An Interview with E.S. Christison

On our last stop in Ohio, we get to visit with E.S. Christison about her book The Blameless which is a MG Fantasy. I'm so excited we were able to have her on the Roadtrip!

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself and your books? 

   I wear a lot of different hats. I'm a wife, mom, HR manager, avid reader, and an author of middle grade fantasy. I've always loved to read, and about 5 years ago I had an incredibly impactful dream that I decided to turn it into a fantasy series. My books are action packed with a strong heroine, relatable characters, friendships, humor/wit, with a wholesome message behind all the fun.
   

2. What's a day in the life for you as a writer?

   My writing is typically done in the evenings after everything winds down.  
   

3. You have 7 kids right? How do you find the motivation and dedication to get writing time as well? Super motivating to see you thriving with family life and your books! So exciting! Yes, I have 7 kids, ages 15-28, so 5 of them are adults now. My life is incredibly busy, but giving these stories to my children is a big part of what motivates me. If you believe in something strongly enough, like I do in my series, it drives you to keep going. I snatch writing time as often as I can! 
   

4. What advice do you have for author moms? When it comes to being an author boss and mom boss? :) Try not to stress about how little time you can devote to your writing in one sitting and just be consistent. Pull your kids in by talking about your writing and share your love of books with them! 
   

5. Can you tell me a little more about The Blameless? It's about a young princess who's entire world is destroyed in one night. Her kingdom is attacked, her family is murdered, and she is being hunted. She's saved by a trio of skilled warriors who take her into hiding and train her in magic so that she can one day get justice and take back her kingdom. It's action packed with a lot of heart, found family, frienships, wit, budding romance, and clear lines between good and evil. 
   

6. Since this is called the Romance Reading Roadtrip, and we are visiting your state with this interview, are there ways that you bring your state, the state culture, and more into your books? If so, what did you bring into your books and characters that is very Ohio? I sometimes use the trees and small forests in Ohio for landscape inspiration. I've used a local castle for social media pics and castle scenes as well.
   

7. What comes first when you're writing? The character or the plot? And why? My characters are the main inspiration... the details of the plot come later. I do this because the characters are what readers relate to and fall in love with. 
   

   

   
   

8. I know this question is a love hate type of question for authors, but where do you get your inspiration? And what inspired you for your book The Blameless? An unforgettable dream, basically the first 7 pages of my book. The dream stayed with me for months until I finally decided I wanted to know what happened to the young girl in my dream..... I had to finish her story.
   

9. Are you working on anything new? I'm waiting on my editor to finish a round of edits, so while I'm not actively editing The Redeemed (Book 3 in the Blameless series), I'm writing a spinoff novel on one of my main characters.
   

10. If you were to go on a roadtrip what's the one book you'd bring with you? And why? If I'm vacationing, I like a light romance, something fun and breezy. I'd take an Amy Harmon book.
    

11. If the main characters from your book were to go on a roadtrip where would they go? They would take a trip to the coastal town of Carlow and take a break from saving their kingdom with a vacation by the sea.
    

12. And what snacks would they bring with them? Lots of chocolate.
    

13. As a part of the roadtrip, what things in your state would you recommend people check out if they ever vacation, travel through, or come to Ohio?  The Ohio Caverns are pretty epic, and I would recommend a trip to Marblehead, Lake Erie.
    

14. Any good food or coffee recommendations in your area of Ohio? Best local coffee shop in Urbana, Ohio is Dee's Brew.
    

15. And then where can people find you and your books? They are available almost anywhere online, like Amazon. Ingram Spark often runs sales: linktr.ee/eschristison