When you read a good book, a million things happen. For one, if you’re like me, you get so sucked into the book that you: put yourself in the position of the character, take one character’s side over another’s and even get so emotional to the point of tears or headstrong rage. And if the book is really reaching you, you might find your life changing a little.
Yet, as far as fun and emotion goes when reading a book, I can’t help but wonder…what exactly was going through the author’s mind at the time when they wrote this? Was there a reason the author allowed for that to happen? Will I ever get these questions answered?! Thanks to today, I will and hopefully you will too.
Please welcome Ms. Christine Fonseca, author of The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed Up World! Ms. Fonseca took time out of her busy schedule to tell us all the nitty gritty details of her life as a writer. Below are the interview questions and answers. Enjoy!
Q: What inspired you to write a book based solely on helping young girls find their individuality?
My first and primary focus has been my girls. I want to do anything I can to help them embrace their unique nature and grow up to be strong, vibrant women. Additionally, I have the opportunity to work with young girls every day in my role as a school psychologist. More and more I see girls struggling with identity, resiliency, and authenticity. I wanted to do something to change that. The Girl Guide is a result of that effort.
Q: Do you think that they will take the advice you gave?
I certainly hope so! I know that every quiz, worksheet, tip sheet and activity has been tested on the children I work with. I can also tell you that I conducted many focus group online and in person as I researched the book, so I am confident in the strategies presented.
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Q: How long did it take to complete The Girl Guide and what was your remedy for writer’s block (if you experienced it)?
The research took a few months, and the writing took about a month or so. This book was hard for me. I was going through a lot in my day job, and my writing time was suffering. I am sure I drove my friends and family a bit crazy as I tried to get this book written! Writer’s block is actually not an issue for me…but time crunches are. And the only solution I have ever found for that is sitting my butt in the chair and writing!
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Q: How did you come up with the title?
I have to give the credit on the title to my editor, Lacy Compton with Prufrock Press. Between her and the marketing department at Sourcebooks, the title emerged and I am thrilled with it!
Q: What book are you reading now?
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I split my reading time between adult and YA fiction, and nonfiction. Right now, I am reading Debra Driza’s MILA 2.0. I have known Debra for a while and am thrilled with her successes.
Q: On a totally unrelated note, do you consider strawberry cheesecake the best dessert in the world or chocolate cake?
Chocolate cake, hands down! Yes, I am a sucker for chocolate – the darker the better! *and shoot, now I am hungry…*
Q: Do you believe that you’ve found you’re unique voice in this noisy world?
Some days, yes. I know that I am a unique person and definitely march to my own drummer. As the years pass, I have grown very comfortable with who I am and what my interests are. But, like anything, remaining in touch with the authentic part of our nature requires work.
Q: Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely! Although I work another job, in addition to being both a wife and mother, I treat my writing as a career, giving it the same level of respect and work ethic that I bring to the other aspects of my life. It is my ultimate goal to eventually be able to write, mentor and speak/train full-time in the not too distant future.
Q: Would you consider writing novels in the future?
Actually, I am a published YA novelist as well as an author of self-help books for children, teens, parents and educators.
Q: If so, what would it be about and what would you call it?
My published novels include the YA gothic paranormal romance series called the Requiem Series (including Lacrimosa, Libera Me, and several short stories) and the stand-alone YA dark psychological thriller, Transcend. I love writing books full of intrigue and mystery. Where my nonfiction is definitely focused on building resiliency and authenticity, my fiction tends towards the dark and macabre.
Q: Where do you prefer to buy books?
I buy my ebooks online (usually Amazon/Kindle) and my print books at both traditional (Barnes and Noble) and Indie (Mysterious Galaxy) booksellers. And yes, I buy both print AND digital books regularly!
Q: Who designed the cover for your book?
Once again, my thanks goes to the team at Prufrock Press for both the cover and the interiors. And can I just tell you – I LOVE IT! I especially love that Prufrock allows my input. In fact, for this cover they mocked up four choices which I then took to several focus groups for input. The one we chose was the one everyone seemed to love. (and yes, I am getting those “I <3 Me” t-shirts for book tours)
Q: Do you choose to read a book based on the cover?
I will choose to look more closely at a book based on the cover. But, I will not buy a book ONLY for the cover. I need to be hooked by the blurb or the first few pages.
Q: Do you prefer to write using a laptop or desktop (or any other device)?
Definitely a laptop. I like to work at my local coffeehouse, so portable is necessary!
Q: Where and when do you prefer to write?
With my crazy work schedule, I actually write whenever and wherever I can. Typically this means at a coffee house early in the morning or on weekends.
Q: What project are you working on now?
I am finishing up a new parenting book titled Quiet Kids that I am THRILLED about. After that I will be finishing Dominus, book #3 and the final installment in the Requiem Series. Then…who knows! I have some special things in the works
Q: Will you have a new book coming out soon?
Yes. The Girl Guide releases in May, Dominus releases in June, and Quiet Kids releases in October. I also am re-releasing a companion short story based on a character from Lacrimosa titled Enigma. It is a busy year!
Q: What was the toughest decision you had to make when you were a teen?
Oooh, the hardest decision…I would have to say it had to do with the decision of when to become physically involved with boys in any way. This was such a scary thing for me and I was so conflicted. In the end, I had a wonderful mother who let me talk with her openly about my feelings. This really helped me as I struggled to determine what was the best decision for me and how to not allow my boyfriends to make that decision for me.
Critically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. Her titles include the YA Gothic Romance Lacrimosa, the YA thriller, Transcend, Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students, and the much-anticipated book for teen girls, The Girl Guide, releasing in Spring 2013.When she is not writing or working with kids, she can be found spending time with her family, sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about Christine Fonseca or her books, visit her website –http://christinefonseca.com or check what she’s tweeting @chrstinef
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