The Interrogation Room with CJ Peterson

Please welcome CJ Peterson to the hot seat this week!

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What genre are your books?

My books are Christian/fiction/inspiration/Action&Adventure/Romance

What draws you to this genre?

I am a Christian, so writing Christian fiction was just a natural way to go for me. When I write, I sit down, pray, and just start writing. When I can’t write anymore, I put it away. Then when I start again, I sit, pray, read the last chapter I wrote, and keep writing. It some how always seems to work. My characters go through many of life’s challenges, including the spiritual struggles. Through these struggles, my characters learn to rely on God and His strength to get through them. I pray my work inspires others to lean on Him as well!

When did you decide to become a writer?

I’ve always been a writer. I wrote my first “book” in first grade. I would easily make up stories, and was great at essays in English. I decided to publish the books written back in 2012. My husband and I decided if the words helped even one person, publishing them helped. According to the reviews, they have helped multiple. To us, that is success!

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

I use a computer when I write. It helps me because my fingers work as fast as my brain on the computer. I type 85 words per minute, and writing it would be too long and frustrating. Also, I can delete or move things as needed. It makes my life easier.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I just prefer to see where an idea takes me. This also sometimes known as a ‘pantser’ – meaning you write by the seat of your pants. There are times where I have an idea of where I want the story to go, but my characters are strong-willed and tend to take over the storylines. I don’t writes what goes against my character. I tent to let them lead the way. When I start a story, I never really know how it ends. I enjoy that part of writing a lot!

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

The last book I wrote was DIVINE LEGACY. In it, it combined the kids from The Holy Flame Trilogy and the Grace Restored Series. I had to keep everyone, their ages, where they came from, and where the new characters were from in my head. As I write the series, there are people from all over the world, so I need to keep a running list in the book. It makes for interesting writing and reading!

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?

I’m all for it! Most of my books belong to a series. As a matter of fact, my characters cross over into the other series, allowing you to get ‘the rest of the story.’ I do have one stand alone book, and her character’s story is finished in the Grace Restored Series. The Holy Flame Trilogy and the Grace Restored Series come together to form the Divine Legacy Series.

Who designed your book covers?

Todd Engel. He does a phenomenal job at it too! I don’t care what people say, they do judge a book by the cover, and he’s well worth it! Here’s his FB link if you’re looking for a cover artist: https://www.facebook.com/Todd-Engel-Engel-Creative-Graphic-Design-390489460965362/

Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

Most definitely! It works best when you give a way the first book in the series. It encourages readers to actually download the book. That also helps in getting reviews. Granted there is always that one or two who give crummy reviews, and in reading the review, you know they didn’t read the book, but the true reviews make all of it worth it!

What is your favourite motivational phrase?

Yes. It’s actually a verse – Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.”

What is your favourite quote?

It’s by Khalil Gibran:

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write because it’s in your heart. If you run out of words, don’t be afraid to put it up for a while. Don’t give up. Everyone has at least one great story within themselves…their own. Use your story to help others. My husband and I agreed before we published the first book that if the books even helped one person, publishing them would be worth it. I have received many reviews that tell me we made the right choice. Also, a portion of the proceeds from my work go to various charities. For more information, you can go to my website: http://www.cjpetersonwrites.com

“While the stories are fiction, the journey is real.”