Marie Christiaon Interview Published on: 30, Jul 2021
What is one lesser-known fact about your childhood?
Although I have written and talked about my love of animals, I haven't talked much about experience growing up with ducks and geese. One of the things I waited for in the spring was when they hatched off. I always checked the nests because sometimes the hatchlings didn't break enough of the shells. Which often left me to be a short term parent so they could get strong enough to go back with the flock.
Do you remember the first book you ever read?Although I wouldn't say it was the first book I probably read, I do remember one that sticks with me. It was Help: I'm a prisoner in a Chinese bakery by Alan King.
Who all are a part of your family? How critical are they of your writing?Most of my family are my partner and an assortment of animals. Although I won't call any of them critical of my work, but my partner has no qualms in letting me know when she doesn't like something I've written. Usually she is right.
When were you first drawn to writing?I guess even from a young age, I found out I would rather create stories in my own mind than to watch television. Not that I really put much down on paper until much later in my life.
What challenges did you face when you published your first novel, Desert Rider?Almost everything. Since I was trying to do it on my own, I had to learn everything. The first was the rookie mistake of not realizing that grammar and spell check did not work together, at least with the program I was using. Then the whole process of self-publishing. But with support, I kept going, finally choosing the book I felt was the best to publish, Desert Rider. .
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?Call me impatient, but after all the time researching agents, and sending letters only to get little or no response, I took my chance with Amazon.
Who inspired the character of Annie in "Hourglass"?I didn't really base Annie on anyone in particular. I just wanted a person younger than Eva and who had several rough prior relationships.
How do you spend “quality time” with yourself?I like to spend time in the mountains, enjoying nature, riding, hiking and just relaxing.
What was the most challenging part about writing a murder mystery, Connections?The hardest part of Connections was balancing the murder mystery with the conflict between Sasha and Detective Taggert and finding the best way to work in the best freinds who supported Sasha during the investigation.
Which is the last book you read, completely? Was it worth your time?The last book I read was Invisible as Music by Caren Werlinger. It is definitely worth reading.
When writing novels, is it better to have daily time-spent-writing goals or words-written goals?I go more by word count than time. But I really don't force the words, I just prefer to concentrate on the ideas.
How do you feel as you draw near the fifth anniversary of your first published novel?It has been an interesting journey, and after the release, it gave me the courage to publish 8 other books since the release of Desert Rider.
Which mistakes should a beginner avoid in writing a novel?Don't rush in your writing or in your editing. And stay true to your own ideas.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?I am currently working on a new novel which will be a bit darker than most of my books. It is a search for justice in a rather unusual way.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?I have been pleased with what you have done, but I also know I need to be more proactive in asking for more assistance. I will try to communicate with you more often.
