Interview with Sally Franklin Christie
The Blog Ring of Power Presents...
An Interview with Author Sally Franklin Christie
Today author and fellow Eternal Press author Sally Franklin Christie stopped by to talk about herself and her latest book, MILK CARTON PEOPLE. Before I had even signed with Eternal Press, the blurb for Sally's book caught my eye - the premise was so intriguing! I only just recently got a chance to start reading it, but, so far it's one of the most unique stories I've ever read. I can't wait to see how it ends!
This is part one of a five-part interview. Be sure to check out the other BRoP sites for the rest of the interview: Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5
BRoP: How long have you been writing?
Sally: I wrote my first name on the bedroom wall. It was one of those textured walls and I used crayon to make five jittery letters. My mom immediately knew I had done it. I thought she was magic. Later it dawned on me that using my own name was a big clue as to who did it. I was in Kindergarten. It was probably second grade when the teacher put sheets of paper with lines at the bottom for printing and a big space at the top for drawing. “What did you do on your summer vacation?”
BRoP: When and why did you begin writing?
Sally: I began writing in High School when I somehow managed to get into a Research Paper writing class. I wrote Bats are Like People. I also wrote those hideous feel sorry for myself teen-aged letters that no one would see. In college I continued writing. A psychic said I’d have my first book published in 1983. Yes, she was wrong. I had a baby girl in 1983 and that was creative. I think many writers will say there really is no answer to Why we write. We just do.
BRoP: Tell us about your early works—what was the first thing you ever wrote?
Sally: I lived a very abusive childhood. The first novel I wrote was about the things that happened in my family. Fictionalized but not for public consumption until I am certain there is no one that could be harmed by the telling. Milk Carton People is one of my early novels. Redone many times. When it was accepted the reply from friends and family members was, “Milk Carton People, you started that a long time ago.”
BRoP: When did you first consider yourself a professional writer?
Sally: I’d like to say it all began with my first form rejection letter. But, really, it began when I worked with my first editor on a magazine article that actually ended in some money. A professional writer needs to be proven by her relationship with editors, publishers, cover artists and marketing people. It is teamwork that no fiction writing or article writing course will teach.
BRoP: What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?
Sally: Missing, invisible people, throwaways and other victims of opportunity. Not everyone has a voice. I like to put my characters into fearful situations and then empower them as they approach the final chapters of the book.
BRoP: If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
Sally: Oh, I don’t know. A brain surgeon, private investigator, cab driver, deep sea diver, it all depends on what I might be researching at the moment. Well, not everything, I’m currently researching the ins and outs a child predator uses when grooming his victim and how to build a pipe bomb.
Where can readers can stalk you:
Website: http://sallyfranklinchristie.com
Blog: http://sallyfranklinchristie.com/wp
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/sally.christie
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4453450.Sally_Franklin_Christie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SallyChristie
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sally-Franklin-Christie/e/B004ZV800C/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1332714759&
Buy Links for Milk Carton People: http://sallyfranklinchristie.com/wp/milk-carton-people/
Buy Links for If I Should Die: http://sallyfranklinchristie.com/wp/if-i-should-die/
BRoP: Is your book in print, ebook or both?
Sally: Both are available in e-format and print.
Sally Franklin Christie has spent her life achieving incredibly average goals. Her challenges and choices have led to into the world of organizing for social change,civil rights and helping people navigate in a world filled with physical barriers and discrimination. She photographs and paints landscapes,when she isn’t at the computer researching,networking and writing. Special interests include Missing Children and Adults, Astronomy, Character Traits, and Criminal Thinking.
MILK CARTON PEOPLE: Milk Carton People is a paranormal thriller about people who suddenly find themselves invisible,able to observe things but unable to participate. Do they go mad? Maybe they find others. It is quite possible that there is no point in being invisible. This is a book that plays on the very thin line of sanity and pure despair. The characters act and react to the new challenges and the reader gets to go along for the ride.
Comments
Don't tell anyone, but if it were not for NaNoWriMo, I wouldn't get much done at all. During the month of November I stop composting and nurture all of the seedling ideas I have through the year.
Right now, I am reading one of my dreadful drafts to see if it might be revised, one, two, six times so I can submit it.
When I think of the writers who get up in the morning and write all day, I have to admire them.
I do like marketing and am so thankful to Eternal/Damnation for trusting me with such an honor. I meet the nicest people.
Linda Hays-Gibbs
My Angel, My Light As Darkness Falls
I am honored. I am thrilled. I am!
Sally
(I can never read those security images!)