Chrystal Stevens

Posted On February 10, 2020

• What lead you to write?

I had always been an avid reader and loved various genres of books. Sometimes I would read a book and not like how it turned out or I would say I would have had this character do this or that. So, I decided to write my own so it turned the way I wanted.

• Was there a particular person that influenced you to pursue writing?

My English teachers all commented about my wild imagination but Mrs. Miller in high school, then Dr. Stacy in college convinced me to make a career out of it.

• What is your preferred genre to write?

I can’t say just one. I love fantasy, thriller, mystery, horror and science fiction.

• What is your favorite genre to read?

The same ones I write in. Though I seem to read more mystery and horror.

• What are your favorite activities or hobbies outside of work/writing?

Besides reading, I love hiking, watching movies, watching plays, drawing, and exploring historical places.

• Who is your favorite author and what do you enjoy about their writing style?

I have two, one classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and one contemporary Stephen King. Mr. Doyle writes very descriptive and you could see, hear, touch everything that Sherlock Holmes did and saw. You feel like you’re there. He keeps you in suspense until the very end too. In the case of Mr. King he writes horror which by nature entails describing things so you are on the edge of your seat, biting your nails or both. He knows how to keep you turning pages. I’ve read every story ever written by both men and have never been disappointed.

• What is one major struggle you have with writing?

I have a tendency to be working on one book and get the idea for more. I then have to leave my current book to write the new story down. It’s then hard to get back into the first story which is usually in a later draft.

• Out of all of your stories, which one did you most enjoy writing?

That would be “They’re Coming” a short zombie story I haven’t published yet.

• What projects are you currently working on?

I’m working on book 2 of my Destiny Malone PI crime thriller series, a Peter Pan retelling, a NA fantasy, a werewolf story, an alien story, and two short story collections (one fantasy, one horror).

• What has been one of your strongest inspirations for a story?

Probably the reasons behind why I wrote my YA Fantasy The Coming of Jack Walker. I wanted to write a story about a boy who was a nerd who didn’t think he would ever be anyone special. Then due to events happening in his life he meets like minded people who help him. They have been victims of racism, prejudice and fear. They also come from different countries and cultures. I wanted to show that even with their differences these people have lived together for years on an island without any problems. So, if they can, why can’t the rest of the world.

• Do you place any of your life experiences into your stories?

Yes, in my Crime Thriller I have published right now the FMC is based on me and her backstory is my diary screaming out loud.

• If your story could be made into a play or movie, what actor/actress do you think would be the perfect fit to play your mc?

My FMC in my crime thriller should be Jennifer Love Hewitt and in my YA fantasy she should be Scarlett Johansson.

• If you had enough money to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and France to check out all of the places and/or landmarks I’ve only read about.

• What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Follow Your Heart. The last thing my Mamaw Opal ever told me before she died.

• What is your dream car?

A 1957 Chevy Bel Air in Cherry Red.

• What part of your writing is the most complimented?

The suspense I invoke that keeps them turning pages and causes sleep deprivation.

• What part of your writing, do you feel, needs strengthening?

Focusing on getting a final draft done. Not getting distracted by other stories.

• What is your favorite mixed drink?

I’m not a big drinker, but if I do it’s usually a Pina colada.

• What is one of your most cherished items in your writing space?

A journal my aunt Diana bought that has all kinds of sayings on it like Follow Your Dreams.

• What is one thing in anything you’ve read that stood out to you? (Could be meaning or even just sentence structure.) 

One thing in particular that stood out was, “That when you die and go to Heaven everyone has their own idea of what Heaven is like and that everyone gets what they want. If you want to fish all day, if you want to have a view of the Eiffel Tower from your window, if you want to live on the beach and surf all day you can. You get your Heaven and not everyone’s eternity in Heaven would be the same.” I loved that. My idea of Heaven would be a two story Colonial in the woods with all of my family and friends coming over to visit all the time.

• What advice would you give to someone trying to start building their platform and market their work?

Research all avenues for advertising, some you have to pay for, some you can get for free. Seek out authors writing the same genres. Join the #WritingCommunity on Twitter. Have a blurb (a brief description about your book’s plot) ready to share, and embrace social media.

• What is your favorite food?

I love orange chicken.

• What is your favorite show/movie?

My favorite shows are Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. I also love SWAT.

Favorite movie, from the 1980s, The Legend of Billie Jean.

The plot is relevant today. The MC Billie Jean deals with an issue that has become prominent in the news in recent years. I think it should be remade or at least shown to women now.

Website: Under Construction

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Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Chrystal-Lee-Stevens/e/B01MYWNPSQ