About Christine M Grote:
In 1979 Christine earned a college degree in Chemical Engineering. Following a brief career in product development, and a longer career as a homemaker and the mother of four, Christine returned to college, and earned an English degree.
She is bereaved of a severely disabled sister, Annie, who is the subject of Dancing in Heaven; a mother who died in January of 2013; and a father who followed her mother in death two weeks later and who is the subject of Where Memories Meet – Reclaiming my father after Alzheimer’s.
Christine lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and their dog Arthur, where she enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, and photography.
What inspires you to write?
I am often inspired to write when something touches my heart deeply. I believe we have the power to make our time here on this earth more peaceful, joyful, and enriched if we share our journeys along the way. I believe the more we understand each other, the better all of our journeys will be. I am moved to write stories that I become aware of that shine a light on the human condition and lead to a better understanding of each other.
Tell us about your writing process.
I am not a very disciplined writer. I know that sitting down every day and writing is important, if not even perhaps imperative. But it hasn’t happened for me. I find that when I am moved by something, I have to write. And then I do. Not a very reliable path to productivity, I admit. I write first drafts fairly freely, and then go back and cut, slash, and refine. I enjoy the process.
What advice would you give other writers?
I think it is important to believe in yourself. It is a crowded field with many writers of many genres. It can become discouraging. Believe in yourself and your voice. You bring your perspective, your thoughts, and your style to readers. You are the only one who can.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
When I finished Dancing in Heaven, I investigated traditional publishing and found a lot of information online about self-publishing. I am not a patient person, and I didn’t want to wait years seeking first an agent, and then a publisher for my book. I wanted Annie’s story to be read, even if it was only by a small number of people. I also wanted to maintain complete editorial control of the book’s name and content. It was too dear to my heart to allow someone else to change it with their own vision. I decided to self-publish and am glad I did. My parents died just a little over a year after Dancing in Heaven was published. I am forever grateful that my mother was able to read and enjoy the book.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I find it hard to imagine that print books will ever completely disappear, but I have a Kindle and there is something about the convenience of acquiring books and the ability to take my library with me in such a small package that is irresistible. I think ebooks are here to stay. Because of the affordability of self-publishing ebooks, I think that is to stay as well. And I think it is a good thing that we are able to hear more voices and not just have to rely on the memoirs of famous athletes, politicians, and Hollywood stars that fill the tables inside the doors of brick and mortar book stores.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: Presently memoir/biography only, but I hope some day to try my hand at fiction. I’m just waiting for the story to pop up.
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Christine M Grote Home Page Link
Link To Christine M Grote Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
