T.L. Christianson opens up to you now that the Shades Of Red Box Set is available for your reading pleasure. Who could pass up vampires? Not this reader.
What inspired your leading character?
I grew up with powerful women, and every main character is based on someone I love and care about. My favorite to write was Sarah from Scarlet. I cringe a bit becasue I've found that my readers either love her or absolutely hate her. Sarah is actually based on my oldest sister who raised me. She's one of the most inspiring women in my life; she's fearless and brave and lives her life without regret. Those are qualities that I wish I had more of.
Do you watch tv shows? If so, what kind interest you?
Oh, my yes. I'm pretty picky though. I love shows that I can't predict. However, in these times filled with stress and uncertainty I've gone with silly reality shows to keep myself in a lighter mood. So, I've been watching The Circle, Nailed it, and the Voice. However, some of my classic favorites are The Big Bang Theory, Rick and Morty and Grey's Anatomy.
How are you balancing writing, every day life, and this health crisis?
LOL...ahhh. When this all began, my family and I were in Southern France near the Italian boarder. Thank goodness we were in an apartment with a large terrace and not a hotel room when the country went on lockdown. Lockdown in France is a lot more strict than what we've experienced in the US. In order to leave home, we had to take paperwork filled out showing that we had "essential reason" to leave. I didn't go out very much other than to go for the occasional brief walk. My husband had been stopped several times by the Gendarmes - the French police when he rode his bike or went to the store.
This was a frustrating time because we were already trying to get home when the US State department suggested US citizens do so. The problem is that most of the flights going to America had been canceled or were being canceled.
Finally, we arranged to fly out of Zurich. So, we packed up and drove up through the French Alps and into Switzerland. We weren't stopped until the Swiss boarder. If you're unfamiliar with western Europe, travel between countries is usually like travel between states in the US; There usually are no check points or stops, usually just a sign. The Swiss were on edge but friendly and efficient as usual. We departed through an eerily empty Zurich airport and flew to London. We had to transvers terminal 3 at Heathrow which was packed with travelers from all over the globe - there was no social distancing going on in there. In the Zurich airport, the police had been enforcing social distancing so this was concerning. Knowing it wouldn't do me much good, I doned a small paper mask while my son wore the mask he'd bought while we were in Vietnam. My 18 year old daughter and my husband wore nothing - counting on their own strong immune systems.
After getting home my life really isn't much changed. I work from my home office most of the time anyway and that is still the same. However, I now share my house with my husband and two teenagers who are all telecommuting to work and school.
If you could give advice to your younger self about this chosen path, what would it be?
Stop doubting yourself! Don't wait so long to publish! LOL. I wrote my first novel at 16 and several after before writing CRIMSON and having it published in 2018.
Finally, we arranged to fly out of Zurich. So, we packed up and drove up through the French Alps and into Switzerland. We weren't stopped until the Swiss boarder. If you're unfamiliar with western Europe, travel between countries is usually like travel between states in the US; There usually are no check points or stops, usually just a sign. The Swiss were on edge but friendly and efficient as usual. We departed through an eerily empty Zurich airport and flew to London. We had to transvers terminal 3 at Heathrow which was packed with travelers from all over the globe - there was no social distancing going on in there. In the Zurich airport, the police had been enforcing social distancing so this was concerning. Knowing it wouldn't do me much good, I donned a small paper mask while my son wore the mask he'd bought while we were in Vietnam. My 18 year old daughter and my husband wore nothing - counting on their own strong immune systems.
What is the best part about publishing? Do you self-publish?
I am hybrid, which means I've been published by a publisher and I've self-published. Both have their benefits. However, my favorite part of both is connecting with readers. I get messages from readers through my website or on Facebook about how my books helped them through a tough time or touched their lives. That is honestly the best for me when I know I've helped someone - even if it’s only an escape. Life is hard.
Do you drink coffee or tea or both?
Both. I love Tetley English tea after spending time in the UK and Ireland but coffee is my go-to when I'm in need of a pick me up.
Do you fall into the author cliché of having depression and/or anxiety? (There is no obligation to discuss this issue. It is something I struggle with and discuss on my blog.)
(Long sigh - me expelling a breath I held while reading this) I am a sensitive person who picks up on subtleties many other people miss. While this makes me a great writer (I'd like to think) with a lot of empathy, able to embody someone else, it does have its dark side. So, without going into too much detail here, my short answer is yes, I do struggle with both.
What do you wish to accomplish with your writing?
I want to touch as many people as possible, give them something to look forward to or to escape to. Anything else is just icing on the writing cake.
Thank you for answering all these questions for us. Your boxset is on my to-be-read list. (I am whittling that down, btw. ) (No, I'm not. It's constantly growing.)
To purchase this series you can click the banner at the top of the page for the Bookbub link or go straight to Amazon. By all means get to know TL Christianson better via her Website Facebook, and Instagram.
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