Posted on January 23, 2023 at 8:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Today we're interviewing author Christina Suzann Nelson.

Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction and mystery novels.

When she’s not writing, she serves on the board of the nonprofit Every Child Linn-Benton, where she has the opportunity to influence the lives of families and children in the foster care system.

SADYE: Which of your characters would you most and least like to trade places with?

CHRISTINA: I think I’d like another go at 1987, so I’ll pick Heather as the character I’d most like to trade places with.

Heather’s family isn’t perfect, but they all love each other. There’s a deep security in Heather’s life.

Now, as for who I wouldn’t want to trade places with, that easy. It’s Heather’s mom.

We see her decades after Heather’s story. The loss of a child is something I hope never to experience.

When I was a freshman in high school, my little brother passed away. I remember the change in my stepmother’s eyes. That’s a deep grief. 

SADYE: What have been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career?

CHRISTINA: I am surprised and thrilled by the friends I’ve made in this industry.

Writers can be a different kind of people. Okay, we’re weird. There’s nothing like being in a group of other weirdos and letting the crazy run wild. 

I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by incredible editors, agents, and marketing professionals who all work tirelessly to put out the best possible product for the readers.

One of the great rewards has been the letters and emails from readers. It’s a privilege to share the stories of my heart with others, but to have those stories find a meaningful spot in the readers’ hearts is a reward I can’t put into words. 

All great things come with challenges. I’d say it’s been a challenge to balance all the aspects of a writing career.

The time I spend actually typing words into a story is small in comparison with the marketing and editing time, but truthfully, I enjoy all aspects of my career, even the challenges. 

SADYE: What has been the most touching or memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received?

CHRISTINA: I received many touching emails from readers of The Way It Should Be. They came mainly from mothers and sister who longed to have their family members get treatment for addictions.

Most felt the book was encouraging. Some were just happy to have the topic out in the open. 

SADYE: What advice, as relates to your writing career, would you give your younger self?

CHRISTINA: I’d love to tell my younger self that this was even a possibility.

I wasted years of my life because I thought I wasn’t good enough or smart enough to write books, and I wasn’t sure I had anything worth saying. 

SADYE: What experience in your past or general aspect of your life has most affected your writing? 

CHRISTINA: I’ve seen some truly dark and sad things. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but I’m honored that I can use the experiences to craft stories that may open a reader’s eyes to someone else’s experience. 

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Learn more about Christina Suzann Nelson on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her page on Facebook; and follow her on Twitter and Instagram

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Categories: Author Interview

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