I’m thrilled to be able to interview author Christine Norris and gain insight into her writing process and learning more about her and her writing.
Learn More about Christine Norris’ Books
Could you please tell us about your newest release?
A Curse of Ash and Iron is a Steampunk/Magic novel. It’s a Cinderella retelling set in 1876 Philadelphia (the year of the Centennial Exposition, completely not-coincidentally). Eleanor Banneker is living like a servant in her own home, forced into servitude by her stepmother. She is also cursed so that no one recognizes her. Except for Benjamin Grim, her childhood friend, inventor, and hopeful Illusionist. For some reason he is able to see through her enchantment. Once he finds out what is happening at the Banneker house, he becomes determined to help her get out from under her stepmother’s thumb.
What do you like the most about the Steampunk genre?
So many things! The interesting machines, of course – it’s really fun to see how you can take something modern and essentially deconstruct it so that it is a feasible device in the 19th century. Plus, gorgeous clothing and a Victorian sensibility (which is also fun to have a bit of fun with when writing female characters.)
How long have you been writing?
I started my first book in 2001, and it was published in 2005. If my math is correct (and I make no guarantees), that’s 18 years? Wow, time really does fly.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I don’t know if I had a moment. I’ve written off and on my whole life, starting and then starting. I had an English teacher in High School who told me I should be a writer. I didn’t listen to her, because I was going to be on Broadway. Well that didn’t work out as I hoped, so here we are.
Who is your favorite author?
I have a list, I don’t think I could choose one. All the biggies in fantasy, of course, and I’m discovering new authors all the time whose work I enjoy. Wow, that was a non-answer, huh.
What is your favorite book?
I will always love any Harry Potter book. Sorry, not sorry!
Do you write in any other genre besides Steampunk?
I have several other fantasy novels for middle grade and YA ages. The Library of Athena series, two magic school books, and some others. And there are a couple of short stories floating around.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
RUN! Ha, no seriously, keep working at it. Read, read, read. Read books like what you write and books that are different. Read some non-fiction. I love all kinds of media, TV and film, and I often get inspired by that. So take in anything that inspires you. Do other things that make you feel connected, like painting, or walking outside.
Have you won any awards or accolades for your books?
No, but not for lack of trying!
Do you have any rituals that prepare you to write?
I sacrifice a notebook on an altar of rejection notices. (is that not what you mean?)
Do you write full time or part time?
Very part time. I have a full time job and my family likes to eat. But I keep plugging away at it!
What do you do for fun (besides writing)?
I like to read, crochet, mostly amigurumi, paint, and complete virtual races. I know, the exercising thing is new to me, but getting those medals is really rewarding! I’m also a huge Disney and Harry Potter fan!
How many books have you completed?
I think it’s up to ten? One of which isn’t published yet, it’s with my agent. Another steampunk fairy tale that hopefully will sell.
What do you enjoy most about being an author?
When a book is finished. Honestly, when I see that the story is finally coming together and it’s good and I love it. Because there’s always a love-hate relationship with a story, especially in the first drafts. I want what I envision to just show up on the page and it never does.
How do you handle writer’s block?
I do a couple of different things. I might take a walk, or read a book, or watch a show I know makes me feel inspired. Some people won’t read books that are like what they are writing, but I find that reading something in the same vein gets my wheels turning. Sometimes just taking my laptop to a new place, like a coffee shop instead of my desk, gets things moving.
Will you be appearing at any upcoming book signings or events?
I don’t have anything scheduled currently, but if you like my FB page or follow me on Twitter I keep that updated pretty regularly! I also have Instagram, but that’s a hodge-podge. But if you want to see cute pictures of my dog, please follow!
How do you develop your characters?
That depends. Sometimes they just pop into my head, fully formed. Sometimes I get a little bit, and then I learn more about them as we go into the story. Editing is where the magic happens for me, so I always find out new things during that process.
What format are your books available?
All are available in paperback and Kindle, and some are in Nook format or others from the publisher.
How do you choose names for your characters?
That depends. Sometimes I just choose names I like (I’m an elementary school teacher by day, so I have a ton of interesting choices all the time). But for Curse, I specifically chose names that were from my family tree. I think that everyone except for the stepmother has a first name that I found doing genealogy research.
What are the hardest scenes for you to write?
Oh, gosh, I think sometimes those “in-between” scenes. I know the ‘big’ things that need to happen, but you always needs some lower-key scenes, to make the story interesting and so that it has peaks and valleys. If you didn’t have them the story would be exhausting. But those same scenes also need to be important and move the story, not just filler. I call them connect-the-dot scenes. Sometimes it’s hard to keep them from being boring.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My family and my co-workers, I suppose. And other writers! They are always super supportive.
Do you base your characters on people you know?
Sort of? I don’t intentionally (mostly) but sometimes it happens.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
I know it sounds terribly predict able, but Disney World. We love it and we’ll be taking our third trip there this summer.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Halloween! I adore dressing up and decorating. (was there any doubt about that?). Last year I made a Winnifred Sanderson costume from Hocus Pocus. It was a real challenge because I had to resize the pattern first. Halloween is the spookiest, best time of year where it’s okay to wear corsets and elaborate gowns while walking down the street 🙂 Plus crisp fall weather and pumpkins!
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Helpful Links
- christine-norris.com
- IG and Twitter: @cnorrisauthor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChristineNorris/
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Benjamin Grimm knows the theater is much like real life. In 1876 Philadelphia, people play their parts, hiding behind the illusion of their lives, and never revealing their secrets.
When he reunites with his childhood friend Eleanor Banneker, he is delighted. His delight turns to dismay when he discovers she has been under a spell for the past 7 years, being forced to live as a servant in her own home, and he realizes how sinister some secrets can be.
She asks for his help, and he can’t refuse. Even if he doesn’t believe in ‘real’ magic, he can’t abandon her.
Ellie has spent the long years since her mother’s death under the watchful and unforgiving eye of her stepmother. Bewitched and hidden in plain sight, it seems no one can help Ellie escape. Not even her own father, who is under a spell of his own. When she sees Ben one evening, it seems he is immune to the magic that binds her, and her hope is rekindled along with her friendship.
But time is running short. If they do not find a way to break the spell before midnight on New Year’s Eve, then both Ellie and her father will be bound forever.
