Christine Brae became one of my favorite authors in 2016 when I discovered her book In This Life. Today, I’m happy to call her my friend. Christine was gracious enough to fit me into her busy schedule by answering several questions for our blog to help our readers get to know her better. I can’t recommend her latest release, Eight Goodbyes, enough. If you’re curious to learn more about this beautiful story, click here to read my review.
Purchase your copy of Eight Goodbyes here: Kindle | Paperback.
What inspired you to write this story?
The first few chapters of this book was something that really happened to me – I thought it would be fun to write a romance that centered around traveling, which as you know, is what I do. All the time.
Who is your favorite character in Eight Goodbyes? Why?
Simon is the more likeable character in the book. But my favorite is our protagonist, Tessa. The change she goes through in the book is amazing. She is so human, so flawed, and yet there is something refreshing about her. Watching her journey has been so enjoyable for me.
In addition to being an author, you’re also a full-time career woman, referring to yourself as right-brained left-brainer. How do you find the time to do it all?
I don’t! I don’t think there’s ever enough time. But that’s for all of us! I’ve come to accept the fact that nothing will be done perfectly – and as long as my family’s okay with that, I’m okay with it too. Over the years, I’ve learned that if you really want to go for something, there’s nothing stopping you. Having said that, I don’t feel that I’m able to give 100% to my writing career because I have a job and responsibilities that take precedence over it, but I’m accepting that. It may take me longer to publish a book – years in fact, instead of the pace of some of the full-time writers – but my life is so full, I would never give up anything I am doing now to be able to do that.
Looking back on all of your novels, which was your favorite to write?
I think these next two books – Eight Goodbyes and The Year I Left – they have so many 
elements of myself and those close to me, that I really loved pouring my heart into them.
Why did you want to become a writer?
I have always loved to write. Even when I was younger, I expressed myself best in writing. That doesn’t mean I knew all along that I would one day call myself a writer. That was pretty accidental. I followed a trend, self-published a book, and never knew I’d be writing more than two books. Writing will always be a major part of who I am. Whether or not I share it with the world, my words are mine and they help me get through the toughest and happiest times of my life.
What do you hope readers take away from your books?
Lessons, thoughts, renewed perspectives, hope. I write about real life, our flaws, our journeys. Many times, people don’t like my characters at first because they aren’t perfect. They grow and they progress. They love and they are saved by love.
Do you hide secrets in your books only few people will find?
YES! All the time. I’ll get a text from one of my friends saying, OMG, you wrote about that. I have a very interesting life.
Do you have a favorite book as a reader?
I have many favorite books – too much to count. Lately, I’d been reading more thrillers and mysteries. But that doesn’t mean I don’t swoon to romance books written by so many great authors out there. For the past three years, I spent all my free time editing my books, so I haven’t really been in the right frame of mind to get lost in a book.
Which authors inspire you?
So many! But for the past year now, I’ve really taken a very introspective approach to the inspiration that I gain from others. Authors inspire me with who they are as people. There are many authors who are so great and wonderful and popular – but because I live in that world, I’ve been pretty discerning about what’s real and what’s not. There are authors out there who are truly good people. They are selfless and giving and they help you with no expectations. They are my heroes.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
How long have you known me? Ha.
The earlier books – The Light in the Wound, His Wounded Light and Insipid – took me 18 months total.
And then I got published and I learned about the importance of taking my time to ensure I put out the best product. The last three books have taken about 12-18 months each.
What is the best thing about being an author?
YOU! The bloggers, the readers, the people who have come into my life because of my books. I can’t imagine a life without you all. I just can’t.
What is your biggest struggle as an author?
I think the fact that I have a very busy career has really been a struggle for me. I look around and see people really taking the time to market themselves and promote their books, while I sit so far away in a twelve hour a day job that affords me no time to even strategize how to get my books out there. The same struggle is evident in my other life as well. I live half a life here and half a life there. At work, and at the level that I am, I can’t just tell people that I write romance. There is still a stigma out there in Corporate America about women who write love stories.
One day, I intend to tie those two ends together. The time is coming soon.
What events will you be attending in the future, for those hoping to acquire your signature?
I got really sick at the beginning of 2018 and so I was not able to fulfill any commitments for book signings this year. Next year, I only have two events – the Virginia event held by my friend Tarryn Fisher, as well as the RARE19 London event. I am so excited to be meeting my friends there.
What can we expect in the future from you?
I have one more book releasing in 2019 entitled The Year I Left. This book is a culmination of all the angst, love, pain and confusion I’ve ever written about. It’s going to be quite different and controversial. But I’m ready for new things. I’m ready to blow my heart up and watch it explode.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
Writing. Watching TV with my family. Riding a beautiful horse named Gold. Shopping.
Author Bio:
Christine Brae is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. Her second book, His Wounded Light was released in December, 2013.
Christine’s third book, Insipid, is a standalone that was released in June, 2014, and her fourth book, In This Life, released in January 2016.
When not listening to the voices in her head or spending late nights at the office, Christine can be seen shopping for shoes and purses, running a half marathon or spending time with her husband and three children in Chicago.
Christine is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin Literary Management.
GIVEAWAY!
Eight Goodbyes
Christine Brae
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: August 28th 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance
One universe, nine planets, 204 countries, 809 islands and 7 seas, and I had the privilege of meeting you.” –Unknown
When Tessa Talman meets Simon Fremont for the first time, not only is she attracted to him, she’s intrigued by how different their lives are. He’s a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded—while she’s a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they agree to meet in places around the world, while continuing to live on opposite sides of the globe.
Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon.
Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways they never imagined.
To move forward, she must let go of the past, and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye.
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