the end.
What was your favorite review about the book? Why?
“None of the characters seem hastily constructed or come off as clichés. Their pressures and motivations are clearly stated and genuinely felt, and readers will quickly become invested in Mags and his confrontation with an uncertain future” -- Kirkus Reviews. I really felt validated with this part of the review because I put enormous time into sculpting these characters and I fell in love with all of them, even Rico, the baddie. I really felt them so I was enormously glad that came through.
If given a chance, which author (living or dead) would you like to meet (have met) and why?
I think it would be William Shakespeare. I’m a Shakespeare nut. Last summer I saw eight of his plays! I find it astounding how many of our expressions in English come from his works. I’d love to ask him about his creative process, his philosophy of life and human nature, and try to figure out the source of his marvellous, timeless wisdom, plus if he’s surprised how his works have endured for 400 years.
If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast as which characters?
For Rico, I like an actor named Richard Cabral (American Crime Story), who was an L.A. gang member in real life so he’s already tatted up; he has a very intense, edgy look. I’d cast either Benicio del Toro or Demian Bichir as Pops, Mags’ father, and wholesome-looking Benito Martinez as the parole officer, Angel. I’m not sure who would play Mags. The actor has to have the right balance of wholesomeness and edginess. I’d shoot the movie on location in Los Angeles. Maybe Kurt Sutter, who created the hit FX motorcycle gang show “Sons of Anarchy” would like to direct.
When and why did you decide to become a writer:
I won a prize for “writing interesting stories” when I was six years old so I guess writing was always there. It came out as soon as I literally learned how to put pen to paper. I also was a total bookworm as a kid and I wanted to write books when I grew up. When I discovered journalism in high school, I knew that’s what I wanted to do because it was a writing career. I’ve written fiction on and off my whole life.
What gave you the idea to write this book?
I was sent to El Salvador back in 2000 to do a magazine story on gang members deported from Los Angeles to San Salvador, which most of them really didn’t know because their families had emigrated when they were infants. It was a classic “fish out of water” story. They neither belonged in El Salvador or in the United States. Some barely spoke Spanish. It’s really a strange take on the immigrant experience. Their story resonated with me. I could relate to them because I had moved around the world as a child, so I also feel I don’t really belong anywhere. Although my novel is not about deported gang members; it’s the tale of rival homeboys in L.A., the book was inspired by those interviews in El Salvador.
What is your favorite quote from the book and why?
I have a few but here’s one of them: “Fighting’s the only time when I really feel something, you know, the pain. When I hurt, I know I’m really alive. Feel me?” One of the homies, Tweety, says this in response to Mags asking him why he likes boxing so much. It shows that in the gang world there’s a lot of emotional trauma that drives gang members, pain that they manage by numbing themselves like zombies. Tweety is so inured to his emotional hurt that the only way he can break out of his automaton state is by getting physically hurt. It’s a warped mentality in a bleak existence.
Are you traditionally published or self-published and why?
I prefer to go with a traditional publisher because it’s third-party validation of my work. It means somebody has read my book and deemed it worthy of publication. That says something right there. On the other hand, anyone can self-publish anything, which means a lot of subpar stuff is out there. That makes it that much harder for self-pubbed books to get noticed, especially if you’re a debut author. However, for authors with an established following, I think self-publishing is a very attractive option. You keep all your profits, all your rights and all your control! It does mean you have to handle a lot more of the business side, though.
Do you belong to any writer’s groups? Which ones and how have they helped you?
I’ve found Sisters in Crime to be the best of the bunch. SinC has regional meetings and events, which are great to meet other writers, as well as several very active listservs where you can post any kind of query. They have groups for new writers where you can find a critique group. They also promote members’ individual works through tweets and newsletters. There’s a real spirit of camaraderie. Last but not least, their dues are modest. I highly recommend this group, which men can join, too, by the way!
What advice do you have for other writers based on your experience?
Believe in yourself and that you have something to say. That’s the greatest gift you can give yourself. No matter how many rejections you get, as long as you believe in yourself, you’ll have the strength to keep going.
My writing tips on M.K. Graff's blog today!
A big thank you to author MK Graff for hosting me on her blog today., Auntie M Writes https://auntiemwrites.com/
I give my best 10 writing tips!
Here are several writing tips I’ve discovered through many years of writing. You may find them helpful. They’re in no particular order.
1. I don’t write myself out every day. I leave something – the very next scene, usually – so when I come back the next day I know what to do. I just pick up and keep going. If you write yourself out, then you end up wasting a lot of time wondering what comes next and trying to get back into the rhythm of the story.
2. If someone says something in your piece doesn’t work, it’s only one person’s opinion. But if two people make the same observation, you need to pay attention to what they’re saying. More often than not, it’s something that needs fixing.
3. Develop a thick skin. It takes courage to write and show your work to the world for judgment, but remember that not everyone is going to like your work, and that’s okay. You have to learn to let criticism roll off you. The nastiest rejection I ever got was from the editor of a literary journal who scornfully said of my experimental fiction submission, “Why would anyone even read this?” I kept submitting it and got the piece and another like it published in other journals.
4. If there’s someone in your life who does not support you creatively, either get rid of them or distance yourself from them as much as possible. Be ruthless because your art is worth it. I’ve broken up with boyfriends because they were not supportive or had no interest in my writing. In my mind, you can’t be with a writer if you’re not interested in what they write because their writing is part of their self-expression.
5. Don’t give up! It can be hard to keep going amid the onslaught of rejection –agents, editors, reviewers. If you get a particularly bad rejection or setback, allow yourself to wallow in self-pity for a set period of time, say three days. When that’s over, get back to your PC.
skinoftattooscover
6. When critiquing other people’s work, remember to be constructive and how it feels to be on the receiving end. Always state some positive points first then say “I thought you could improve this by…”
7. Have a general sense of where your story is going and how it will end. I’ve tried “pantsing,” ie. writing by the seat of my pants, and ended up lost in the plot labyrinth and wasted a lot of time. Now I have a loose outline and I periodically map out the next couple scenes as I write. That keeps me on track and thinking ahead. It makes the process much smoother.
8. Read a wide range of genres and authors. Read poetry to develop lyricism and an ear for language. Read plays to develop dialogue. Read mysteries/thriller/classics to improve plot development. Read literary works to enhance character development.
9. When confronting the dreaded writer’s block, do something else for a while, don’t fret and don’t force. I’ve found that getting up and going to the kitchen clears my head enough for the next step to pop in it. You can also use the time to do something else writing-related: work on your website, submissions, an essay, or on another section of your book. The secret is changing your focus so you can clear your blocked channel.
10. This may be the most important tip of all: Believe in yourself. Believe that you have something worthwhile to say. Believe in your talent. Believe that you will succeed and that the rocky road is part of any artist’s journey.
I give my best 10 writing tips!
Here are several writing tips I’ve discovered through many years of writing. You may find them helpful. They’re in no particular order.
1. I don’t write myself out every day. I leave something – the very next scene, usually – so when I come back the next day I know what to do. I just pick up and keep going. If you write yourself out, then you end up wasting a lot of time wondering what comes next and trying to get back into the rhythm of the story.
2. If someone says something in your piece doesn’t work, it’s only one person’s opinion. But if two people make the same observation, you need to pay attention to what they’re saying. More often than not, it’s something that needs fixing.
3. Develop a thick skin. It takes courage to write and show your work to the world for judgment, but remember that not everyone is going to like your work, and that’s okay. You have to learn to let criticism roll off you. The nastiest rejection I ever got was from the editor of a literary journal who scornfully said of my experimental fiction submission, “Why would anyone even read this?” I kept submitting it and got the piece and another like it published in other journals.
4. If there’s someone in your life who does not support you creatively, either get rid of them or distance yourself from them as much as possible. Be ruthless because your art is worth it. I’ve broken up with boyfriends because they were not supportive or had no interest in my writing. In my mind, you can’t be with a writer if you’re not interested in what they write because their writing is part of their self-expression.
5. Don’t give up! It can be hard to keep going amid the onslaught of rejection –agents, editors, reviewers. If you get a particularly bad rejection or setback, allow yourself to wallow in self-pity for a set period of time, say three days. When that’s over, get back to your PC.
skinoftattooscover
6. When critiquing other people’s work, remember to be constructive and how it feels to be on the receiving end. Always state some positive points first then say “I thought you could improve this by…”
7. Have a general sense of where your story is going and how it will end. I’ve tried “pantsing,” ie. writing by the seat of my pants, and ended up lost in the plot labyrinth and wasted a lot of time. Now I have a loose outline and I periodically map out the next couple scenes as I write. That keeps me on track and thinking ahead. It makes the process much smoother.
8. Read a wide range of genres and authors. Read poetry to develop lyricism and an ear for language. Read plays to develop dialogue. Read mysteries/thriller/classics to improve plot development. Read literary works to enhance character development.
9. When confronting the dreaded writer’s block, do something else for a while, don’t fret and don’t force. I’ve found that getting up and going to the kitchen clears my head enough for the next step to pop in it. You can also use the time to do something else writing-related: work on your website, submissions, an essay, or on another section of your book. The secret is changing your focus so you can clear your blocked channel.
10. This may be the most important tip of all: Believe in yourself. Believe that you have something worthwhile to say. Believe in your talent. Believe that you will succeed and that the rocky road is part of any artist’s journey.
Another Xmas present for Girl on the Brink!
Another Christmas present in the form of a 5-star review for Girl on the Brink!
This one is from YA author/blogger Libby Heily. Thank you Libby! Here's what she says:
All the feels. I read this over the course of one day while battling a cold. I was stuck on the couch and I thought, "I'll knock out a few chapters." That turned into a six hour reading marathon.
I love how this story starts. Chloe is doing a journalism internship. We get to learn the process with her, the good and the tedious. We don't get mired down in the minutia but we do get to see Chloe learn the very basics of what might become her future career. I could see revisiting this character in her late twenties as a veteran reporter in a new adventure. Chloe is capable, willing, a fast learner and aware that she's lucky to be able to afford to do an internship as well as lucky to land it. There is nothing about this position that is glamorous–it felt very real and I loved that.
The relationship with Kieran. UGH. There are so many YA stories that are about abusive relationships where neither character seems to know the relationship is abusive and it's passed on as "normal" to the readers. I hate that. But that's not what this story is about. We watch as Chloe falls for a charming, if corny, young man who is just thrilled to date her. She's never had a serious relationship, her home life is a mess and she's ripe to be taken advantage of because she gives a damn about people. We watch as Kieran has a fit and Chloe explains it away, as Kieran has a violent fit and Chloe is upset but explains it away. Kieran keeps her from her friends, insists on meeting her family, gaslights her frequently and insists that their problems are her fault. The relationship is built wonderfully because it all happens in increments. There are moments where you will want to scream at the book, scream for Chloe to stay away from him, to get help. But she continues and we watch in horror.
What I think Hoag does extremely well is to show us how this type of relationship can happen and then let us continue the journey with Chloe as she breaks up with Kieran and stays strong. I was so afraid this book would end in one huge scene where there's a violent outburst and Chloe has to kill Kieran to survive. That type of story would have been emotionally gratifying but it was so much more engaging to watch the true aftermath of that situation. Chloe heals slowly. She repairs her friendships and goes to therapy and meets other women who have struggled or are struggling with abusive relationships. This is SUCH an important book for teens to read. One of the characters in the support meeting makes a great point about how were they supposed to know their relationship was going to be bad, no one had ever taught them to look for red flags or had even discussed red flags. Hoag also has Chloe's friends make excuses for Kieran's poor behavior early in the novel because people who are compassionate tend to empathize and it's such a true moment.
The journey was my favorite part and this story is all about journeys. Chloe's mother has one of her own as she heals from heartbreak. I like this character for two reasons. Often times in YA we forget that the parents are real people and that their emotional states can vary just like the main character's can. I loved that the mother was devastated, heart broken, but managed to pull herself together and be there for her daughter.
Overall, great read. Upsetting, but great
This one is from YA author/blogger Libby Heily. Thank you Libby! Here's what she says:All the feels. I read this over the course of one day while battling a cold. I was stuck on the couch and I thought, "I'll knock out a few chapters." That turned into a six hour reading marathon.
I love how this story starts. Chloe is doing a journalism internship. We get to learn the process with her, the good and the tedious. We don't get mired down in the minutia but we do get to see Chloe learn the very basics of what might become her future career. I could see revisiting this character in her late twenties as a veteran reporter in a new adventure. Chloe is capable, willing, a fast learner and aware that she's lucky to be able to afford to do an internship as well as lucky to land it. There is nothing about this position that is glamorous–it felt very real and I loved that.
The relationship with Kieran. UGH. There are so many YA stories that are about abusive relationships where neither character seems to know the relationship is abusive and it's passed on as "normal" to the readers. I hate that. But that's not what this story is about. We watch as Chloe falls for a charming, if corny, young man who is just thrilled to date her. She's never had a serious relationship, her home life is a mess and she's ripe to be taken advantage of because she gives a damn about people. We watch as Kieran has a fit and Chloe explains it away, as Kieran has a violent fit and Chloe is upset but explains it away. Kieran keeps her from her friends, insists on meeting her family, gaslights her frequently and insists that their problems are her fault. The relationship is built wonderfully because it all happens in increments. There are moments where you will want to scream at the book, scream for Chloe to stay away from him, to get help. But she continues and we watch in horror.
What I think Hoag does extremely well is to show us how this type of relationship can happen and then let us continue the journey with Chloe as she breaks up with Kieran and stays strong. I was so afraid this book would end in one huge scene where there's a violent outburst and Chloe has to kill Kieran to survive. That type of story would have been emotionally gratifying but it was so much more engaging to watch the true aftermath of that situation. Chloe heals slowly. She repairs her friendships and goes to therapy and meets other women who have struggled or are struggling with abusive relationships. This is SUCH an important book for teens to read. One of the characters in the support meeting makes a great point about how were they supposed to know their relationship was going to be bad, no one had ever taught them to look for red flags or had even discussed red flags. Hoag also has Chloe's friends make excuses for Kieran's poor behavior early in the novel because people who are compassionate tend to empathize and it's such a true moment.
The journey was my favorite part and this story is all about journeys. Chloe's mother has one of her own as she heals from heartbreak. I like this character for two reasons. Often times in YA we forget that the parents are real people and that their emotional states can vary just like the main character's can. I loved that the mother was devastated, heart broken, but managed to pull herself together and be there for her daughter.
Overall, great read. Upsetting, but great
New 5-star review in for Girl on the Brink!
Girl on the Brink: A Novel
Great review in on Goodreads from YA author D.G. Driver! Woohoo! Thanks Donna!
"I am a slow reader typically, but I had a day off and did nothing but read this book. I couldn't put it down. The way Hoag builds the relationship between Chloe and Kieran from something innocent and light to overbearing and terrifying was simply amazing. She drops eerie hints along the way, and there is a constant dark undertone from the first chapter on. I have been in a couple relationships like this one (not as physical, thank goodness) but definitely where the mind manipulation was happening, and Hoag has it spot on. There is a raw honesty about sexuality in teens that might be too much for younger readers, so I recommend this for high school and up. I sincerely hope people discover this edgy contemporary YA."
Great review in on Goodreads from YA author D.G. Driver! Woohoo! Thanks Donna!
"I am a slow reader typically, but I had a day off and did nothing but read this book. I couldn't put it down. The way Hoag builds the relationship between Chloe and Kieran from something innocent and light to overbearing and terrifying was simply amazing. She drops eerie hints along the way, and there is a constant dark undertone from the first chapter on. I have been in a couple relationships like this one (not as physical, thank goodness) but definitely where the mind manipulation was happening, and Hoag has it spot on. There is a raw honesty about sexuality in teens that might be too much for younger readers, so I recommend this for high school and up. I sincerely hope people discover this edgy contemporary YA."
Girl on the Brink featured on Coffee Chat!
Ally Shields was kind enough to feature me and my YA thriller Girl on the Brink
on her first Coffee Chat blog of 2017! Here's the interview:
Ally: Your write both mature fiction and young adult. Is it hard to switch between the two? Do you set out to write one or the other, or does the heroine tell you what kind of story she prefers?
CH: Both my novels started out as YA. On “Skin of Tattoos,” I eventually upped the protag’s age by just a few years to make it an adult novel and it made all the difference as far as the scope of what the character could do since teens are limited in their range of actions by their age. However, the book still has some YA elements in that the protag has a lot of issues with his parents and family that he comes to term with by the novel’s end.
I conceived “Girl on the Brink,” however, as a YA, and it stayed as YA, but it was tricky, I confess. It took me a while to firm up the YA voice and perspective. It didn’t come naturally to me. I had to immerse myself in YA books to get the hang of it. I’m more comfortable with the adult voice though I have another YA in mind for down the road. YA readers are very enthusiastic so it’s a rewarding audience.
Ally: What was your road to publication? How long did it take you? What did you do to find a publisher?
CH: It was a long and rocky road to publication that took years, even after I finished writing the books, which took years in of itself. I eventually got an agent after sending out about 90 queries, but frankly, she was a lousy agent who gave up quickly. I did not. I rewrote and rewrote and got another agent, who was a real pro. She did not, however, succeed in selling my book (this was Skin of Tattoos). I kept at it. I knew it was good, and I knew Girl on the Brink was good, too. I kept rewriting, but I switched from seeking agents to seeking publishers who took unagented subs. I kept searching the Internet for publishers and submitting. My persistence paid off in the end, but it was a years-long process. I always tell aspiring authors, don’t give up and believe in yourself. Just keep going no matter what anyone tells you.
Ally: What has been the biggest surprise about the writing/publishing/marketing business? How did you adapt?
CH: Genre is everything. If you can’t fit your book within the confines of a specified genre, publishers (and agents) can’t market it. A good story just isn’t enough. This was the case with my novel “Skin of Tattoos.” My agent finally labelled it a “literary thriller,” and that seemed to work. “Girl on the Brink” was an easier one to categorize, as it deals with teen dating violence and there is an established contemporary social issue genre in the YA canon.
Ally: Your next project and potential release date?
CH: I’m working on two novels, both nearing completion. One is a traditional detective mystery set in Los Angeles and the other is what I’m calling a literary political thriller, set in Caracas, Venezuela, during the 2002 coup attempt. I was living there at the time and I covered the coup as a journalist. It was a very intense time. My goal is to finish both of these next year.
Ally: Try these short answer questions.
a. Do you make New Year's resolutions? I used to but found they didn’t work. Now I just hold myself accountable by writing things on a list. If it’s on the list, I have to do it!
b. How many books do you read in a year? I average about one a week.
c. Favorite perfume or lotion: Lanolin lotion from New Zealand. This is made from natural lanolin from sheep’s wool, which in its raw state is quite oily. It’s a beautiful thick, rich cream.
d. A guilty pleasure: A cream tea. The cream in cream teas ideally comes from Devon, England. It is boiled twice, resulting in a thick, clotted cream. With jam on a scone, and of course a pot of tea, it’s to die for.
e. A place (real or fictional) you dream about visiting: I really want to go to Mongolia. I’d love to roam the steppes with yaks and sleep in a yurt. Kind of weird, I know, but I love remote, isolated places.
Read the full post at: here!http://allyshields.com/7/post/2017/01...
on her first Coffee Chat blog of 2017! Here's the interview:Ally: Your write both mature fiction and young adult. Is it hard to switch between the two? Do you set out to write one or the other, or does the heroine tell you what kind of story she prefers?
CH: Both my novels started out as YA. On “Skin of Tattoos,” I eventually upped the protag’s age by just a few years to make it an adult novel and it made all the difference as far as the scope of what the character could do since teens are limited in their range of actions by their age. However, the book still has some YA elements in that the protag has a lot of issues with his parents and family that he comes to term with by the novel’s end.
I conceived “Girl on the Brink,” however, as a YA, and it stayed as YA, but it was tricky, I confess. It took me a while to firm up the YA voice and perspective. It didn’t come naturally to me. I had to immerse myself in YA books to get the hang of it. I’m more comfortable with the adult voice though I have another YA in mind for down the road. YA readers are very enthusiastic so it’s a rewarding audience.
Ally: What was your road to publication? How long did it take you? What did you do to find a publisher?
CH: It was a long and rocky road to publication that took years, even after I finished writing the books, which took years in of itself. I eventually got an agent after sending out about 90 queries, but frankly, she was a lousy agent who gave up quickly. I did not. I rewrote and rewrote and got another agent, who was a real pro. She did not, however, succeed in selling my book (this was Skin of Tattoos). I kept at it. I knew it was good, and I knew Girl on the Brink was good, too. I kept rewriting, but I switched from seeking agents to seeking publishers who took unagented subs. I kept searching the Internet for publishers and submitting. My persistence paid off in the end, but it was a years-long process. I always tell aspiring authors, don’t give up and believe in yourself. Just keep going no matter what anyone tells you.
Ally: What has been the biggest surprise about the writing/publishing/marketing business? How did you adapt?
CH: Genre is everything. If you can’t fit your book within the confines of a specified genre, publishers (and agents) can’t market it. A good story just isn’t enough. This was the case with my novel “Skin of Tattoos.” My agent finally labelled it a “literary thriller,” and that seemed to work. “Girl on the Brink” was an easier one to categorize, as it deals with teen dating violence and there is an established contemporary social issue genre in the YA canon.
Ally: Your next project and potential release date?
CH: I’m working on two novels, both nearing completion. One is a traditional detective mystery set in Los Angeles and the other is what I’m calling a literary political thriller, set in Caracas, Venezuela, during the 2002 coup attempt. I was living there at the time and I covered the coup as a journalist. It was a very intense time. My goal is to finish both of these next year.
Ally: Try these short answer questions.
a. Do you make New Year's resolutions? I used to but found they didn’t work. Now I just hold myself accountable by writing things on a list. If it’s on the list, I have to do it!
b. How many books do you read in a year? I average about one a week.
c. Favorite perfume or lotion: Lanolin lotion from New Zealand. This is made from natural lanolin from sheep’s wool, which in its raw state is quite oily. It’s a beautiful thick, rich cream.
d. A guilty pleasure: A cream tea. The cream in cream teas ideally comes from Devon, England. It is boiled twice, resulting in a thick, clotted cream. With jam on a scone, and of course a pot of tea, it’s to die for.
e. A place (real or fictional) you dream about visiting: I really want to go to Mongolia. I’d love to roam the steppes with yaks and sleep in a yurt. Kind of weird, I know, but I love remote, isolated places.
Read the full post at: here!http://allyshields.com/7/post/2017/01...
December 13, 2016
On the blogs: AUthor interview with Christina Hoag!
Christina Hoag
It's Raining Books, aka Book Moms, features a Q&A with your truly this week. I talk about writing, my boks adinspiration. Check it out at:
http://its-raining-books.blogspot.com...
It's Raining Books, aka Book Moms, features a Q&A with your truly this week. I talk about writing, my boks adinspiration. Check it out at:
http://its-raining-books.blogspot.com...
December 7, 2016
Suspense Mag: Girl on the Brink Best of 2016 YA!
I was just notified that "Girl on the Brink," my YA thriller about teen dating violence, has been named to Suspense Magazine's Best of 2016 list! Woohoo! One must savor these small triumphs
November 25, 2016
On the Blogs: Why I write about gangs
Today on Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers I write about why I write about gangs!
Having written both a nonfiction book and a fiction book about gangs, people often ask me why gangs? I first encountered gangs as a young newspaper reporter in New Jersey, when I was assigned to write a story about a notorious motorcycle gang delivering Christmas toys to a local hospital. I went to interview them in a small suburban house, very normal-looking apart from the bunch of Harley choppers out front and its rather gloriously hirsute occupants, who insisted they belonged to a “club” not a gang. I was fascinated by them and their chosen lifestyle. They had established their own society with its own rules, dress, language and culture within mainstream society. What drove people to do that? I wondered.
A side note: A couple years later, I saw one of the “club members” at a New Jersey prison where I’d gone to interview an inmate for another story. So much for the “club,” I thought.
Years later, on a magazine assignment, I interviewed gang members deported from Los Angeles to El Salvador, where they had landed like fish out of water because they’d left Salvador as babies and small children during the civil war. It was a country that they identified with, but really didn’t know. Some of them barely spoke Spanish. They had joined and formed gangs in Los Angeles because their families had moved to predominantly Mexican-American neighborhoods that had long-entrenched gangs.
The Central Americans formed their own groups for protection, but because they weren’t U.S. citizens, they later were vulnerable to deportation when the government started cracking down on immigrants with criminal records. The stories of the young men I interviewed were really rooted in an unusual outcome of both a civil war and the immigrant experience. They ended up staying in my mind to form the genesis of my recently released thriller, Skin of Tattoos.
Talking to the young men in El Salvador also reignited that previous interest in gangs from when I had interviewed the motorcycle guys, and I started reading about and researching gangs in earnest over the following years. I covered numerous gang issues as a reporter for the Associated Press in Los Angeles, talking to gang members, people who worked with them, people who worked against them, ie. cops.
There are many factors leading to gang formation, but in essence, gangs are driven by the universal human need for belonging to and approval of a group, and because some sectors of our society feel excluded from mainstream society, they form their own societies instead. Gang culture is alien to most of our lives and an extreme consequence of socioeconomic marginalization, but everyone can relate in some way to feeling excluded, of needing to belong, of wanting approval.
Here's the link!
http://anastasiapollack.blogspot.com/...
November 23, 2016
"Compelling", "chilling": Skin of Tattoos
4 starsNew review in from CMash Reads!
We have all seen on TV, read about and/or heard about gangs in today’s society but Ms. Hoag brings us inside the gritty world of gangs with SKIN OF TATTOOS.
Magdaleno, aka Mags, has just been released from jail, after taking the fall for one of his “homies” from the Cyko Lokos gang, which he is a part of. But this time it will be different. He is ready to leave the gang life but soon realizes it’s harder to leave than it was to join. Is death the only way out?
A compelling, and at times chilling, tale of the inner workings of what it is to be entrenched in a gang lifestyle. The “codes”, the rules, the crimes and even the betrayals.
Ms. Hoag has written a truly extensive and intensive story that will have you turning the pages.
