1302 The Alpha Launch Day!!!

I'm so excited today, it's the launch for Christine Rains second novella in her 13th Floor series, 1302 The Alpha. I've just finished reading the first in this series, 1301 The Maquis, and it was excellent. Look out for the review of this coming soon. I can't wait to get started on this one.

I'm particularly excited about this launch because it's the first day of The Alpha blog tour and Christine has stopped by here for an interview.

It's been great for me to get to know someone further along in their writing journey.

Thanks Christine for stopping by my blog, and I hope you all find her experiences as encouraging as I do.



HM:  So, why did you decide to take the self-publishing route?

CR:  This was a big decision for me. I thought about it for a long time. I've always wanted to go the traditional route. I still might in the future, but right now, with my family being my number one priority, I decided self-publishing was the best path for me. It gives me the flexibility I need, and I love having control over my own work.

HM:  What advice would you give to anyone considering the same route?

CR:  Do your research and put out the best possible story you can. There are a lot of great sites out there that give advice on how to self-publish your work and then promote it. Both are equally tough jobs. It helps to have an excellent editor too.

HM:  What is your inspiration?

CR:  Most of my inspiration comes from dreams. I'm a vivid dreamer, and I remember at least a few dreams from every night. I also love to read about legends and myths. Plenty of sparks for stories there.

HM:  Are you a plotter or a pantster?

CR:  Pantser. I've tried to manage my muse and my time, but my stories have lives of their own. I love writing a story and being surprised by what comes out. Of course, this means I've gasped and laughed in public, but I can live with a little embarrassment.

HM:  When were you comfortable calling yourself a writer?

CR:  When I'm online, I'm comfortable with saying I'm a writer. Outside the web, I'm still not at ease with it. I don't often get positive reactions. Only a few people I interact with on a normal basis know I'm a writer. I'm very shy to begin with, and I rarely talk about anything personal. Writing is personal for me.

HM:  How do you fit in writing around a busy family schedule?

CR:  It's very difficult at times. I try to write when my son is napping and in preschool. Yet sometimes there are errands to do or something else pops up. I write when I can. Even if it's just for five minutes. One hundred words a day is better than none.

HM:  How long does it take to get from initial idea to a finished piece?

CR:  It depends on what I'm writing. Usually, I'm quick with first drafts. I can write a novel in a month or two. It's the revising that takes me a long while. It has to be done, but I don't like it, and I tend to procrastinate.

HM:  Have you learnt anything about yourself since becoming a writer?

CR:  I've learned that I do have the courage to put my stories and myself up in front of the world. It's like standing naked in front of millions of people. I never thought I could do it, but I've met so many brilliant and encouraging folks in the writing community.

HM:  Have you made any sacrifices for your writing?

CR:  Writing is my only hobby. I'd love to do other things like garden and paint, but I only have a little time to myself. I chose writing. I don't regret it, but I miss doing other things with my free time.

HM:  What does the future hold for you as a writer?

CR:  This year, I'll be writing and promoting the 13th Floor series. This is my big project for the year. After this, I'd like to revise one or two of my older manuscripts and query them. Perhaps I'll self-publish another one, but I'd like to see if I could get in with a small press.

Author Bio:

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. The 13^th Floor series is her first self-published series. She has four novellas and eighteen short stories published.

Website: http://christinerains.net/

Blog: http://christinerains-writer.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristinerains

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@CRainsWriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4017568.Christine_Rains

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