Christina Pryor, the sixth child of eight children, was born in Ann Arbor Michigan. She grew up in foster care. Her biological mother passed away when she was seventeen and she graduated two years later. She started writing, mostly poetry, when she was in high school. She has been a fan of urban fiction since she was in the sixth grade. Her goal is to leave her mark in this industry and to tell her stories in a way that makes her readers want to keep turning the pages. Most of all, she wants to make her kids proud.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

I can’t say I knew I was called for it. It just felt natural. I loved the story telling and using my imagination. I love the graphic image your imagination creates when you read. It is almost like watching a mental movie. I think what frustrates me the most is coming to a conclusion.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

They can follow me Facebook and Instagram under Author Chrissye Writes as well as Tik Tok under Author Chrissye.

My first series is titled He Was My Friend first 1&2, and it centers around four friends who each decided to take their friendships to different levels. This book tests love, trust, understanding and self-growth

Along with the series is another book called His Love Was All I Needed and it’s a spin-off of HE WAS MY FRIEND FIRST 1&2. In this story you get to know new characters and find out the ending of the first books

Last is HOTEL SEXSYLVAINA, which is filled with short stories that are erotica. It’s sexy short stories that I like to call late night reads. And is for the grown and sexy.

All of my books were published by DREAM WAKE WORK PUBLISHING and can be purchased on Amazon or free with Kindle Unlimited.

He Was My Friend, First

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QJJ3P51/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZVBMNT0MTW1S163ZQ1VH

He Was My Friend, First 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092BJPBQV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_80YV6S1VKG6AB5T1X47P

His Love Was All I Needed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZF59NPF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_5XXSA389G324QD7PK4PQ

Hotel Sexsylvania https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MVZPMFC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_6CK0ZCHCYEH39ZK5HGTH

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

My inspiration comes from experience or stories from friends and relatives, but mostly from my imagination.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?

No, I’m a full-time mom so I write when I have free time or late when they are sleeping.

I never do outlines because I never seem to follow them. It depends on where the story takes me and sometimes it can be a month or longer.

I am currently working on a few projects one with my pen-sister Jamie Alicia that is kind of like a mystery as well as two of my own. All are romance as well.

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins was the first urban book I read. It’s the reason I fell in love with urban fiction.

I am currently reading a book called Ride or Die Friends or Frenemies written by Arri’ Love.

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

I was excited when Hotel Sexsylvania hit the top 100 in a few categories. In the next five years I just want people to know my work. Not so much of me. I want my books to reach more readers.

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?

I haven’t had to deal with rejection. I can say that readers are very critical. But I love it. Sometimes you have to have thick skin. In this industry if you put a period where a question mark should be, your readers will point it out. I love reading reviews because it helps better me as a writer.

I chose to sign with DREAM WAKE WORK PUBLISHING because Author Aseera has a lot of experience in the industry. She has taught me so much and it has been easier to get established. I don’t know much about self-publishing so I can’t say much about it.

8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?

Yes. It can be a bit overwhelming but that may be one of the best things about having a publishing family. We work together to promote each other’s work. To get our books out there.

9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?

I love it. It’s an amazing feeling and experience. To know that I did that. After reading reviews and before doing interviews, I read my work.

10) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

Not at all. I’m in my thirties and I just started some are younger and others are older. I feel like when you are ready, you’re ready. No time limit on story telling. I am often amazed by the younger authors that are in elementary, middle and high school because of the amount of talent they have. The age of an author, to me has nothing to do with their ability to tell stories.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I think I’m good at descriptive words and terms. When you read my books, I believe you can see the characters, feel their emotions. Or even better I hope that when you read my books you right there with them, seeing what they see and smelling what they smell.

Writing allows me to escape reality. When I write the world is how I make it. If I want action or drama, it’s my world and I just have to imagine it. Growing up I was taught reading was fundamental. When readers pick up my books, sit in their favorite spot I want them to be able to detach from their worries and read about someone else’s drama. Giving their brain a break from everyday worries.