With more than 20 published fantasy titles, Christina Bauer’s writing has been called “must read paranormal romance” by USA Today. As part of her launch tour for her most recent novel, ALIEN MINDS, author Christina stopped by the NFReads. Here’s the interview!
Please introduce yourself and your book(s)!
I write fantasy-romance books that feature kick-ass chicks. I have actual rules like, no one can hide in a corner while someone else fights the big bad.
What is/are the story(ies) behind your book(s)?
I use a modified version of the hero’s journey by Joseph Campbell. Basically, there are key differences that make up the heroine’s journey, and those can be easily explained by Star Wars. No, I am not kidding. Details may be found in my blog post here.
What inspires/inspired your creativity?
The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. When I read LOTR as a teenager, there were no other fantasy books out there. It opened my mind to an entirely new way of storytelling.
How do you deal with creative block?
Read other books. Make Pinterest boards. Drink coffee. Rinse. Repeat.
What are the biggest mistakes you can make in a book?
Early in my writing, my first drafts often had the heroine as a passive observer while other folks drove the action. Still a pet peeve.
Do you have tips on choosing titles and covers?
I am a nut-job about both titles and covers. My process is to check the space, see what other folks are doing, and then go off and do my own thing anyway.
How do bad reviews and negative feedback affect you and how do you deal with them?
After 20+ books, I’ve gotten into a rhythm about reviews. If someone gives me 1 or 2 stars, I’ve found they really aren’t my reader. My stuff is quirky and it’s not for everyone. I get the most value from 3-5 star reviews. These people want to like my stuff, so if they have suggestions or concerns, those are the ones I focus on.
How has your creation process improved over time?
I use an outlining method form the books Save the Cat. Huge help.
What were the best, worst and most surprising things you encountered during the entire process of completing your book(s)?
When I’m writing, there’s always a moment in the manuscript where I’m certain this will tank. Then I launch to readers, get positive feedback, and that’s the best. What’s surprising is how much I love world building. Each of my 20+ books explores a different mini-world.
Do you tend towards personal satisfaction or aim to serve your readers? Do you balance the two and how?
Early in my career, I wrote for myself. Today publishing is my full-time job, so it’s not about me anymore. I’m in this to create awesome stories on a regular basis. These days, I balance my writing strengths alongside staying in touch with my readers. Fantasy works have a long history of creating a larger collaboration between author and reader, which I personally enjoy.
What role do emotions play in creativity?
Depends on the type of creativity. For the kind of writing I do, my readers demand ‘feels.’ If I were penning research papers, probably not so much!
Do you have any creativity tricks?
I use my 500+ Pinterest boards for inspiration. A lot. As in, I have a problem.
What are your plans for future books?
After ALIEN MINDS, I’m writing a dragon paranormal romance called ZINNIA!
Tell us some quirky facts about yourself
If I could travel anywhere in the world to visit a place so I could use it as a background for a book, I’d haul my ass to Ancient Egypt as the female pharaoh Maatkare (real person). That would rock.
Thanks for having me stop by! I enjoyed answering these questions and hope to return again!
About the Author
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just
make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that
feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a
bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T.
Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks,
too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s
Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio,
and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son,
and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
Be the first to
know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her
newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates
Stalk Christina On Social Media – She Loves It!
Blog: http://monsterhousebooks.com/blog/category/christina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorBauer/
Twitter: @CB_Bauer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_cb_bauer/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-bauer-481b12139/