Could You Tell Us About Yourself?
I was born in Colorado Springs, the first grandchild, and great-grandchild. I grew up around a lot of adults, was, and still am spoiled, and had a more than-average childhood. I was in the local singing group, The Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, went to church, rode bikes, etc. Currently, I have 3 adult children, 1 boy, and 2 girls, reside in Georgia and have a normal life. I love God, Coke, Broadway, Mickey Mouse and dislike (HATE!!!) the color pink (in ANY shade) and Minnie Mouse.
What made you write your book (s)?
I’ve always written stories and music, but the pandemic is what gave me the time I needed to sit down and really focus on what I wanted to say. Also, an overdue relationship was part of my inspiration. During the pandemic, I wrote 8 books. I started writing and then put them in certain categories. Once I was done with the first 3 I was encouraged to put at least 1 out. They are all works in progress. The erotic romance started out longer but I decided to make it into a sequel book.
What is the first book you remember reading?
The monster at the end of the book, Sesame Street, and Dr. Seuss. I still have a lot of them at my grandmother’s house.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Actually, writing isn’t hard. The hard part is focusing and putting it on the computer in book form.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Darkness. It helps me focus a little bit better and keeps me from being distracted.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
I love Coke but I can’t drink it all the time. I also like peanut M & M’s, popcorn with ranch seasoning, sweet tea, Moscato, or some apple crown.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I like to go out to a nice dinner and sleep.
Do you listen to music while you wrote your book (s)?
Yes, I listen to tons of Broadway, classical, gospel, and more. Depending on what I’m writing drives the type of music I play.
Where do you get your idea (s) for your book (s)?
My ideas come from life experiences, music, and my vivid imagination
What is/was your writing process like?
Sometimes I hear certain words, other times I reflect on a past situation or I hear a song and want to “flip” it. I have notebooks all over my house. In my bedroom, living room, and even the car. Inspiration always strikes and I have to write it down before I forget. It may come in a dream or a conversation. It’s everywhere for me.
Do you try more to be original or rather give readers what they want?
The answer to this question is both. I know I’m original but I do try to give readers something they may like or want.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
Again, just like my inspiration, it comes from anywhere or anything. Life, conversations, situations, music, or just going to the store.
What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing your book (s)?
My favorite part of publishing is the release date, when I get my copy and my first purchase from a customer. The least is the waiting and editing.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
All of my books are fun to write because I put everything I have in them. All my feelings go into my books. They range from sadness to anger, to sexy.
How did you come up with the title for your book (s)?
Therapy was just that. I was processing a breakup, going to therapy, and thought it sounded good. For…, I wrote for you, the people, and thought it was catchy, Stages is what it sounds like, a process. I title my books, poems, and stories how I feel. Fragmented, The CEO, they all follow a certain person, place, issue, or feeling.
Would you and your main character get along?
Definitely, All my characters would love hanging out with me as would I love to be with them. They all come from a personal place.
If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
It’s going to get better, keep up the savagery, stay sexy, and one day you will have everything you desire and more.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
My ideal readers are eclectic. They like everything from rom-coms to erotic short stories. They like poetry and roller coaster ride adventures. They read to relax but also to heal themselves mentally, and internally, and feel all the locked-up tension and emotions they keep bottled up inside. My readers also read for ideas. They may want to try role-playing with their significant other, or a new position described in my books, or get their love life re-booted and they don’t have time to be finessed with all the extra bs. That’s why my books are short and to the point.
What did you edit out of your book (s)?
I don’t edit anything out of my book. I write for REAL people living everyday lives. Fantasy is great but I can understand you better when you’re honest and real with me.
How long did it take for you to write a book?
It didn’t take long. The longest process was putting them in order and figuring out which book to put them in.
What do you hope your readers take away from your book (s)?
That I’m normal and have been through a lot of what they may have or are currently going through. It gets better and they can make it just as I have.
What was the hardest part of writing your book (s)?
Names. I never know what to name certain characters.
Did you get some negative feedback on your book?
and if so how do you deal with that? Yes, I have. At first, I was upset but then I realized that what I write and how I write isn’t for everyone. If you like it great, spread the word, if not, keep it to yourself. “If you don’t have anything nice to say…”
How did you feel when you first published your book (s)? Scared? Excited? Nervous?
I was all of that. Scared of what people would think. Scared no one would read it. Scared of bad reviews. Excited because this is something I’ve always wanted to do, and now I can be heard. Nervous because what if no one EVER buys a book? Did I make the biggest mistake in my life?
Where can people who are interested in your book, buy your book?
Amazon, Google, Barnes & Nobel, Walmart online, Target online, Kobobooks, Apple books, Google Books, and Smashwords. Available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook. My next project will be audiobooks.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers?
Yes, Stages of Love is the prequel to “Therapy”. It will be out next month, hopefully, by Valentine’s Day. I’m also editing another book while starting to finish my 4th book, A Fragmented Mind. Anyone who would like to be a beta reader for me, DM me on IG or send me an email with the subject “BETA”. Serious inquiries only, please.
After writing your book (s) what is your advice to people who want to become writers?
Be prepared monetarily. Have all your wants and needs written down. Be prepared for the negativity and sleepless nights. Know some of the lingo and social media. Join some book clubs that fit your genre, Alignable for networking, and Linkedin as well. This is now a business, so get your LLC and trademarking done quickly. It’s not going to be an overnight success story. Even those take years.
What are common traps for aspiring writers and have you faced any of them?
There will ALWAYS be emails with people saying they can do book reviews and get you thousands of “real” reviews to put you on top, and digital marketing companies that offer “grants” but still want you to pay them more money. The master classes, coaching, and speaking people (companies) who offer you the moon for big sums of money. You just have to weed through them. If it sounds too good, then most likely it is.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I read all my reviews and am grateful and appreciative of everyone who has purchased my book and thought enough of it to tell me how it made them feel. I get choked up every time. It’s just so amazing to me. When I read my Kirkus review, I cried. I feel as though the readers get me and understand what I was going through. On every occasion, I’m shocked and incredibly humbled. I haven’t had a bad one and don’t plan on it. Negativity is NOT my focus or my ministry. I speak greatness and a lifelong career with an abundance of blessing, favor, and comfort for myself, my books, and my family.
Is it something more you want to tell us which I forgot to ask about?
My website is www.cdmaddbooks.com, and all my social media is under cdmaddbooks.
Christian D. Maddison Media Links
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