Did You Know

SEARCHING FOR HER: Did you know?

/ The Eclectic World of Christina / Leave a comment

Some writers say they put bits of themselves into their stories. I, too, have incorporated parts of my life in my writing. I call it — Therapy. These are a few of my bits and pieces that sparked my series. (You may sense a Back in My Day theme as you read them.)

DID YOU KNOW I was compelled to write more of Joe’s backstory? He speaks for me. From an early age, Joe wanted to be an FBI agent and he wanted to find true love. Through hard work, he achieved the first. He’s struggling with the second and wonders if he’s worthy of love. I remember feeling that way, too.

DID YOU KNOW writing this is my acknowledgement to trust the Synchronicity of the Universe? I learned this from my friends Kass and Pam. I still prepare for the things I want to achieve in my life, but I’m less in a frenzy to make my “triangular” plan fit into a “round” Universe.

DID YOU KNOW throughout the eight-year span of this anthology I touch on Joe, Eva, and Taylor’s milestone events? A birth, a birthday, a graduation, and tragic deaths. These characters’ emotions will be a reflection of their motives later.

Searching for Her, an anthology of short stories about Joe Roberts from The Chemical Attraction Series, takes place after The Kindred Code leading into Chemical Attraction. During the eight-year span of these seven stories—as seen through the eyes of his family—Joe gradually loses faith that he’ll find his soulmate.

His sisters, Taylor and Eva, conspire to help him. Convinced Madeline Pierce is his perfect match, Eva and Madeline’s Aunt Sylvia push for a connection. Each time they try to force a meeting, it backfires.

Unbeknownst to Joe and his family, the Synchronicity of the Universe is at work. Can Joe decipher the subtle signs pointing him toward Destiny’s grand plan with Madeline? Many could die if he doesn’t.

 

Advertisement

THE KINDRED CODE: Did you know?

/ The Eclectic World of Christina / 2 Comments

Some writers say they put bits of themselves into their stories. I, too, have incorporated parts of my life in my writing. I call it — Therapy. These are a few of my bits and pieces that sparked my series. (You may sense a Back in My Day theme as you read them.)

DID YOU KNOW I spoke with an Afghan war veteran about his experiences? He helped bring authenticity to Stuart’s PTSD flashback scene. I’ve known my son’s friend since they were in middle school together. He’s grown into a caring responsible young man. Caleb, thank you for your service. I’m proud of you.

DID YOU KNOW I modeled the tiny spunky nun in this story after Sister Maxine Magee from The Sisters of St. Joseph? I knew her through Nazareth College and our church. She sang “Ava Maria” at my wedding. She recently passed away. I’ll miss the little gal with a big voice and heart to match.

DID YOU KNOW I named Linda Lou’s bar, after my mom? She’s not fond of her middle name. Now, it’s out there in the book world. (Take that, Mom, for grounding me when I was fourteen.) In another book, I name a Great Lakes cruise ship after my dad. I though the USS Hershall Floyd has a certain ring to it. (I’m hilarious!)

 

MARK your calendars for the release of The Kindred Code on Wednesday, July 19th.

ADD The Kindred Code to GOODREADS 

AND sign up for my newsletter and get a reminder:

CHRISTINA’S NEWSLETTER 

 

THEIR RIGID RULES: Did you know?

/ The Eclectic World of Christina / Leave a comment

Some writers say they put bits of themselves into their stories. I, too, have incorporated parts of my life in my writing. I call it — Therapy. These are a few of my bits and pieces that sparked my series. (You may sense a Back in My Day theme as you read them.)

DID YOU KNOW Taylor and Eva’s dorm room isn’t set up like the dorms at Western Michigan University? Instead, it’s akin to the dorms at Nazareth College in Kalamazoo where I attended college. At my small college, two buildings had four floors each. The men were on only one of the floors since the campus first became coed in 1971. Shout out! Go Moles! (Yes, that was our mascot.)

DID YOU KNOW Holly’s Bistro on Westnage Avenue in Kalamazoo was a real place? Stuart takes Taylor to Holly’s on their first official date. My now husband Kraig and I had dinner there often while dating. Sadly, the romantic restaurant isn’t there anymore.

DID YOU KNOW Matt Connor’s son, David, started out as such a minor role that I used my son David’s name? I wanted a strong name, and my son’s was right there. Now, David Connor has become an integral character in the Series. I don’t regret naming him after my son, however, my David may receive flack for it. (Sorry/Not sorry, Son.)

Mark your calendars for the re-release of Their Rigid Rules on Wednesday, July 19th.

OR better yet, sign up for my newsletter and get a reminder:

CHRISTINA’S NEWSLETTER 

(Signing up automatically enters you into the drawings for all my giveaways.)

DID YOU KNOW: The Garden Collection

/ The Eclectic World of Christina / Leave a comment

TGC event banner-001

Some writers say they put bits of themselves into their stories. I, too, have incorporated parts of my life into my writing. I call it—Therapy. These are a few of my bits and pieces that sparked this novel.

DID YOU KNOW my daughter, Andrea, drew the cover art? She captured the essence of the story as a touch of hope amid Brianna’s bleak reality.

DID YOU KNOW the Holiday proposal commercials for Kay’s Jewelry inspired Donovan’s Family business? Those sappy ads with the perfect hokey proposals make women weep and men cringe at the romance.

In the story, Lucy Donovan tells her brother, Robert, “We have the real romance with you and Brianna. How much better will our commercials be when we show the creators’ history behind the designs? Every couple has a unique story to their romance…”

DID YOU KNOW I modeled Robert’s father, Paul Donovan, after The Most Reverend Paul V. Donovan, Bishop Emeritus of Kalamazoo? As a teenager, I met him a couple of times and thought he was the kindest man I had ever known. I still think that about him. Larger than life, he had a serene demeanor. Everyone was important to him. Using those same traits, my fictional Paul Donovan is highly respected by his peers for his patience and compassion.

DID YOU KNOW I dedicated the novel to my daughter and to the fifth-grade boy from my class who stood up to a bully for me? After all these years, I still hold his sweet gesture close to my heart. He made a difference.

The Garden Collection Blurb

A few words of encouragement can stay with you for a lifetime. Robert and Brianna’s childhood friendship grew into respect for each other and their ideas. Robert gave her the confidence to stand up for herself. Brianna helped him see his artistic potential and encouraged him to travel for his inspiration. He found it in the letters she wrote.

Now struggling to care for her six-year-old half-sister, Chloe, after their mother abandoned them, Brianna Carlson receives news that her abusive stepfather will be released from prison. Still limping from a once broken leg, she’s terrified he’ll come back to hurt Chloe this time. She decides to leave town.

While traveling for his family’s jewelry business, Robert Donovan designed The Garden Collection, his newest line of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Returning home, he discovers Brianna had lied in every letter she sent. She never received any of his. Before he can demand answers, she disappears without Chloe. As Robert learns about Brianna’s life during his absence, he sets out to find her and convince her to trust him again.

For a copy of The Garden Collection, click HERE.