Never Too Old For Y.A. & N.A. Books discussion
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Lacrimosa
Author Interview of the Month
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JULY Interview with Christine Fonseca
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Starbucks? Seriously? You are a genius at concentration! All my first drafts are written with the door closed and everybody either asleep or walking on tiptoes...
Oh great interview! good idea about ipad. I have to admit having practically no time to write anything(other than weekends), with a full time job and children and other stuff, it becomes quite difficult to find some time to write. but with something like an ipad, one can slot in writing time whenever and wherever. Thanks for the great interview. :)
Great interview! I love what you said about conducting yourself professionally and respecting your readers opinion of your works, trying not to badmouth anyone. The authors that do this get a bad name and then people don't want to read their work, no matter how good it may be. (There was a newly released book I was excited about and wanted to discuss on GR but she had a run in with a reader when it first came out and the drama followed her, and sadly many people refused to read the book after that.)You have always been very nice, helpful and inspirational in your posts on GR. I know you'll go far!
Heinzypop wrote: "OH Christine I LOVE your interview...you are just so amazing and your stories have really touched me in a way I never thought possible. You are lyrical, poetic and beautiful. Thank you for taking t..."Thanks Sylvia - this group has really been amazing, both for the readership and the fab conversations.
Kfir wrote: "Starbucks? Seriously? You are a genius at concentration! All my first drafts are written with the door closed and everybody either asleep or walking on tiptoes..."Yea, I just pound the pandora through my headset, tune everything out and write. So much easier for me than at home
I've talked to Christine before and she was so nice! Wonderful interview! I really want to read her books! :)
Cecilia wrote: "Oh great interview! good idea about ipad. I have to admit having practically no time to write anything(other than weekends), with a full time job and children and other stuff, it becomes quite diff..."Me pleasure. Truly
Jen*Geekygamergal* wrote: "Great interview! I love what you said about conducting yourself professionally and respecting your readers opinion of your works, trying not to badmouth anyone. The authors that do this get a bad n..."Awe, thank you. When I first decided to get published, I met an author online who was so generous with her time and her spirit. I decided then and there, that when I "grew up" as an author, I wanted to be just like her
Maria wrote: "I've talked to Christine before and she was so nice! Wonderful interview! I really want to read her books! :)"Thanks Maria!
Outstanding interview! Thank you, Christine, for your wonderful advice and encouragement. (As a fellow educator, I found myself nodding my head a few times reading your Q&A.) Thank you again for sharing. Looking forward to reading LACRIMOSA; it's now at the top of my to-read list. :)
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Yea, I just pound t..."
Oh we love our conversations with you :) they are so much fun how can we not be you are an exceptional woman and author thank you mwah
Stephanie wrote: "Outstanding interview! Thank you, Christine, for your wonderful advice and encouragement. (As a fellow educator, I found myself nodding my head a few times reading your Q&A.) Thank you again for sh..."Awe, Thanks! I love connecting with readers and other authors...I really do!
I can say nothing at all the "DO be authentic in your story." is favorite part. Coz honestly I really wanted to be a writer. I always day dream about it, and I'm currently working for my first piece. hahahahaha.
Melissa wrote: "I can say nothing at all the "DO be authentic in your story." is favorite part. Coz honestly I really wanted to be a writer. I always day dream about it, and I'm currently working for my first piec..."That's awesome Melissa. Keep writing!!!
So I have a question for you guys....what is important to YOU in a story?
For me, first and foremost is I have to be able to relate to and I must care about the characters. If they're unlikable or unrelatable, then I don't care what villain they defeat or obstacle they overcome. I must be able to empathize with them.Secondly, I want to read a story where the author has shown care in his/her craft. I want lovely imagery, ominous foreshadowing, witty dialogue, and clever characters. Am I asking too much?
Good question, Christine. ;)
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Oh I want to feel connected to the characters and the story! I want to be captivated and mesmerized and I love tension between characters and you have plenty of that Christine! I want to feel like I'm in the book not just reading it if that makes sense !! I want o be swept away in the imagery and mourn when the series is over because the characters have become a part of my life :)
I love your answers so much! Thanks guys
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You're so welcome :)
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Great interview Christine. I loved your answers! :)" Thanks Brooke!
So, I have another question for you guys...something I always like to add readers - what makes you decide to read a certain book?
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For me, the first thing that usually draws me in is the cover. If something has a great cover, I definitely want to read the blurb to see if I'll like it. Also, reviews or recommendations from my reader friends and authors. Even if something doesn't have a great cover, but someone tells me it's awesome, I'm gonna read it. Lastly, it depends on what I'm feeling. Right now, I'm not really wanting to start anymore series (even tho there are tons out there that I want to read) b/c I'm wrapped up in so many, even some that are completed but I just haven't gotten to them yet.
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Christine wrote: "So, I have another question for you guys...something I always like to add readers - what makes you decide to read a certain book?"For me, the first thing that usually draws me i..."
Which brings me to another reader question...Series or Stand alone?
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For me, the..."
LOL! I will do both. Right now I'm really looking for stand alones b/c of what I said above...but if the series is really spectacular, I won't stop myself from jumping in! I recently jumped into a new one...eh hem...I think you know what it is! I'm so glad I did, too!
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Christine wrote: "Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Christine wrote: "So, I have another question for you guys...something I always like to add readers - what makes you decide to read a certain b..."Tee hee hee....I am SO HAPPY you have enjoyed them.
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You know I have. BTW, be on the look out for an email coming your way!
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Christine wrote: "Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Christine wrote: "Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Christine wrote: "So, I have another question for you guys...something I always like to a..."sweet! Love Brooke emails!!!
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LOL!
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As, for stand alones or series...well I can do both but sometimes you want more from a stand alone and hope that the author continues the story but some series you wonder why they even bother with more than one book :)
I have a question..is it hard for you as an author to read and review other authors work here on Goodreads? Since you know the work and effort that goes into writing a novel, what would you do if you read a book you just didn't think was all that good? Not comment on it, or post a review anyway?
For me, first, if I've read other stories by that author I liked, it's a given I'll read anything else they put out. If it's not, I look for a well-done cover, and usually I search by the genre I am looking to read at the time. I then RUN to GR and check out the reviews. Sylvia and Brooke have great taste in books so if they liked something, chances are, I'll like it too!Christine wrote: "So, I have another question for you guys...something I always like to add readers - what makes you decide to read a certain book?"
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Woot Woot!! :D
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Aww...thanks!!!
I love it guys! Nothing better than getting the "real" scoop from readers! Like how I turned this into an interview of YOU. LOL!Seriously though - feel free to ask me anything!
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Seriously though - feel free to ask me anything!"
Jen had an amazing question she was asking about how you feel about reading books and reviewing them...just scroll up :)
Hi guys, I agree with you that a good cover is the first eye catching thing you notice. I do read books based on the author as well as the description if it is something that is different or appeals to me. I also love this site as I do read books based on my friend's reviews so that helps me choose a new book or author too. Personally I love series as I tend to get involved in the characters and want to read more of what has happened to them. I do read some stand alone books but not many short stories as they are over so soon and its hard to like them when you know so little about them. Just my thoughts :)
Jen*Geekygamergal* wrote: "I have a question..is it hard for you as an author to read and review other authors work here on Goodreads? Since you know the work and effort that goes into writing a novel, what would you do if y..."Dude!! So sorry I missed this one! I love this question. I decided a long time ago to only actually review books I LOVE. So, if I read a book and I don't particularly care for it, I don't rate it and I don't review it. Its a policy that works well for me...one I adopted prior to being published, actually
Nereid wrote: "Hi guys, I agree with you that a good cover is the first eye catching thing you notice. I do read books based on the author as well as the description if it is something that is different or appeal..."Thank you! LOVE!
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That's a great way to go about it...I find if there is a book that I'm not keen on I try and outline what I did like about it but don't elaborate on anything I didn't like..I know how hard it to put yourself out there and authors definitely realise that not everyone is going to enjoy their story, it's nothing personal...I really get peeved at the reviewers who go on and on about how bad a book was and at times I've read some who beat an author down about it and I find that to be dispicable and disgusting and totally unwarranted... it's a shame really
Heinzypop wrote: "Christine wrote: "Jen*Geekygamergal* wrote: "I have a question..is it hard for you as an author to read and review other authors work here on Goodreads? Since you know the work and effort that goes..."Yep, it can be hard. As an author, I have made a conscious decision to read reviews (not every author chooses this). It took a while to find that place of confidence that enabled me to read the reviews objectively and not personally. I've had my work "downgraded" due to things I can't control (like the formating on the readers particular type of e-reader). And I've had readers point out some weaknesses with my writing that have helped in the long run.
In the end, though, every reader has a right to their opinions IMHO. Once I put it out there, it is no longer mine to own or control. And for me, as an artist, I write books to be read by others. Period.
And that means they will undergo a certain amount of scrutiny. That's okay. As long as I told the story I meant to tell, I'm cool with the reactions.
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And that's why we love and admire you :) you remind me alot like my bestie B.C. Morin author Mark of the Princess...once it's out in the world, it is really out of your hands and you have to trust that you did write and tell the story you were meant too...totally agree with that :)
Absolutely and the amazing thing is that why some people may not really enjoy a book, others will be blown away by it so there is something for everyone. I have read a book and it just didn't connect with me and others that I re-read over time. Respecting an author too is a big thing as you admire their work ethic and the way they weave the web with all the different strands forming a tapestry that you want to escape into. Not only are you a wonderful, humble author but a lovely person too Christine, your mum would be proud. :)
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I'm with Sylvia. I always find those things I didn't like and make it simple and to the point. You don't have to totally bash a book. I really hate when people do that. I have certainly read books that people have loved and I just do not like. A book has to be totally unreadable to me if it gets only 1 star. I've never given anything lower than 2.5 stars (I think). And if you look at what that means for me in my personal statement on here, you'll most likely understand why.There's no reason to beat an author down. They worked hard.
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Really? Formatting and type of reader? That's just ridiculous in my opinion. I'm looking at the writing and how it flows and whether or not I like the story and the characters. I have to say that grammatical errors do get to me and, unfortunately, it will affect how I feel about a book. I just can't help that. I was an English major and I used to edit papers to make money in college, so it's just in me. But if the story is great, the characters are wonderful and the author drew me in, it won't matter as much.
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I agree with respect. You can give a critical review without bashing and trying to make the author feel like their work was crap.
I read a book that some of my friends on here totally loved, they sped through it. It just didn't strike me the same way. The story was just ok for me, but I didn't bash the book. I said what I didn't like, and what I did, and that was it. I did feel badly that I wasn't liking it as much as they did, but everyone is different.
I have found that the more books I read, the better my review abilities get.
Yes Brooke, we as readers are not experts in this field either and who are we to judge and criticize some one else's work. I believe positive criticism is more beneficial than negative comments and respect is important as it is very personal putting your work out there for others to read and comment on. We should all walk in the shoes of others then maybe we would be more tolerant of each other. :)
Well said Christine. You ARE such a nice person! I have had trouble when I review a book and I liked it, but wasn't "in love" so gave it 3 stars. The author seemed kind of offended that I didn't give it more. But,it was because the grammar got to me and made it hard for me to really "get into" the wonderful world he created.
Never Too Old For Y.A. & N.A. Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Remembrance (other topics)Libera Me (other topics)
Remembrance (other topics)
Libera Me (other topics)
Transcend (other topics)
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1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My earliest memories of wanting to be a writer actually started in grade school. But, as with most childhood thoughts/dreams, I changed my mind several times until I wound up working as an educational psychologist. It wasn’t until I was in my early 40’s that I revisited the dream of writing and pursued it with the intent of being published.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
Hmm, this really varies. LACRIMOSA took a couple of months to draft. But, I rewrote it several times before it finally made it to publication. My next book, TRANSCEND, was the hardest book I have ever written, though it only took about 6 months from inception to being ready for my editor. Each story is unique in the experience of drafting, editing, and publishing. Very unique.
3. What do you think makes a great story?
Oohh, I love this question. I think a great story has extremes – both highs and lows. It also has characters I care about, something tragic that happens to them, a touch of romance, and depth – lots of depth.
4. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
This varies as much as the experience of writing each story. I have a fulltime job in education that is year-round, so I do not get as much writing time as I would like. Therefore, I have to write whenever I can and however I can. During the work week this means writing for a few hours in the morning BEFORE I hit the office, as well as a couple of hours at night. I also write a lot on the weekends.
5. How do you balance family and writing?
That is a never ending challenge. As I mentioned above, I have a full time job, as well as two teenage daughters. I am crazy busy all of the time. So, I take my iPad (which I draft one often) with me, as well as Pandora, at all times – just to make use of writing moments. I have learned to draft in 15 minute increments. Three or four of those moments daily can net 2000 words or more. This in turn leads to the first draft of a book in a month or less. Of course the editing is a different process all together!
6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Um, from thin air???!!! No really, I typically get the idea for the next book while I am drafting a different story. It typically starts simple, with a scene or a thought. I let it grow into an idea in my head. Then I research. With the Requiem Series, I studied angel and demon mythology at length – from all cultures. With TRANSCEND, I read stories set in the same time frame just to get the “voice” of that historical period in my head. Every story is different in what I research.
7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Another great question. I am always amazed by my characters, actually. They take me on a journey as I discover who they are and what their motivations are. This is probably the most exciting part of the process to me – discovering my characters. That and watching/listening as a reader makes those same discoveries.
8. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
I have written and published one novel and two short stories in fiction, as well as two nonfiction books. Additionally, I have two more novels and the prequel novella to a new series coming out this year, and another novel early next year. There are also several more stories in the works for the next two years. Each book has a special place in my heart, each tells its own story; in that respect, I have no favorite. That said, I am in love with characters in different stories for different reasons. For example, I have always had a character crush on Aydan from LACRIMOSA. Even now, as the story is being developed into so much more than the original story, he is still one of my all-time favorite characters. My next book, TRANSCEND, is the hardest book I have written to date, and holds a special place to me as such. It is different in every sense of the word – structure, development, plot. I love it for its originality.
9. Are your characters based on anyone you know?
You know, not really. I will say that the characters do have some aspects of people in my life. And I do “collect” character quirks, phrases, etc from the people around me. But my characters mostly come to me fully developed. My job is trying to remain open enough to pull out that character and be authentic to “who” they are, if that makes sense. It’s a very organic process for me.
10. Do you have a favourite place you love to write?
Actually I have two – outside in a gazebo by my pool (my summer spot) and at my local Starbucks. All of my books have been written at Starbucks. Every one!
11. How hard is is to get published?
My journey has been a long and hard one – at least for fiction. Nonfiction was much easier, as I write to a specific niche and found an amazing publisher for that specific area. With fiction, I tried many roads, finally settling on a small press, Compass Press. I decided to go with them for two reasons – artistic control and they really understood what I was trying to do with my stories. It has been an amazing journey with them and I consider myself fortunate to have linked with such a great partner.
12. What do your family and friends think about your books?
I am blessed with an incredibly supportive family. From supplying music for my writing pleasure, to helping me carve out writing time, guilt-free, to helping promote the books once they are published, I could not ask for more supportive friends or family. They are simply amazing. Those who have read the books have loved them, which have also kept me going. Sadly, one of my most supportive family members, my mom, died before she was able to read any of my books. But she instilled my love of reading, and the courage to follow my dreams. I credit her with my stories and perseverance to share them with all of you.
13. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
HA! You mean there is more to life than writing and work? HA! Seriously, I love to garden, cook, decorate, swim, hike, read, play with the kids, and on and on…as you can see, I have many diverse interests – far more than I have time to regularly pursue.
14. Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they?
I am all about being authentic – in your story, in the development of your characters, and in your own life. I think this is the best way writers can improve, by striving to be authentic. Too often I have watched writers cave to the demands of an ever changing market rather than telling the story the characters are trying to tell. While it is important to stay open to improving your craft, and I do pay attention to reader feedback as a way to improve, I think being authentic to the story you are trying to tell is equally important, if not more so.
15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Oh let’s see…a marine biologist, a Broadway star, a writer, a business tycoon, a mergers and acquisitions specialist, a profiler for the FBI, and the list goes on. In the end, I can be a little of all of those things as a writer.
16. What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?
Man, this is hard. I am inspired by so many different authors for so many different reasons. I love Libba Bray’s humor and play on words. I love Gretchen McNeil and Elana Johnson for their snark. I love Cassandra Clare’s world building. I love Phillip Pullman, CS Lewis and JK Rowlings for their plot development and general story-telling. I love Richard North Patterson and Dan Brown for their impeccable research. And I love Victoria Schwab, Jessi Kirby, Kirsten Hubbard and so many others for their beautiful use of the English language.
17. For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published?
Hmm, only a couple of do’s and don’ts I think:
DO write the very best work you can, taking time to carefully edit.
DON’T rush your work just to get it out there.
DO be authentic in your story.
DON’T chase the market trends.
DO be an individual.
DON’T steal others’ works
DO honor your readers, editors, publishers, etc by being professional at all times, meeting deadlines, and conducting yourself professionally online. Treat anyone who takes the time to read your work with high regard, regardless of their opinion of your work or their expressions of that opinion.
DON’T argue or otherwise badmouth readers, those who hate your work, or those by whom you’ve been rejected. Writing is a subjective business. There will be rejections – passionately so at times. That is the nature of the business. If it bothers you, if you can’t respect people’s rights to hate your work, I would humbly suggest that publishing your work may not be the right move for you, because trust me…there will be people that hate the stories you write and will share their opinions widely. That’s okay. They have that right.
18. What are you working on now?
So so so many things. Immediately on the docket are TRANSCEND, slated for release in September 2012, and the next installment of the Requiem Series, LIBERA ME, releasing in October. After that, I’ll be finishing up the Requiem series and starting a companion series, as well as more psychological thrillers. In nonfiction, I have two projects in the works, including a book for girls about resiliency entitled REDEFINING NORMAL. It is an exciting time.