Interview with Christina Berry

Christina Berry

Today we are interviewing author Christina Berry. Her debut novel, The Familiar Stranger is available through Moody Publishers.

Single mother and foster parent, Christina Berry carves time to write from her busy schedule because she must tell the stories that haunt her every waking moment. (Such is the overly dramatic description of an author's life!) She holds a BA in Literature, yet loves a good Calculus problem, as well. Her debut novel, The Familiar Stranger, releases from Moody in September and deals with lies, secrets, and themes of forgiveness in a troubled marriage. A moving speaker and dynamic teacher, Christina strives to Live Transparently--Forgive Extravagantly!

Her work has also appeared in The Secret Place, The Oregonian, and Daily Devotions for Writers. Find her at www.christinaberry.net and www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com.

 

The Familiar Stranger—formerly known as Undiscovered—is about a couple going through a really rough patch in their marriage. When an accident incapacitates the husband, their relationship must be redefined. Which would be a lot easier to do if BIG secrets from his past didn’t raise their ugly heads. Despite the upheaval, the choices they make involving forgiveness and trust might allow a new beginning. Or … they might not.

Christina took a few minutes to talk about publishing from a writer's perspective with Tiffany Colter.

TC: What do you do other than writing? How do you maintain balance.
CB: Balance, schmalance! That’s for Olympic gymnasts and people with lives. Lately, I’ve been connected to my laptop too much. In fact, it might actually be part of my lap …

As a single mom and foster parent, I try to make my children know they are loved and are my first priority, but that sometimes means Mommy can’t play a game because she has to work. Everything I do, I do for them. Currently I’m balancing sub jobs, freelance editing, and writing with cleaning, cooking, and normal living. As soon as school starts back up, let’s add chauffeur and AWANA leader.

I hope this is a passing season of busyness. As I navigate this process and the new experiences become more familiar, I pray I will be able to find a better balance.

TC: Upcoming projects?

CB: I’m about 1/5 of the way through my next manuscript, Unafraid, a story about a girl’s kidnapping, and how her life unfolds because of the trauma. One of my characters is a PI, so I’m having loads of fun with the research.

The book Mom and I have written together is currently at a few publishers, so hopes remain high concerning it. Also, the humor we display in our infrequent, humorous newsletters (sign up at www.ashberrylane.net/update.aspx) has garnered the attention of an editor. You just might see a funny, non-fiction cooperative work from the Ashberry Ladies at some point in time. Plus, I have a funky devotional a house is interested in … Busy, busy, busy!

Read the rest of Christina's interview here at Writing Career Coach and learn what it is like to work with editors.