Dickensen Academy is Christine’s debut YA novel. After graduating from the University of Washington, she earned her MBA at the University at Albany. She honed her technical writing skills in marketing and consulting but attributes the creative part of the process to her passion for reading.
She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA). When she isn’t reading, writing, or editing, Christine can often be found running, skiing, or hiking. She lives in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington, with her supportive husband, two avid teen readers, and their energetic wheaten terriers. She would love to connect with you. See the social media buttons in the footer or on the Contact tab. |
Why did you begin to write?
I love to read! I’ve always secretly dreamed of being author. There have been several times where I’d read a book and thought to myself, I could write one if only I could come up with a unique idea. My husband was very supportive and had faith in me. It's been a fun, creative outlet.
Why Young Adult?
Several reasons. I believe you need to write what you like. Many of my favorite books have been YA, and I believe exposure to great books as a kid can make you a reader for life. I’ve always been introspective and can remember what it was like to be a teen, so it’s been easy to find an authentic voice. Plus having a teenage daughter reminds me on a daily basis what life was like then.
I love to read! I’ve always secretly dreamed of being author. There have been several times where I’d read a book and thought to myself, I could write one if only I could come up with a unique idea. My husband was very supportive and had faith in me. It's been a fun, creative outlet.
Why Young Adult?
Several reasons. I believe you need to write what you like. Many of my favorite books have been YA, and I believe exposure to great books as a kid can make you a reader for life. I’ve always been introspective and can remember what it was like to be a teen, so it’s been easy to find an authentic voice. Plus having a teenage daughter reminds me on a daily basis what life was like then.
What's been something fun about writing your first book? Many fiction writers end up using a lot of real life in their stories, and that has been true in my case. I’ve had so much fun picking names for some of my characters and adding minor details from my life; even my husband’s favorite candy is in the book. There are definitely some traits of myself integrated into the lead character, Autumn. However, only my dog Rylie, now playing at Rainbow Bridge, is represented truthfully in the book, but I changed her name to protect her identity. :-) What other writing projects are in the works? I was editing my second book, Tainted Seeds, a YA suspense, but based on the feedback from readers, I am writing the sequel to Dickensen Academy and have put the fairy tale retelling on hold. How did you decide to become an editor? I began critiquing other people's books several years ago and quickly discovered I enjoy editing as much as I enjoy writing—somedays even more. So after the release of Dickensen Academy, I decided to formally launch my editing services. |
Here's a heartfelt tribute to Rylie I wrote for a fellow Wild Rose Press Author. Furbaby Friday
What are your favorite books? I have so many. Check out my ratings on Goodreads for what I’ve read in recent years. Click on my name to see my books or send me a friend request to keep tabs of my most current books and ratings: goodreads.com What are your favorite things? My family, friends, dogs, Kindle, Keurig, and two book clubs as well Amazon, Legos, iPhone, Fitbit, and the YMCA. What do you like to do in your free time? Read! But I also spend a lot of time with my wheaten terrier puppies. I forgot how much work a puppy can be. I try to make time to be active nearly everyday. I love to hike with the dogs, ski with my family, and take fitness classes at the YMCA. |