Can you share a bit about your journey as a writer, starting from when you were a kid to now, having authored more than 20 books?
When I was a kid, I was an avid book reader! It wasn't uncommon for me to read 30+ books a week, Pippi Longstocking, Judy Blume books and, later, Mildred Taylor stories being among my favorites. It was while I was reading a book by Gwendolyn Brooks that it was revealed to me that I am a writer; I was 10 years old. My sister was the one who brought the book home from the elementary school library. She dropped the book on the bed we shared and ran back downstairs and outside to play, leaving me alone to read the book that would set me on a course I've been on for decades.
Were there any specific authors or literary works that inspired or influenced your writing style and storytelling?
As far as influencing my writing style, I always wanted to pattern my writing off of authors who wrote "classics". Fortunately, I found my own voice and much prefer writing intriguing stories using my own, unique style and voice. This is actually a lesson I learned early in my writing career; so glad that I respected and still stick with this lesson.
If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be based on your own experiences in the literary world?
Study the market. Study the industry. As with other industries, the book publishing industry is ever changing. Therefore, it's important to keep up with trends and shifts, including publishing format (e.g., paperback, hardback, eBook, audiobook) processes, outcomes, and options. Study associated costs, including editor rates, literary agent fees, print costs, translator fees, cost-per-click ads, etc. The more you learn, the better able you may be to negotiate good deals whether you self-publish, are traditionally published or are a hybrid author.
"Portia" was your first published novel. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the story and the process of bringing it to life?
Portia started as a series of letters I wrote my family, searching for a way to tell them that I had breast cancer. Turns out, I didn't have cancer but the experience of thinking I did have the disease when I was only in my 20s was significant. I decided to turn the letters into the inspirational story that became "Portia", a story about a successful Chicago defense attorney who uses her faith and the love of her family to face and overcome breast cancer. Many of the book's readers have passed the story along to their relatives and friends. If I've written a classic, it might be "Portia" as it may be the first inspirational fictional story of an African American woman dealing with breast cancer.
Your book "Spiral" explores the human experience. What themes or messages were you aiming to convey through this work?
At its core, Spiral deals with the effects of unchallenged/unfaced "fear". The story finds two prominent families in Memphis, Tennessee dealing with a string of events that are causing great worry and fear in the community, the type of place where people may say, "These types of things don't happen here". Oddly, it's two seemingly unsuspecting young people with an ability to see into the future as well as decipher past traumas that help break what happens in Memphis wide-open.
"Long Walk Up" sounds intriguing. Could you give us a glimpse into the book and what motivated you to write it?
Long Walk Up came to me in a way no other book I've written has. I was driving up Route 1 in Princeton, New Jersey when I was guided to write a story about a girl who had a traumatic childhood but an amazing and profoundly impactful adulthood. The girl in the story who is orphaned at six-years-old becomes Africa's first woman president.
"Love Pour Over Me" has a captivating title. What can readers expect from this book, and what inspired its creation?
Readers who appreciate a complex love story may truly enjoy reading Love Pour Over Me. Central to the story are Raymond Clarke, an exceptional middle-distance track and field runner who was raised by a hard alcoholic father, and Brenda, a beautiful 20ish woman whose family is from the "right" side of the tracks. Although Raymond and Brenda meet at college, their deep love carries them across decades, a journey of love readers get to join. Hint: A murder mystery is also central to the story.
"Rosetta The Talent Show Queen" seems to have a different tone compared to your other works. What prompted you to explore this genre, and what was the experience like writing it?
Oh! Rosetta The Talent Show Queen is my first middle-school book! I absolutely love Rosetta! She's bold, spunky, courageous, outspoken, and a bit mischievous. She's also loads of fun! In Rosetta The Talent Show Queen, 10-year-old pigtailed Rosetta does all she can to outdo her arc nemesis, Jennifer, the teacher's favorite student! It's time for the school talent show. Rosetta has an idea that could make the fifth graders the stars of the talent show. But her arc nemesis has other plans. The story teaches young readers about teamwork, communication, self-esteem, and understanding others.
"Pathways To Tremendous Success" suggests a self-help or motivational theme. Can you share some key principles or advice from the book that have personally resonated with you?
You're absolutely right! Pathways To Tremendous Success is a self-help book, focusing on topics such as the power of belief, overcoming fear, goal setting, shifting out of erroneous thinking, getting your brain off autopilot and more - all to support your efforts to live the life you were created to live.
With over 20 books to your name, how do you stay creatively inspired and motivated to continue producing new works?
I love to write! Crafting a new novel in itself is a great reward for me! I also value sharing lessons I've learned which leads to research and motivational and inspirational self-help books. My greatest motivation comes from how it was revealed to me that I was a writer when I was 10 years old. I'm doing what I came into this world to do - write engaging, intriguing and entertaining stories!
Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you have any rituals or specific routines that help you in the creative process?
When it comes to writing, I'm what folks call a "pant-ser". I've tried using an outline but feel most effective when I simply sit down and start writing. It's during the self-editing process that I truly start to mold and sharpen a story. Yet, the most important part might be simply getting the story on paper. After several (and I do mean several) rounds of self-edits, I start working with an experienced, professional editor to tighten the story even further.
Your website, www.chistell.com, serves as a hub for your work. How has the online platform impacted your connection with readers, and what role do you see for authors in the digital age?
Earlier in my writing career, (except for conferences and festivals I attended) chistell.com was mainly how I interacted with readers. Today, it's more thru social media. Thanks to the blog at chistell.com, Off The Shelf Books podcast and The Book Lover's Haven newsletter, I regularly reach hundreds and thousands of readers, results I truly appreciate.
In addition to writing, are there other creative pursuits or hobbies that you enjoy and that contribute to your overall creativity?
Other creative pursuits include podcasting (Off The Shelf Books), a literary newsletter (The Book Lover's Haven), and being out in nature. Love taking nature walks, visiting museums, and learning!
Are there any upcoming projects or books that you're currently working on, and if so, could you give us a sneak peek into what readers can anticipate?
Be on the lookout for Reclaiming Enduring Success: Living Beyond Fear, a self-help book with 365 daily empowering success quotes & personal growth exercises. I'm also finalizing The Whooten Forest Mystery, a suspenseful thriller set in a New Jersey forest, a story with ties to Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Atlanta, Georgia. Then, there's the third book in the Rosetta series that's coming soon!
When did you join AllAuthor? What has your experience been like?
I joined AllAuthor several years ago. Love your author interviews and the opportunities for authors to connect and support each other's creative efforts. Also appreciate (and love) the social media book mockups that AllAuthor creates! Thank you for this interview and how you support authors, readers, literacy, entertainment, and ongoing learning!
