Writer's Life: Christina Lorenzen

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

I'm so excited to host debut author Christina Lorenzen!! Christina and I met online through our social networks, and we instantly bonded. Christina is super-supportive, honest, and upbeat. She just makes me smile! Her debut novel, A Husband for Danna, released yesterday!!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

For me, writing is an escape from the tragedy and sorrow that is just too prevalent in our world today. I am a HUGE Hallmark Channel fan because I need happy endings. I am also a lover of small towns, tight knit communities and happily ever afters. These are the things about my writing that make my heart sing. I realize that my characters will have to face setbacks and struggles, and no story is a good story without some conflict, but in the end I can guarantee my readers a happy ever after.

2. What is the biggest hurdle you’re facing right now as a writer?

I would say that it’s a tie between self-doubt and procrastination. Or maybe it’s the self-doubt that causes the procrastination lol. I don’t outline but I keep a novel notebook for each of my books. I have a notebook going for my second story and I have a notebook for another book. But somehow I can’t seem to get started. In the back of my mind I keep thinking “What if I can’t do it again?” Writing a book, and completing it, is a huge accomplishment. Looking back at all the work it took to get this book to the point where it was accepted for publication makes me doubt I can do it again. And, of course, it’s my goal to be prolific so I have to find a way to move past the fear of becoming a ‘one hit wonder’.

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

This is such a fun question! I’m a cat lover so when I’m feeling stressed I like to sit down with a cat and let myself go into an almost meditative state listening to their purring. When I’m feeling a bit ‘dry’ I can fill my creative well with jewelry design. Back in 2012 I was having a lot of problems with writer’s block. I visited a local craft store with my daughter, who had taken up making these yarn bracelets that were a craze at the time. I wondered into the bead aisle and was stunned at all the gorgeous beads. I bought a few things, made a few pieces and slowly it became a regular habit. I now have a shop on Etsy (Addie Frank Designs) where I sell my jewelry. But I’m also very interested in helping others and my jewelry has let me do that. I’ve donated dozens of pieces to help raise funds for a woman battling breast cancer and a child battling leukemia. Jewelry design helps me fill my creative well and help those battling cancer if only in a small way.

4. What are you working on now?

Well, I’m working on getting myself past my self-doubt lol. But seriously, I have another book that’s based on my favorite fairy tale, Rapunzel. My grandmother used to tell me that story as a child on the nights she would babysit my brother and I. I even have a dedication page in it to her. I also have an inspirational story that I’m hoping to complete by the end of the year and pitch to Harlequin’s Love Inspired line. I love reading and writing inspirational stories and I believe they do so much more than entertain readers. This is a vital genre that offers people hope, builds faith and, I believe, brings them closer in their relationship with God.

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Christina, I totally get the self-doubt!! Starting a new project can be daunting, especially for a plotter like me. One thing that helps? I take long walks and ask a lot of what-if type questions. And I try not to force or rush the story idea process. But I still struggle with doubt. Probably always will! Your "purr" therapy is my kind of relaxation! I love cats. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you, Christina. Thanks so much for being my guest!

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A Husband for Danna ~ 

Off and running! In her frenzied quest to escape from a groom her father has chosen for her, Danna Rashba ‘borrows’ a limousine parked on Main Street. The last thing on her mind is finding a groom from another wedding in the backseat. What are the chances that the bride and groom from two different weddings running from the altar on the same day? The last thing Danna wants is a hostage as she tries to escape from her nuptials.

The last thing Eric Harmon wants is to be saddled with yet another spoiled, needy woman. He’s furious about this wrench in his plans, he accuses Danna of stealing. He wants to send her home in a cab as soon as they get to the nearest town, but Danna refuses. Much to Eric’s frustration, one thing after another seems to keep them tied together.

Soon the generosity of a local shopkeeper and several people in town have them mistaken for newlyweds. Danna and Eric find themselves stepping into the role as husband and wife leading them to realize they just may be each other’s ‘match’. But will Danna be able to stand up to her rigid, old fashioned father and choose her own husband?

Click HERE to buy at Amazon! 

Click HERE to buy at Barnes & Noble!

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About Christina ~ 

Christina Lorenzen started writing as a young teen, jotting stories in wire ring composition notebooks. Her first typewriter made it faster to get all those stories out of her head and down on paper. Her love of writing has sustained her through a myriad of jobs that included hairdresser, legal secretary, waitress and door-to-door saleswoman. Luckily for her, writing proved to be successful and a lot less walking than going door to door. A Husband for Danna is Christina’s first novel. She is busy working on her next. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found walking her dog, talking to her herd of cats and spending time with her family.

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Do you love happy endings? (I do!!)

Have a terrific day!

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