Nowadays, few authors can keep me up reading all night; even the most exciting book stands no chance against the Sandman - in my case he doesn't settle for sprinkling dust in the eyes; he places lead weights on top of the eyelids. Christy Elkins's books do the trick; her imagination knocks me off my feet with unpredictable plot twists and characters so real they feel like old friends. Christy has written a number of books in different genres, both for children and adults.

Christy Elkins - Fortunate Mommy by Day, Whirl Wind Writer by Night!

Welcome Christy! Please tell us your latest news!

Christy Elkins

I recently released Unchanged and am currently working on a book that is close to my heart and has already taken me two years.



Do you have a favorite object pertinent to your writing? (Pen, coffee cup, pet, blanket, chair…?

Music.  I love how music can set the mood for any situation.  If you need to write something dark or chilling and then switch gears to the light hearted it is as easy as switching the tone of music.  


What do you love about your latest book?  

My last book, Unchanged, surprised me because it was a little adventurous. It had spontaneous fights, murders and even an explosion!  I never saw myself writing anything like that, but I found myself on the edge of my own seat in parts of it and it was tremendous fun!

Do your fictional characters develop on their own, or do you have their lives planned out in advance? 

I start out with an idea of what might happen but books are like children and have away of taking on a life of their own.  In Unchanged, I had an idea who the main character would marry, but she chose independently and I am pleased with her choice. I find it amusing that during my writing process I am often surprised by what happens and the new characters that come into the story.  It is almost as if I am watching my own private little movie in my head and I am just as thrilled and shocked as I hope the readers will be.  


What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in writing?  

Courage.  I think we writers tend to stand in our own way.  I have the hardest time talking about myself or my work, so whether I am writing a synopsis for the back of a book or a query letter, I choke.  It isn’t a lack of belief in my work because I love my stories, but maybe just a lack of confidence in myself.  A sort of disbelief that yes this is real and yes I am an author, not just a wife, mother, friend and everything else that one’s daily life entails.


Is there something funny about you people don’t know?

Even though my books can be emotional, I am really a light hearted person.  I love to laugh and am quite a dork, but comedy is not an easy thing to write.  I have read very few authors who can successfully make me laugh on paper. 


Anything else you want to share?


If you are a writer or want to be, I say nothing’s stopping you, go for it.  There is nothing wrong with pursuing a dream, just don’t expect to get rich or have a movie made.  I know that sounds harsh, but I think this is the part that exhausts me most.  I write because I love it and sometimes, just sometimes I have something real to say.  When you go public about writing every writer in the world comes out and wants you to read and review their material.  Which is awesome, but I am not a critic, so the best I can do is offer my opinion and a lot of times it is that none of us should quit our day job anytime soon.  Writing is a tuff arena and there are many talented writers out there who will never be read by a publisher.  So do it because you LOVE it and because it enhances who you are not because you want to be rich and famous, I think that attitude diminishes what we do.  So have fun and forget about grandeur, once you’ve done the work you’ve already achieved the dream, the rest is just icing.

Web:  www.christyelkins.com

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