Reading by Deb: INTERVIEW with CHRISTINE GORRI

I want to thank Christine Gorri for taking the time for this interview!

BIO:

C.D. Gorri is a USA Today Bestselling author of steamy paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She is the creator of the Grazi Kelly Universe.

An avid reader with a profound love for books and literature, when she is not writing or taking care of her family, she can usually be found with a book or tablet in hand. C.D. lives in her home state of New Jersey where many of her characters or stories are based. Her tales are fast paced yet detailed with satisfying conclusions.

If you enjoy powerful heroines and loyal heroes who face relatable problems in supernatural settings, journey into the Grazi Kelly Universe today. You will find sassy, curvy heroines and sexy, love-driven heroes who find their HEAs between the pages. Werewolves, Bears, Dragons, Tigers, Witches, Romani, Lynxes, Foxes, Thunderbirds, Vampires, and many more Shifters and supernatural creatures dwell within her worlds. The most important thing is every mate in this universe is fated, loyal, and true lovers always get their happily-ever-afters.

When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I have always wanted to be a writer, but I waited until after my children were all in school to begin my indie publishing career.

Did you have any influencing writers growing up?

I am an avid reader of everything from historical biographies to cozy mysteries, horror, crime fiction, sci-fi fantasies, young adult, and cowboy romances.

Are any of your characters based on people in real life?

Every single one of them has to have been influenced by the people I have met, seen, or heard about.

Where do you draw your book inspirations from?

I try to find inspiration in everything I see and hear and experience. It is all fodder for my brain, right? LOL. I mean that. I love learning things and meeting people and seeing places, it’s all food for thought.

Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?

Always following where the story takes me, but I have a goal in mind each time I start thinking and by the time I write the plot is pretty much cemented.

When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?

Yes and no. I also do my own cover art, so it really does help me to work on the cover first. It sets the tone of the tale.

Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?

Reading is my favorite thing to do alone, but when I am with my family I just love being with them and watching and talking with my children. They simply amaze me.

Who are your favorite current authors to read?

Eve Langlais and Robyn Peterman are both go to reads for me, but I also LOVE reading fellow indie authors like P. Mattern, Julia Mills, Gina Kincade, Erzabet Bishop, and Rebecca Hefner, and so many more.

What are your favorite books by others?

I absolutely adore Eve Langlais’ FUC series and Robyn Peterman’s Magic & Mayhem books.

Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?

Location is always important to me. Sometimes it is its own character.

I use my home state of NJ in every book I write.

Do you write in single or multiple POV?

Depends on the book but mostly single.

What do you find to be your best research tool?

The internet, but also books.

Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?

C.D. Gorri

What genre do you write and why is this your preference?

Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy as I love all things supernatural, and romance is just so universal.

No one wants to be alone, so the idea of fated mates and love so strong it defies any and all doubts is just supremely appealing to me.

Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky trait...what led to you being you?

I went to college for English literature and could have stayed forever, since I love learning.

Truth is, I’m a total nerd and if being a scholar was something I could have done, I think I would have.

But I also wanted a family, and being from a very tightknit one myself, I could not wait to have children of my own.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Keep reading and writing, never stop and don’t give up.

How do you deal and process negative book reviews?

Not everyone likes everything, and unfortunately, it is the naysayers who most often leave reviews.

It took a while for my skin to thicken, but now I just leave them to it, and move on.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Finding time to actually write, but without fail I do it. Every. Single. Day. Even if only for a few minutes.

What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?

Silence. And of course, my computer.

What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?

Jellybeans. Have to be tutti frutti jelly bellies.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?

OMG. I don’t think I can answer this.

There are so many amazing authors out there (or passed on) that have influenced me and that I would love to meet.

Maybe George RR Martin cause he’s from Jersey too! LOL.

What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?

I try to work when my hubby and kids are at work or in school, so we have plenty of time for each other. Besides jellybeans, nope.

Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?

Never. I need the quiet.

Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?

We have recently added two kittens who are a Bengal mix to our household, they heavily object to me doing anything other than feeding them and cuddling them.

What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?