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~ Christine d'Abo ~

 

 

Christine d’Abo is a newly published author, who is fortunate to be beginning her publishing career with Ellora’s Cave. Writing has always been an important part of Christine’s life and she is thrilled to have accomplished her goal of publication.

When Christine isn’t dealing with the multitude of story ideas bouncing around in her head, she’s working at her day job, or driving her children between soccer games. Christine is an active member in her local RWA chapter.

Christine writes dark and sexy futuristic romances, as well as paranormal and light contemporaries.

 

Welcome Christine. Thank you for joining us.

I noticed on your site that you have been writing for five years. Have you always wanted to pursue publication?

When I started writing back then, I was more interested in saving my sanity. I was home on maternity leave and was going a bit stir crazy. I hadn’t written anything in years and thought it might be fun to try it again. It wasn’t until I finished my first manuscript (a terrible historical that will never see the light of day) that I thought I might like to learn enough to make a serious go of it. I haven’t looked back since.

It also states that you dabbled in different sub-genres before settling into erotica. Can you tell us a bit about your experiences with those different genres? Any that were easier than others for you to write?

I started out trying to write historicals. I’ve always loved historical romances, reading everything Julia Quinn, Christina Dodd, Mary Balogh, and others wrote. I quickly learned that my voice wasn’t suited for that subgenre. Later on I tried writing a few straight contemporaries, but it didn’t quite fit either. It wasn’t until I started playing around with mixing science fiction and erotic romance that I hit my stride.

In your upcoming release The Bond That Ties Us, Kamran, the hero is a Briel Ambassador. Could you describe what a Briel Ambassador is?

Kamran is from a race known as the Briel. On their planet, there are fewer women than men and as a result, the search for a mate became something rare and precious. Only single men, or widowed women leave their home planet to make lives for themselves. If they stumble across their mate they are expected to return to Briel to start a family.

Kamran is unmated, and has made quite the career as an ambassador and negotiator. He arrived on the human colony of Eurus years ago to help the humans keep ownership of their new home. He’s a proud man who believes in the traditions of his people. More than anything, he wants to find his mate and have a family.

Haylie, the heroine seems to be an independent, determined woman. Was there anything that sparked the creation of Haylie's character?

I grew up watching Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who. I always loved the strong female characters and how they acted as a foil for the male leads in the shows. When I created Haylie, not only did I want her to be smart and sexy, but able to defend her home and her friends from anything she perceived as a threat. I guess there’s more than a little Princess Lea in her.

What about Kamran, any particular instance or idea that brought the Ambassador to life in your book?

Kamran came direct from a reoccurring dream I’d been having. I would close my eyes at night and I would see this tall, black haired, silver eyes man pacing around and around a small room. Over the course of a month, I slowly figured out that he was trying to get to someone - his mate - but couldn’t. The rest of the story came from there.

You are a member of RWA, Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada and Passionate Ink. Do you believe your participation in these organizations
has helped you as a writer? In which ways?

Absolutely! For me, these organizations have given me access to other writers, conferences, and monthly presentations. No matter what stage of writing someone is at, you can always learn something new. Having an opportunity to talk to others who share the same goals and dreams as I do, helps keep me focused. It can be a challenge to keep going in the publishing world. We all need support.

How does it feel to be published by Ellora's Cave, one of the most recognized romantica e-publishers on the internet?

I’m so thrilled to be a part of the EC family. I only discovered them three years ago as a reader, but I was so impressed by the quality of the writing that was coming out from there. Now, to be a part of that wonderful group of writers, it’s a dream come true.

Any future releases or plans that you'd like to share?

I’ve just sold my second story to EC, tentatively called Chasing Phoenix. It’s the story about an erotic story teller whose secret identity is being chased down by a co-worker who she has a crush on. I’m hoping it will be released late 2007.

I’m also working on the sequel to The Bond That Ties Us, called The Bond That Heals Us. It’s the story of Haylie’s best friend Sara.

What advice can you give an aspiring writer?

Please don’t give up on your dream. Publishing is a frustrating business and it will make you question everything about yourself as a writer - even as a person. Listen to your gut when you are working on your story. You can learn craft, learn grammar, techniques. Your ideas are what make you unique as a writer - don’t give up on them.

Interview conducted by Missy Sue Hanson
June 2007
Moonglade Marketing
Sensual Reads & Reviews



 

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