C.K. Bryant Author Interview

Photo Content from C.K. Bryant

C.K. BRYANT has always been a writer. Even before she could compose a single word with pen, she scribbled her version of cursive along the open page just to see what it looked like. As a teen, she swiped her dad's old Royal typewriter so her muse could breathe life into what her vivid imagination had created.

She's spent the last twenty-five years married to the man of her dreams and raising their two sons. After helping run the family restaurant for most of their marriage, Christine finally broken away to pursue her dream of being an author.

When she's not with her family or tickling the computer keys, she loves camping, reading, scrapbooking, listening to all kinds of music, and making new friends.

Christine currently living in the middle of sage brush and lava rock with a spectacular view of the Snake River Canyon in South Central Idaho.

        

What was the greatest thing you learned at school? 

Ha! It wasn’t until AFTER school that I learned I should have paid more attention while I was IN school. I missed a lot and was a huge slacker, so yeah. I wish I would have seen it for what it was and embraced the learning process. It would have made being a writer so much easier.

Is there such a thing as a formula for storytelling? 

There are thousands of formulas for telling a story, even more formulas than storytellers. But the key is to find what works for you and stick with it. My friend swears by the book, Save the Cat, and uses what she refers to as a “Beat Sheet.” Whatever! I’ve tried and tried to do it her way—the CAT way—and always end up just doing it MY WAY. It’s what works best for ME.

What are “Character Rules” and give us some examples. 

ACK! I know you want some kind of techno mumbo jumbo here, but this question just makes me laugh. I visualize trying to create some kind of cookie cutter character that fits into a groove someone else made for them and that doesn’t work for me. The fact is, my characters have no rules. They are in complete control of the story and wouldn’t listen to me if I begged them.

What are some of the common challenges that new and experienced authors face and what advice do you have for over-coming them? 

Honestly, I think the biggest challenge for all writers is believing in themselves. So many writers refer to themselves as an “aspiring” author or say they “want to be” an author one day. Fact is, if you write, you’re an author. You create stories just like the best-sellers do. Get over the fear of not being good enough and embrace your gift.

In your newest book, Broken; can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about the novel? 

Broken continues the story from where BOUND left off, with Kira poisoned and Octavion trying to save her life. Only instead of being on earth, they’re in Lydia and Octavion’s world where everything is wild and dangerous. Kira is definitely out of her element as she rediscovers her weaknesses and strengths along with a lot of sorrow and heartache along the way. You won’t be disappointed. Promise.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Octavion? 

Well, I really enjoyed doing research for an inspiration photo of a young, hunk of a man. Growl. Not what you were looking for in an answer? Ummm, well . . . I guess there was one other thing that surprised me. How much I enjoyed writing from the male point of view. I’d never done that before and in the beginning I struggled with finding his voice, but once I discovered it, I was hooked. It sparked the idea for another project I want to do when this series is finished.

Do you have a favorite quote that you keep visible in your work environment to help inspire you? 

*looks around* Nope. I have two Post-it notes, one is on my monitor reminding me I need to post on one of my group blogs tomorrow and the other one has the code for a free DVD on Redbox. I don’t like clutter and since I have so many quotes that I love, I couldn’t pick just one anyway.

What do you feel is the most significant change since book Bound? 

Definitely my writing. While I’m happy with the way Bound turned out, I feel like I’ve grown as a writer since finishing it and that my skills have gotten better. I hope that’s evident in Broken.

Most horrifying dream you have ever had?

I dreamed about spiders crawling all over me and falling from the ceiling. I hate spiders. Still can’t watch that spider scene in Harry Potter. *shiver*

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie? 

Sheesh! I’m not telling, then everyone would know I lied about it. ;-)

If I came to your house and looked in your closet/attic/basement, what’s the one thing that would surprise me the most? 

SHOES! Lots and lots of SHOES, but the surprising part is that they’re not mine. They belong to my husband. He has a shoe fetish. Poor guy. LOL

When was the last time you cried? 

OMGosh, I cry all the time. Movies, commercials, fan mail, songs. I’m such a softie. But the last time I REALLY cried was last week when my Grandma died. She was 101 and it was her time to go, but it still broke my heart.

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day? 

My beloved hubby. He’s the one I go to with everything. He’s my rock.

With Kira injured and dying, Octavion's last hope is to plead with the king of Panthera for a cure. But King Ramla's magic isn't free. The price he asks Octavion to pay goes against everything he's fought so hard to protect and could destroy his bond with Kira. Will Octavion trade his crown and swear allegiance to a kingdom feared by all, or will he sacrifice the woman he loves to remain faithful to his father and Xantara? Find out when BROKEN takes you on a journey into the savage and unpredictable world of Ophira.

Broken is the amazing continuation of The Crystor Series by C.K. Bryant. It picks up right where the first book, Bound, left off. Right from the beginning, Broken will take a hold of your attention and will not let go. The world and the characters that live in it are so engrossing that readers will find themselves going through this book rather quick.

Kira and Octavion have taken further steps into their relationship. Their connection felt real even if it takes place in another world. They have their normal insecurities but thrive on flourishing it. It was refreshing to get an insight of Octavion’s point of view which made the story more appealing and engaging.

The writing of C.K. is absolutely enthralling. She has a natural talent of putting words together and placing a vivid image into your imagination. Her style of writing made the reading fun, exciting, and easy. The plot progression is simply superb. Just as you think that you have figured out what is happening, C.K. pulls the rug right under your feet and take you on the edge of your seat and present something so unthinkably remarkable.

Broken continues to possess the elements that made Bound such a wonderful book. I do not see C.K. taking a step back and can only imagine what she will have in store for these unforgettable characters in the next installment. I know I will be one of the many who are waiting to see what is next.

You can purchase Broken at the following Retailers:

    

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you C.K. BRYANT for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a Signed copy of Broken, Signed Bound & Broken Bookmark by C.K. Bryant.
3 Winners will receive a Signed Bound & Broken Bookmark by C.K. Bryant.

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