Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a special education teacher that has a passion for writing. I’m a total book/movie nerd and can discuss comic-superheros and hockey greats with the best. I write romance/suspense novels because I believe in true romances… beauty from pain… and write compelling angst driven characters that show strength through the storm. As a self-published author, I’ve published 2 books that are part of a series, A Heart’s Salvation & A Heart’s Revenge. The final and 3rd part, A Heart’s Redemption is coming soon. Currently, I have 2 other manuscripts written and working hard on rewrites and edits.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I titled my next upcoming book Southern Hell. I was inspired to write this painfully beautiful romance, remembering a childhood of having everything. As young adults, we face choices that can change our lives drastically. This story pays tribute to anyone that chooses love and happiness over keeping the status quo. All of my books come out of my need to show the strength and power of women.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing I find unusual, but I do often dream of my characters and hurry to write down the scenes as soon as I wake. I wouldn’t consider this unusual though, don’t all writers dream of their characters?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Don’t be alarmed… my list of authors may seem all over the place, but I love so many genres. My first and absolute influence is Stephen King. From Carrie to King on writing, he’s just the best!
Then of course there’s Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and Colleen Hoover.
I like a lot of less known authors too, but this group should give you an idea of why I love to write Romance/Suspense filled with conspiracy and evils that build my heroines into the amazing, powerful women they need to be.
What are you working on now?
Well, I have a few things to finish. I’m working on a cover design for the 3rd and final part of my Heart’s trilogy (A Heart’s Redemption). I have my Southern Hell manuscript being beta read and edited, and I’m writing a great conspiracy romance that leaves a young woman surviving a vicious attempt on her life from the company she was loyal to.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I try what most self-published authors try. I have my own website. I am on Goodreads and amazon, but promoting myself is probably my biggest roadblock.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As most people say, the only way to improve your writing is to write. Don’t worry so much about the critics. Some of the most popular books and best sellers have some rough reviews. Write what you know. Write what’s inside you and write cause you can’t breathe without it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Any writer worth their salt, writes to please themselves.” Harper Lee And for us fiction writers: “Fiction is the truth inside the lie.” Stephen King
What are you reading now?
Stephen King – The Bazaar Stories of Bad Dreams.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next, I push aside my fears and send query letters to publishing houses. If it doesn’t workout, I’ll keep writing and self-publishing, hoping to build a strong following. I dream of the days my characters and stories are portrayed on TV.
What is your favorite book of all time?
This is a hard one!
Stephen King Carrie was my favorite scary book of all time! (movie doesn’t do it justice) Then I’d have to say Intensity by Dean Koontz. Absolute amazing thriller I read in one night. And Finally I’d have to add Hopeless by Colleen Hoover. Also read this in one night and it broke my heart and gave me hope at the same time.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dana Christy Website
Dana Christy Amazon Profile
Dana Christy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile