Have
you ever wondered what it might be like to write under TWO names? What would it
take? Just thinking about it makes my head spin! Christa Kinde has found ways to
juggle the demands. Enjoy as she shares a part of her writing world with us. ~
Dawn
Chasing
Two Rabbits
My childhood was steeped in stories, but I never thought of
becoming an author. Yet when I stumbled into a circle of writers who urged me
to try, I gave it a go. And found something unexpectedly precious.
I love writing.
The challenge suits me.
Early efforts lead to traditional publishing contracts. But
when one of my other story ideas
didn’t catch a publisher’s fancy, I researched the indie option. That’s why my
publishing journey forks.
Two
names. As a hybrid author, I publish Christian titles under my own
name. Bibles, Bible studies, and devotionals are lined up on a shelf with my
fiction debut, the middle grade Threshold Series [Zonderkidz]. However, I also
independently publish family-friendly fantasy under my maiden name—C. J.
Milbrandt.
Two
hats. Is it hard balancing two publishing plans? Not if I stay
flexible. I can adjust CJ’s deadlines and release dates to accommodate incoming
traditional contracts. Do I like being my own publisher? Yes! All the big
choices are mine to make—story development, cover concepts, titling, trim size,
and interior design.
I enjoy planning. The challenge suits me.
Two
websites. As authors, we’re expected to maintain an online presence
through websites, blogs, and social media. That means double duty for me. My
two personas each have a slightly different focus. For example, Christa tweets
about #amwriting, but CJ talks about #amreading. How do I juggle both?
Scheduling my posts ahead of time, so there’s a steady stream.
Two
audiences. We all know that writing is hard work. Why complicate
things by maintaining dual accounts? I prefer to think of “leading a double
life” as an adventure. One I can share with two audiences. Christa’s books
appeal to Christians, but CJ’s suit any
readers who enjoy stories with magic in the mix.
I crave variety. The challenge really does suit me.
Two goals. According to an old Russian proverb, “If you
chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.”If you’re thinking about
establishing an alter ego, be wise. Splitting your efforts might only slow you
down. Spreading yourself too thin might frazzle your nerves. But if you can be
flexible, adaptable, tenacious, and cheerful about the attendant challenges …
why not give it a go? You might find something unexpectedly precious.
Ewan,
Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they
race each other across their homeland.
The Byways Books by C. J. Milbrandt, 2016 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, “Best
Book Series – Chapter Books,” bronze medal. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian
Johns wants for his bickering sons. Liberty’s Postmaster hoped the boys would
bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan,
Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far
from easy.
Book
#11, Beneath the Torch: A Ewan Johns Adventure. Ewan’s and Zane’s teams have reached their
shared waypoint, but it’s easy to get lost in a city as big as Beacon. A case
of mistaken identity leaves Ewan tongue-tied. An urgent letter sends Jovan
rushing through the maze of squares. And Zane is having all kinds of trouble
with two little tagalongs. [Releasing May 23, 2017]
Faith in a Father whose ways are mysterious. Hope in a
Friend who’s coming again. Love that bears fruit in far-off places. Christa Kinde believes in bright colors,
good manners, crazy socks, word games, cat naps, and postage stamps. But most
of all, she believes in God. She writes about her faith with studies, stories,
and devotionals that bring truth into focus and give faith a practical spin.
Christa also writes family-friendly fantasy as C. J. Milbrandt. Her award-winning Byways
Books take sibling rivalry to new lengths as three brothers race each other
across their homeland. And in her Galleries of Stone trilogy, statues on the
legendary Moonlit Mountain have a life of their own.
Connect with Christa:
Blog: ChristaKinde.com
GoodReads: Christa Kinde
Twitter: @ChristaKinde
Facebook: @Christa Kinde
Pinterest: /ChristaKinde
Connect with CJ:
Blog: CJMilbrandt.com
GoodReads: C.J.
Milbrandt
Twitter: @Elymnifoquent
& @BywaysBooks
Facebook: @BywaysBooks
& @GalleriesofStone
Pinterest: /mrsmilbrandt
YouTube: CJMK Books
