Author Interview: Christine Nolfi

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It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you today Christine Nolfi , author of Treasure Me and Second Chance Grill.

Second Chance Grill_Christine Nolfi

My Interview with Christine:

What is the title or working title of your current book?

My October release Second Chance Grill is the second book in the Liberty Series and a prequel to the award winning Treasure Me. The books are similar in style to the movie Steel Magnolias or the book Fried Green Tomatoes—women’s fiction with heart.

All of the books in fictional Liberty, Ohio will feature a core cast—the most notable character is feisty Theodora Hendricks, the town’s gun toting, elderly matriarch. Of course Theodora’s nemesis, the fluttery Ethel Lynn Percible, also makes an appearance in Second Chance Grill, as does the short-tempered, skillet-wielding cook, Finney.

Fire Mountain_Christine Nolfi

Please provide us with a brief synopsis of your book.

Dr. Mary Chance needs a sabbatical from medicine to grieve the loss of her closest friend. But when she inherits a struggling restaurant in Liberty, Ohio she isn’t prepared for Blossom Perini. Mary can’t resist falling for the precocious preteen—or the girl’s father. The bond they forge will transform all their lives—and set in motion an outpouring of love that spreads across America.

What genre does your current book fall under?

Second Chance Grill is contemporary fiction with strong romantic elements.

Do you always write for the same genre?

All of my novels fall under the contemporary fiction umbrella, yes. The Liberty Series mixes romance, mystery and humor. My first stand-alone release, The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge, incorporates mystery and literary elements.

Who or what motivates or inspires you to write?

Human nature is endlessly fascinating. I’m inspired by the extraordinary actions of ordinary people. If driving past a row of houses, I wonder about the stories hidden behind each door.

Tell us about your writing background.

In high school I began writing with the goal of publication and finished my first attempt at a novel in college. In my early twenties I published a short story in Working Mother Magazine. The next two decades were spent building a public relations firm and raising my four adopted children. In my mid-forties I finally began writing fiction full-time.

How long does it typically take you to write a first draft?

It depends on the manuscript. A first draft can take anywhere from four months to two years. Presently I have four novels in the first draft stage.

Do you employ an editor to assist in the writing process?

I worked as a freelance writer for many years and don’t feel the need for assistance during the writing process. However, I do have an editor check the final manuscript before publication.

Are you self-published or represented by an agency?

I’d probably win an award for near misses with traditional publishers. My books would invariably receive compliments from editors who weren’t sure how to market stories that drew from the romance, mystery and suspense genres. An anecdote? A literary agent once took an hour from her day to call to lend advice on revisions for Treasure Me and explain she couldn’t offer representation because I was meant to be a “big book” author and she didn’t have the expertise.

Do I have an agent? Not at the moment. Given the amount of glowing reviews my books have received, I may once again secure representation then pitch future works to New York editors.

Do you have future projects we can look forward to?

I’ll release Fire Mountain in the coming weeks and an as-yet-untitled work soon after. Both manuscripts are complete. I’m still fussing over the pages and layering in more emotion.

www.christinenolfi.com

Do you have any tips or advice to offer fellow writers?

Many writers fear publication because they’re convinced they don’t have the expertise or must first complete a formal education. But here’s the thing: no one can teach you how to write a story in a singular voice. There isn’t a fresh plot to be had on the planet, but your life experiences are as unique as the way you choose to depict them. If you have the courage to put emotion on the page and possess the desire to improve, eventually your distinctive voice will emerge. Successful novelists are writers who refused to give up.

BIO:

Christine Nolfi owned a small public relations firm in Cleveland, Ohio. She closed the firm after traveling to the Philippines to adopt a sibling group of four children. She has been writing novels full-time since 2004. Her debut Treasure Me is a 2012 Next Generation Indie Awards finalist. Her most recent book Second Chance Grill was released in October.

http://tinyurl.com/7e2xgjq

@christinenolfi on Twitter

GoodReads Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/c3sf4yv

FaceBook Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/c3sf4yv

Amazon Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/9due77l

Second Chance Grill:

Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/bq9hweg

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/bq9hweg

 

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Comments (9 )

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  1. Mary Slagel says:

    What a great interview! You asked some wonderful questions. As a writer myself, I always enjoy reading about how another author writes (if they have an editor, what their advice is, their writing process) and I feel like I got some keen insight into Christine Nolfi as an author. I look forward to reading her Liberty series which I have not formerly heard about. The names of the characters alone drew me in but the mixture of genres sealed the deal.

  2. These are books my wife would like. She loves this kind of stuff (she is a big Fried Green Tomatoes fan).

  3. findingourwaynow says:

    I loved this interview. But then again, I have enjoyed all your interview so far. I believe these books would a very fun read for me. Thanks for the heads on this author. :-)))

  4. Susan Oakes says:

    Another great interview Cheryl and I think most of us can relate to Christine saying that human nature is endlessly fascinating.

  5. Sounds like a great book! I love the pitch, too. Very intriguing!

  6. Cheryl, many thanks for the wonderful questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. To everyone posting comments: many thanks for reading along!

  7. namirusso says:

    Absolutely true, just watching people and listening to their stories – a writer could never be short of ideas. Time, on the other hand, is a different story. I like Christine's advice to "refuse to give up." There are many stories I finally finished after a lengthy time of cooling off. Thanks for the interview, Cheryl.

  8. Many thanks for your input, Nami. Success arrives when a writer chooses to pursue her goals–even if she can only find thirty minutes per day to write. Good luck!

  9. Gerald Smith says:

    4 months to 2 years to write a book. I have considered writing a book, but the process seems complicated. I definitely feel inspired after reading this post.