Featured Author: Kristina Circelli

[Jen Rattie]

Tell us about your latest book.

Fragile Creatures is my first YA contemporary, centering on a teenage girl haunted by her father’s death after a car accident, of which she was the driver. Unable to bear the guilt, she attempts to take her own life, and is later sent to a wildlife preserve that offers a program for troubled teens. There, immersed in the preserve, she meets Ruke, a giraffe, and PJ, a goat. Together, the animals help Evangeline along her journey toward healing.

I wrote Fragile Creatures to be a character study, an exploration into a young girl’s psyche, but also to show readers how much we can learn from animals. I also purposely left out a romance angle, much to the frustration of my fans/readers thus far.

Where did the idea for the book come from?

I used to work for a zoo, so many of the animals are based off my favorite furry friends there, whom I still miss dearly. I always wanted to put them, along with everything I learned in that job, in a book. Fragile Creatures began with the idea of something taking place at a wildlife preserve. Since all of my books have some kind of dark and usually bittersweet undertone, I came up with Evangeline and her attempted suicide, which led to the question of why she ever reached that point. The story sort of built itself from there. I didn’t know how it would end until I wrote it, to be honest.

Who and what inspire you to write?

I’ve always loved to write. I don’t know that I have any one inspiration as far as authors, since I love so many with so many different styles and genres. But I would have to say that my mother is a big influence, since she got me into reading basically since birth. If I didn’t love to read as much as I do, I don’t know that I would have had such a large inspiration to write at such a young age.

Each author has his or her own inspiring journey. How did you begin writing?

I wouldn’t say mine is too inspiring. I kind of just write to write. I don’t generally worry what people think about my books, because I write for me. I do things at my own pace and try not to let the pressures of the publishing world get to me. When I was first published at 17 through a company, self-publishing wasn’t even a thing, and because I was so young and naïve I experienced a very negative side of the industry with people taking advantage of you. After taking a break, I found a fantastic group of authors who really guided me through the indie world. Without them I would have been lost.

I started out writing poetry and short stories, and now pretty much write novels exclusively. It’s been a progressive changeover. I’d like to think my writing gets better with each book, that my style matures a bit more, and that I help out my author friends in perfecting their crafts as much as they help me.

What has been the most pleasant surprise about writing? How about an unexpected down side?

The most pleasant is definitely getting to meet so many amazing people. I’ve always been more of a loner with few friends, and after going to events and meeting others with similar interests, that has certainly changed. Being an indie author has made me a lot happier, and given my life a lot more personal meaning.

Unexpected downside? My arthritis and carpal tunnel issues got severely worse over the years. I suppose that is kind of expected due to typing, but still the worst downside given the amount of pain I have to deal with. But, it’s worth it!

Do you have any writing rituals?

If I do, I haven’t realized them. I do prefer to write on the couch or bed, and I like to have background noise. There is always a TV show or movie on while I write.

Do you write your books in order?

Like for a series? Yes. But during the actual writing for the particular book, not necessarily. I tend to get ahead of myself and get really excited to write certain scenes, so my first draft typically has a lot of (expand) or (write this scene later) so I can fill in the blanks later.

What is on your writing playlist for this book?

I don’t actually have one (probably one of the few authors who doesn’t). I don’t listen to the radio and honestly rarely listen to music unless it’s a long car ride. When I do have music on, it’s movie soundtracks, film scores, or Disney soundtracks. As much as I love books and movies, I’m just not a music person.

Any favorite writing snacks?

Doritos and Mr. Pibb all the way! Cool Ranch Doritos, of course.

What advice would you give writers who aspire to be published?

Just write. Don’t worry about the logistics (grammar, structure, editing, etc). Just get the story out and on paper. Also, don’t read how-to books on writing that stifle creativity or listen to “rules” of writing, such as ‘you have to write every day.’ No, you don’t. Don’t force the words. Just let them come to you. (I suppose that is my own personal rule, but I think that everyone has their own style, and so many of today’s rules of writing try to stamp out that personal touch.)

Are you working on anything new right now?

A few things! I’m currently working on a nonfiction book dedicated to raising awareness about Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba found in warm waters (my cousin died of this a couple years ago). I also have a new fantasy series I’m starting, and a fantasy/romance with knights.

Who is your favorite character in your current book?

For Fragile Creatures, Ruke the giraffe. He reminds me of my old giraffe buddy with all his stubborn ways. If I had to pick a person, then Caster. He’s an eavesdropping smart-ass and I love him for it.

What is your favorite book of all time?

I have a couple! Peter Pan by JM Barrie is one of my top books. I also love the Black Jewel books by Anne Bishop. I know that’s like 10 or so books all rolled into one, but it’s a long series and I love every part of it.

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your book.

Fragile Creatures is a unique and tender story about love and loss, exploring the strength of one girl’s bond with a very special giraffe while reminding us all of the power that hurtful ‒‒ and hopeful ‒‒ words can have on us all.

 

About the Author:

Night owl, Dorito lover, and quiet eccentric - Kristina Circelli is the author of several fiction novels, including The Helping Hands series, The Whisper Legacy, The Never, and The Sour Orange Derby. Her latest series, The Whisper Legacy, features Beyond the Western Sun. This book is what all fantasy adventures must strive to be: a complex, intricate examination of human emotion set within the context of worlds known only in our imagination. Melding fantasy and legend in an epic quest, this series signals the arrival of Kristina Circelli as a master storyteller and an important voice in Native American literature. A descendent of the Cherokee nation and niece of a Cherokee elder, Circelli holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from the University of North Florida, where she teaches creative writing. She also heads Red Road Editing, a full-service editing company for independent authors and commercial clients. She currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Seth, and cats, Lord Finnegin the Fierce and Mr. Malachi the Mighty.

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