Today’s author spotlight is on Christina Resnover. Thanks for participating, Christina! Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, I’m a a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy. My hobbies include playing video games, watching DC and Marvel movies, scouring flea markets for vintage comic books, and travelling. My most recent trip was out of the country for the first time to London and Paris.
Wow! Paris AND London? That’s an awesome first adventure out of the country! So, What genre(s) do you write in?
My first book was Poetry and Prose. I am hoping to expand into Young Adult Fiction, and Children’s books.
That’s quite a range but definitely manageable. I write in four different genres, all very different for each other so it can be done! Are you traditionally published, independently published, or both?
I am Independently published.
Me too! I find having complete creative control over my work fits best with who I am. What made you choose the publishing path you’re on?
I was working in Michigan at the time. My cousin told me about how our employer has written books and knew a woman who ran an Independent publishing service. My employer made contact with her and it went from there. I looked into being traditionally published but I realized months could go by if I even hear back from traditional publishers. Or the thought of possibly having anything changed about my book. I want to remain in control of everything for the most part. I want to retain my creative process from beginning to end.
I see we have another control freak author in the house! Haha, I say that with kindness because that’s totally me. I even have to make my own covers because I know exactly what I want (lol) Why did you choose to write in the genre(s) you’re in?
I love poetry, specifically free form. I wanted to express what I was feeling at the time when I started my book. I love how writing helps me express myself when I cannot find the words to say it.
It’s funny how most writers are very similar in that they can’t express themselves normally through spoken words so they take to writing. That’s me to a T. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
I don’t think I fully realized it but I first started writing a book when I was 19. When I go back to read it, I’m like wow. But I ran into writer’s block and being a writer wasn’t on my mind until I was 25. I attend Bible study one night at a church I was attending called “Progressive Life Ministries” here in Indianapolis. The Pastor’s wife (The First Lady) randomly asked me if I had a journal that I kept and wrote in. I told her no and she told me to come by the church the next day and gave me a journal. I didn’t use it immediately. I only wrote in it as it came to me. Some days I would write more than one poem.
Journaling can be a great way to break through that writer’s block. I try to journal too (though sometimes I just get too busy. If it comes down to reading or journaling at night I always pick reading lol) But journaling is so reflective. That’s why on top of writing fiction I took to designing journals, usually because I wanted one and couldn’t find it. Why don’t you tell us a little about your writing processes and your writing space.
I tend to find myself writing more at night than during the day. It usually starts off as an idea that I’ve had. So, I try to figure out what kind of message or story am I trying to present. I try to present it in order. At least that’s how it was for my first book. I mostly talked about my life after my mother’s death. Telling the story in order from beginning to finish. Sometimes I find myself writing in my room, at Applebee’s (former job), or the library. I sometimes write while listening to Classical music to free my mind and I find it soothing.
Yes! The writing in your downtime at your day job! I get my best writing done then. What are your favorite books to read? I tend to get a lot of inspiration from the stories and writing styles of whatever I’m reading.
Some of my favorite books would have to be “If You Come Softly” by Jacqueline Woodson, “The Henna Wars” by Adiba Jaigirdar, “Black Buck” by Mateo Askaripour, “Friends and Lovers” by Eric Jerome Dickey, and lastly “The Marathon Don’t Stop” (The Life And Times of Nipsey Hussle) by Rob Kenner. I haven’t finished that last book as I am currently reading it but it’s brilliant.
Interesting. I’ll have to check out those titles because I’ve never heard of them. Thanks for the recommendations! So to touch on something all authors seem to hate the most, what does marketing look like for you? Are you an avid believer in social media or do you like paid advertisement more? Do you DIY or do you have someone else or a company handle it?
I hope to branch out more marketing wise. I am still figuring out all the kinks. Self-publishing isn’t easy for sure. You have to do everything and I am not mad about it. From writing the book, figuring out what platform or service to go through if not using someone who runs their own self-publishing company, promoting your book by whatever means you decide. But it’s showing me a deeper appreciation for the art and for other Indie authors. For now, I have been using social media. I wouldn’t mind paying for advertisements.
Don’t sweat it. I have a Master’s in Business Admin and Marketing and I’m still working out the kinks too. Social media is so great, especially Instagram I’ve found. That’s where I put most of my efforts. So, I like to ask this because I’m a research nerd. If you have to do any research for your books, how do you like to accomplish this? What is your organization of research like? How long do you usually spend on research?
I did a great deal of research. I know a few people have been asking me questions. I don’t mind. But I still had to do my own research and figure out other things on my own. The woman who I went through to help me put my book together was only knowledgeable about getting my book on Amazon. I looked at other sites on what they offer. At some point I want hardcover books. Amazon has now made this option available but when I put out my first book, the paperback was only available. I looked up on how to put together a good blurb on the back cover. I did research on trying to find someone to translate my book in Spanish. I received a recommendation to use someone on Fiverr. But she didn’t feel comfortable translating my book in Spanish because of it being Poetry. She recommended another translator to go through on Fiverr. He had a team of editors and other people he worked with. So more than one set of eyes looked at it.
I’ve made use of Amazon’s hardcover new option. I still wish they would come out with a dustjacket hardcover option but we can’t have it all right now I guess. Which of your books is your bestseller and why do you think it is? What do readers say they like about it?
I haven’t quite reached bestseller status as I am still new. Many people don’t even know I have a book out. Even people I know that follow me don’t see the posts probably because of social media’s algorithm so most times that goes over their head. But I will keep writing more books. My goal was to have my book made and available to those who need it the most. People have told me they liked either because of the honesty I have presented or the unknown facts that they didn’t know about me. I am mostly referring to family and friends who didn’t know what I was going through until they read my book. I think people liked that they could relate to those feelings I wrote about.
All you can do is keep putting the word out and people will eventually find it! Tell us a little about your latest or upcoming release.
I am currently working on two projects. I have a few others but these two right now are the most important to me. One of them is continuing my first poetry book and the other is my first YA. I’ve been out of the country to London and Paris. So I will say my YA book will mostly be taking place in London and Paris. If you’ve read “Just One Day” by Gayle Forman it won’t quite be the same but somewhere along those lines. Also another favorite book of mine. I love Gayle Forman and her other book “If I Stay”. Check those out.
Funny how works in progress pile up on you. I have at least five more ideas for books and series on the back burner while I wrap up the four series I already have started! That’s so great you have a fun new location to use for your books. I am an avid user of Google Maps street view so I can virtually walk through places I’ve never been that I decide to use in my books. So not the same, but works for descriptions. Of all the characters you’ve created, who is your favorite? (I know, it’s like choosing a favorite between kids)
I don’t want to say too much. But my YA book that I am working on. Robyn is probably going to be my favorite character because she will be like me. But mostly in a funny creative way that most people don’t know about me or have seen. I only have one book out but I plan to write more.
There’s a little bit of all us authors in our characters! Thank you so much for sharing your author experience with us! If anyone would like to follow Christina or find her books please use the links below.
Bestselling Author 