A hearty welcome back to Christina Weigand as she celebrates the release of Sanctuary of Nine Dragons, the third book in her YA fantasy series Palace of Twelve pillars. She’s been gracious enough to answer a few questions. Hi, Christina!
What made you want to become a writer?
A shark. When I was a kid for the longest time I thought I wanted to be a nurse. I desperately wanted to wear one of those little white caps that they wore back in the day. When I was a junior in high school, I went to see the movie Jaws. That night I had nightmares and couldn’t sleep. It was then that I decided that maybe nursing was not for me. I had always written. I wrote for the school newspaper and a local newspaper. Journalism seemed a natural choice.
What inspired you to write Sanctuary of Nine Dragons?
I can’t put my finger on one particular incident that inspired this book, except for the one when I finished the second book in the trilogy and realized that the story wasn’t finished yet. For the whole trilogy though, I don’t remember a bolt of lightning, or any particular thing that inspired the story. It started out as a lonely farm boy being told that he was a prince and wizard and blossomed from there.
What one book do you wish you had written?
There are so many books out there that I love, but the reason I love them is because the talent of a particular author are behind it. They were the best person to write that book. I couldn’t have written their book just as they couldn’t have written mine.
At what moment did you truly begin to feel like an author?
It was my first NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) when I was writing Palace of the Twelve Pillars. It was the first draft and writing the funeral scene of King Theodric. I stopped and reread after writing it. I couldn’t believe that I wrote those words, that they came from my fingers. I ran through the house showing it to anyone who was there. Of course my husband was the only one there and he just didn’t get that feeling.
What is your favorite part of the writing process? What is your least favorite part?
When the characters take control of the story and things just flow. My least favorite part is when the characters are silent and the words won’t come.
What is the single best piece of advice you have for aspiring authors?
If it is your passion, your calling, to write then don’t give it up. Don’t listen when others tell you not good enough or you should be doing something else. Write, read and write some more.
What is next for you in your writing career?
I just submitted a middle-grade novel to my publisher. God willing it will be published by the end of the year. I have another series that I have started.
Sanctuary of Nine Dragons blurb:
Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.
With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.
Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?
Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?
Find it at the MuseItUp bookstore, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other ebook retailers.
About the Author:
Christina Weigand’s a writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a middle school daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania, returning there after a short sabbatical in Washington. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.
When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local Church as a lector, Bible Study, or with the church theater group, volunteering at her daughter’s school helping the children develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.
Find out more about Christina on her blog, Twitter (@CAWeigand), Facebook, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Great interview! I love that moment, too, when everything just flows together so well and the characters are chatty 🙂
Thank you Katie for letting me visit and talk about my writing and my books.
Hi, Christina! Sorry I wasn’t able to get on yesterday to comment. Thanks for being on the blog…loved your answers. Shark! 😉
Wonderful interview. I bet few authors can say a shark made them want to become a writer. Best of luck with your series and your new story.
Great interview! It’s always fun to read what has inspired other authors! Here’s wishing you many sales on your books!
Nice! Best of luck!