Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Open for Submissions
Exclusive Interview with
Christina Fanelli
When did you start writing?
I wanted to be an author when I was a kid. I got my first writing diploma in 2004, which started me writing my first novel, but it wasn't until 20 years later that I achieved 12 additional writing diplomas that I started writing for others.
What makes writing your passion?
It is a hobby that I enjoy. I get to express my ideas, inspire others, and share thoughts interestingly and intriguingly.
How long have you been writing?
Off and on for about 20 years, but actively for almost two years.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I was so excited, it felt like one of the most significant accomplishments on my bucket list.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
So far in the books, I wrote for myself (not ghosts), the main characters all seem to resemble me in one way or another.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
What annoys me the most is trying to keep up with the names of my characters, finding the time to write, and the difficulty I have with describing the scenery.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I have not had it yet, but I think that is because I write a draft of what's going to happen in every chapter before I start.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
What makes me keep going is that I would like to make it a career and the series I have started I plan to use as an inspiration and a thought provoker for others.
The advice I would give to others is to set out a summary for each chapter of what is going to happen but leave it the option to change. Also, set a schedule of when to work on the book and stick to it.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell myself that I can do it and will be successful.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do read my book reviews good and bad. I usually read the bad ones and digest them. I try to see if what they are saying is something I can use to improve my writing or if the reader just missed something and I need to fix it in the novel.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I get goosebumps, inspiration to continue, and sometimes a stinging in my eye!
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Absolutely! Many times.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
Rosa Santori is me. Steps Forward, is based on a True Story.
Angela Lash, in Taking Chances, I can compare myself with. She was also neglected but overcome it.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The book cover has to attract the eye, but also be relevant to the story.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I do connect with my readers and I enjoy chatting with them about the story and hearing their input and thoughts on how the story flows and ends.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
One of my proudest moments!
Who is your favorite author? Why?
David Patterson, because he catches my interest fast, I am interested to end, and he isn't stagnant, they are all different. Sometimes mystery, sometimes legal, sometimes life...
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
David Patterson, but that's unrealistic, so Jodi Picoult
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes, my knitting book. I wrote it as a ghostwriter, but I have so many things to add to it that I have thought about writing it again with all the additions and publishing it myself.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
No, I'm happy where I am.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I'm sorry you have such hate for life.
What would you say to your readers?
I hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I have numerous diplomas in Literature, an AA in Business, and a BS in Information Technology I obtained while single parenting. I live in upstate New York where I have resided most of my life.
My books come from different sources such as my past, dreams, and forecasts. I hope that my writing insights can be beneficial to readers in both entertaining and understanding the unknown.
I have published several books on Amazon, both fiction and non-fiction. I am a proud mother of a BS Accounting graduate and a military service provider.
What is your day job if you have one?
I have been an Office Manager for many years working in different settings including healthcare, education, and business.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I like reading, knitting, fishing, and walking my dog.
Did you have a happy childhood?
No
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
My epilepsy frontal lobotomy
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have one that I am almost done with, so far Titled Czar. Tracy is a Journalist who stumbles across a world that is totalitarian/socialism.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I think it should be central to universal schooling. So all schools should teach the same, so no matter where you live you will learn the same. So if a child lives in Pennsylvania and then moves to Virginia, the education will be the same, just different teachers. Not losing out because of the different state education itinerary or living in lower-income areas.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
No more seizures
No more migraines
To be able to love
What is your favorite music?
Heavy metal and alternative rock
Share a secret with us 🙂
I know I say I won't, but if Scott asked me to marry him, I would.