Author Interview with CHRISTINA JADE LOREN

Christina is--in her own words, "a brand new author" and her first two books are being released in February and March by Breathless Press.

Who is the one person who most encouraged or influenced you to be a writer—and why?

I don’t think it was any one person. I loved reading all kinds of vampire romances in the past and thought that I could do that too; so I tried. My first piece of work was Break and Enter, which has nothing to do with vampires, but the main character does get tied up so it’s made up for. The author that I love reading the most, and probably has influenced me the most, is Shelley (Frankenstein). I love the story elements, characters, and the hidden messages strewn throughout.

How long have you been writing? In what genres do you write?

I have been dabbling in writing for years but never took it seriously until I had a friend tell me that she loved the one story I wrote and to see if I could get it published. My favorite genre is paranormal, or more particularly, vampires. It seems like they have been done to death, but hopefully I can bring something new to the scene (or at least shed light on something).

Who is your favorite author and why do you like his/her work?

I love reading Gender Theory, so Judith Butler has influenced me the most in terms of gender approach to stories. I always try to throw something Butler in all my work. She has incredible, and radical, theories. Another favorite author of mine is Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick. Her theories on Homosocialism blew me away (sorry, I am a literary criticism junkie). But for fiction authors, my favorite would be either Sable Grey or Jessica Lee. Both authors are equally amazing and very talented.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Writer’s block. My publisher wanted to see my next story after Eternity (the second book in the Turned series), and I hadn’t a thing to show them. I quickly came up with a rough outline of what happens and hoped they would like it. I just couldn’t write anything; which is hard for me because the characters, Damien and Nathan, wanted to be heard…

What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

My most recent publication is Break and Enter. It’s a quick story about a single gay man, James, who can’t get to sleep when his house was chosen as a break and enter for a criminal looking for some easy cash. But James won’t be held up, he refuses and instead offers an alternative: payment in sex. I’ll leave the rest for the book to reveal! It can be found at the Breathless Press website: http://www.breathlesspress.com/adonis/break-and-enter.html

What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I am currently working on the fourth (or fifth) book in the series. It goes Turned (available next week), Eternity (April), Blackened, Watched, and the fifth book currently doesn’t have a title yet. But it will soon
Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Well I am a new writer, and the hardest part was opening myself up for criticism. It’s devastating to wait while someone is picking apart your story. So I kept telling myself that it is only their opinion and if I don’t like it, I do not have to be hurt by it. I also told myself that they were making the story better by asking questions or getting me to fill in the empty spots.

Are you a member of any writer’s organizations? Why? Why not?

I’m not in any writer’s organizations yet. I have been bogged down with my day job and writing so I don’t have time to join any. I am looking at some organizations and am open to suggestions.

Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

I don’t at the moment, but that could be changing quickly. Like I said earlier, I am busy so I haven’t scheduled much yet. But by the time my second or third book comes out, I will be all over the place  *she smiles wickedly*

FUN QUESTION: Summer or winter – and why?

I would have to go with summer for the pure fact that there are a lot of half naked, drool-over, men all around in California. In the winter everyone is so bundled up and not wanting to show any skin. It’s depressing.

What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

Website: http://www.christinaloren.com/

Thank you for interviewing me Linda!