Hooked on Books Promotions: Claddagh Author Interview With Christine Winston

Welcome Christine and thank you for taking time out to do our questionnaire.

Book Questions

Tell us your latest news?

I am currently writing my fifth book. It is called “Page 266” and I’m really excited with how it is coming along.

What book are you reading now?

I just finished Obsidian (Book 1 of the Lux series) by Jennifer L Armentrout and I’m about to dive straight into book 2 Onyx. I am loving this series so far, this is the first book I’ve read by Jennifer.

Your books are so emotional. How long does it take for you to be able to get the characters out of your mind and move on to the next?

When The Undone Series ended, I found it very difficult to move on to the next set of characters. It’s important that each character in my books have their own individual character traits that separate them. I wrote nothing for three months after Suspiciously but thankfully I’m back at it.

Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

Honestly no, I don’t like to mull too long over a character’s name, in fact their names are chosen at the exact moment I need to write it down. One name that featured in Violently Undone was close to my heart, Daniel. I named that character after my nephew Daniel who died just weeks before he was due to be born.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Coffee, friends and that little buzz of excitement each new project incites within me.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

I am very lucky, so far I haven’t experienced much negativity. Rather than demeaning, the most disheartening experience is knowing that people could love your book if only they would give a new author that chance.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

I’ve read every review and I’ve taken on board both the good and bad. I want to grow and I want to be better with each new story I tell, I can’t close my eyes to what the readers are asking of me.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Juggling life. I have a beautiful daughter and a part time job so I write in the evening. I was very run down just before the release of Suspiciously undone because I was writing into the early hours and getting up early to be a mammy and an employee. I’ve finding new ways to manage my time now.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Yes, I always felt I wasn’t reaching my full potential and writing ended that. If my books remain unread and unheard of, I am a writer still, I love writing and I am happy just writing.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, there is something to take from each character but really I want people to escape reality and find themselves engrossed in my stories.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

Yes, Bridget Jones, big knickers and all.

Describe in 5 words, your writing:

Oh this is tough….. Natural, Passionate, Exciting, Honest and Real

What do you use to write your book?

My laptop :0

Do you listen to music while you write or read?

Yes, I have different playlists for different moods.

If you could write with any other author(s) who would it be and why?

Oh this is really tough… I am a huge Nora Roberts fan and she does a lot of suspense, so Nora Roberts.

NON- BOOK QUESTIONS

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an actress.

Did/Do you have a nickname?

Yes, my family call me Dinah Day. My friends call me Chris sometimes.

What are your pet peeves?

Hmmmmm… I am a foody so I usually get angry when I’m hungry and I don’t get what I ordered. I’m chilled out when I’m fed and watered.

What is your favourite coffee shop drink?

I am currently ordering a Costa skinny, sugar free caramel cappuccino when I’m at the coffee shop.

What's your favourite tv show?

48hrs on TLC, it documents murder cases in the US and shows the trial, evidence etc.

What is your favourite kind of cookie?

Obviously chocolate chip!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?

A lighter to build a fire, a fishing rod for food and fresh water to drink.

Where would you go if you had a time machine?

The early 1800’s, I would visit Jane Austen and ask her for a few tips.

Which is your favorite quote?

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring”

“Fear is stupid. So are regrets”

Both Marilyn Monroe and I find it hard to choose between them.

If you were an ice cream what flavor would you be?

Mint chocolate chip because it’s refreshing, cool and tastes so damn good.

What song best describes you?

Gloria Gaynor, I will survive.

THIS OR THAT

Pepsi or Coke

Coke, who are these pepsi people?

Michael Fassbender or Colin Farrell

Fassbender all the way <3

Cows or Sheep

Cows, they always look so sad.

. Castle or Town house

Town House.

City or Country

I’m a city girl

Lover or Fighter

Both, I love with all my heart and I fight for what I love.

Pop or Rock Music

Pop

80’s or 90’s

80’s !! Big hair, blue eyeshadow, Madonna, Dirty Dancing and me!

Singing or dancing

Dancing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & LINKS

🍀🍀

My name is Christine Winston, I'm 30 and I am an author from Dublin, Ireland. I have always loved reading but writing is something I've taken up in the last five years. My first book Cooped Up was released in February 2015 and my new book Desperately Undone in July 2015. I love creating characters that every reader can relate to in some way and have enjoyed some good positive feedback. I am so proud of my first two books and look forward to many more.