18Q Christina Barber

Christina Barber

The Eighteen Questions

18Q

Novel

Greystone (April 2006)

Short Stories:

The Christmas House (Muse Marquee, January 2006)

Dark Intervention- (The Deepening, Summer 2006)

Restless (Aleatory Anthology, Summer 2006)

Non-Fiction:

After Twilight Column- Muse Marquee ezine

Bibliography

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

Oh, it chose me, alright. Like the stray dog that shows up at your door, walks inside your home and makes itself comfortable!

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

My original college credits were for a degree in fashion merchandising. So, while I had many basic courses, History of Fabric 101 didn’t transfer to a regular institution when it came time. So I never finished up my degree. My work seemed to be whatever I could do to make money. I spent most of my time working was as a figure skating coach (I really enjoyed the creative side of that job.)

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

When my 4th grade teacher told my mother I would be! But, about two years ago, when I couldn’t stop creating stories is when I truly took time to think about it. I had a large notebook full of handwritten stories. Now that I look back, most were junk. But, it caused me to reflect on why I wrote them to begin with – for the love of the craft. And my 4th grade teacher did say that.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

Dark, eerie. I love things that go bump in the night. No blood and guts stuff. I adore the psychologically disturbing – the shadow lurking around the corner whose hand strokes your arm with its icy fingers as you walk by.

5. What is your writing process?

It all starts with a small idea, maybe a scene or a place. I always let things ‘simmer’ – as I call it – but, I let the idea sit in my mind for at least a day. It then festers and spawns more ideas. Before I know it, I’m scribbling my ideas on pieces of paper trying to keep up with all that is pouring out of my head.

6. What was your path to publication?

I started writing an action adventure novel for women. After my critique groups gave it the ax (THANK YOU ALL!) I found a horror short story contest. I entered, didn’t win, but it put me in the genre that I love and do my best work – horror. From there I had a few short stories published and then my paranormal thriller novel.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

Using coffee shops to market my novel! I go, read an excerpt or two. People drink coffee, buy books. It all works out very well.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

What, no advance? You hear about this one and that one all getting hefty advances. But reality is that the advance is not for the starving artist, but instead for well established authors – the ones who don’t need it!

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

Life. I can look around at any given moment and come up with a story based on something using people and circumstance that are around me.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

Selling a book at a signing and upon leaving the venue saw someone sitting on the steps of the facility, engrossed within its pages.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

Don’t take critiques personally. It’s not about you, it is about the work. Learn to separate the two.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

I was at a book signing and a gentleman came up. He bought a book, we chatted and he seemed like he knew me, although I couldn’t place his face, I felt like I knew him as well. Days later I ran into him – I did know him and had personally invited him to the signing earlier in the week.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

Buying more books for signings, making sure I have enough on hand with the money I have.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

Write and keep writing.

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

I love to invite a few friends over, create a gourmet meal, and then play cards after the meal. I also love spending time with my family. I like to garden too!

16. Who do you like to read?

Tough question. I don’t have anyone in particular. I read a bit of this and that.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Keep writing and keep submitting. It takes time and patience, but it is well worth it.

18. What are you currently working on?

My second novel, Seely’s Pond. It’s a dark fantasy.

Christina’s 18Q