Christy, describe yourself for our visitors.
I’m married to Scott and we’ve got one son, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha. I’m also a reporter for my local newspaper, the Virginian-Pilot, and the worship leader at my church. Between all of those things, I stay very busy. But I believe in working hard for what you want and doing your best at what you do. I’m not a big fan of coffee and sweets. I’ll take a Coke and potato chips any day to a latte and cookie. I love watching movies and taking road trips and exploring new places.
How do you find time to connect with God?
The book, Practicing the Presence of God, really changed my view of talking to God. Before that book, I tried to put in my fifteen minutes of Bible reading and prayer every day. If I did that, I felt like I was a good Christian and I’d done my duty. But that book reminded me that talking to God was something that should be done all the time. God is always with us. Why not be in constant conversation with him? So now, all throughout my day, I’m constantly lifting up prayers and communicating with God. Also, music plays a huge role in my life. I’m the worship leader at my church and when I’m having a bad day, without fail, a song will pop into my head that truly ministers to me.
Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?
I really like just about anything by Linda Hall. She writes these suspense novels with great characters and really subtle themes that always teach me something. I just read a title by her called Katherine’s Secret. She’s great! My favorite books are… well, I just can’t choose. I really like almost anything by Siri Mitchell and Terri Blackstock.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
I’ve wanted to be a writer… well, it seems like since forever. I wrote two or three books in high school and continue writing into college (usually in my Old Testament History class). After college, I got a job at a Christian publishing house and I worked as assistant editor there for two and a half years. My father became ill so I moved 12 hours back home in order to be with him. That moved really propelled me to start writing again—not only my books, but articles too. I started writing on a freelance basis for my local newspaper and several other publications. All the while, I worked on my fiction. My fiction really helped me to deal with my father’s illness. Finally, I found a small publisher willing to contract my book. The next year, I found another small publisher. I’m grateful for those opportunities, but their distribution and marketing weren’t great. Finally, I signed with Kregel for this mystery series and the rest, as they say, is history!
Tell us about your current book?
In Suspicious Minds, crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire takes a mold remediation job to make ends meet. While in the crawlspace of a dilapidated old house, she finds Elvis—dead and still wearing his blue suede shoes! Gabby can’t resist sticking her nose into another investigation. Along the way, she tries to figure out her love life, her spiritual life and the wacky world of Elvis impersonators!
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
I’ve been writing for my local newspaper for five years now. One interview I did was with an Elvis impersonator (or, an Elvis Tribute Artist, as I was quickly informed) performing at a senior citizens’ center. I had no idea what to expect before I went. After I finished the interview (and I’ve had easier times getting interviews with senators than I did with this guy after his show), the president of his fan club came running after me as I walked to my car. She presented me with an autographed picture of him. I thought, this man has a fan club? The ideas spun from there.
List your most recent books.
Suspicious Minds, Hazardous Duty and Changed: True Stories of Finding God Through Christian Music.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on the third book in the Squeaky Clean series, tentatively titled Organized Grime. I also have several other proposals out, just looking for a home.
Where can visitors find you online?
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