Author photograph of Christine Nolfi
Christine Nolfi is a self-published author to envy. Her début novel, Treasure Me, currently has an average 4.5 star rating on Amazon. In other words, 97% of reviewers loved her novel. I won’t steal anymore of her thunder, so let’s hear more from her.
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Please tell me a little about yourself.
I owned a small public relations firm in Northeast Ohio until sixteen years ago, when my ex-husband and I adopted a sibling group of four children from the Philippines. I began writing novels full-time in 2004. I worked with one literary agent then another, and thought I had a sure sale first to Random House then, later, to a division of Penguin.
After those twin disappointments, I entered the fray of Indie Publishing in spring, 2011 with the release of Treasure Me, the first novel in the Liberty, Ohio series. Given the positive reviews, I’m thrilled to release the next novel in the series, Second Chance Grill, in late February.
Christine's upcoming January 2012 release
This month I’ll release a darker, stand-alone novel, The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge.
In both instances, the editors were flummoxed. Were my books romance or women’s fiction? Or something else? The prose was close to literary, with cozy mystery elements and snappy dialogue thrown in. Given the financial investment a publishing house makes releasing a début novelist, it’s understandable why both editors were hesitant to offer a contract. They weren’t sure, exactly, how to promote my novels.
Some people fear print books will become obsolete. What’s your view?
Of course, I don’t believe traditional books will ever disappear. Don’t we all love the scent of a newly printed book? The feel of a hardbound book in our hands? The affordability of eBooks will certainly increase readership but a segment of the public will always prefer print books.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
Find a specific time of day to write, even if only for a few minutes. Join a critique group to improve your skills. Don’t diminish your wellbeing by pulling all-nighters pounding out fiction. This isn’t a college exam. Producing your best work comes with time, reading often and well, and having the courage to put emotion on paper.
What advice can you offer novelists considering Indie Publishing?
The ease of electronic publishing may tempt a blossoming writer to put her first draft in cyberspace. You only get one chance to be a début novelist—your first release must offer the read a quality and a rich reading experience. Hone your craft before entering the marketplace. Edit your work relentlessly, or pay a service to take on the task for you. Begin by releasing an eBook, which can be done with minimal financial investment. Once you build a readership then consider going to paperback with print-on-demand—a more expensive proposition. And never stop believing in yourself, even when your family or significant other question the time investment you make to complete a novel. With enough perseverance, you will reach publication.
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About the Author:
Now available: 'Treasure Me'
Christine owned a small public relations firm in Cleveland, Ohio. Her articles and press releases have appeared regionally in The Plain Dealer, The Akron Beacon Journal, Cleveland Magazine and other media outlets. Her short story, Night Hour, appeared in Working Mother magazine. Treasure Me, the first book of the Liberty, Ohio series is available on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.
Please follow Christine on Twitter @christinenolfi and visit her blog.
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I will definitely check this book out. I’ve read and reviewed other books by Christine and loved them as well loved working with her. She is such a great person.
Many thanks, Donna! The visit to My Book of Stories was so much fun. Always a pleasure working with you. xo
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What great advice! I’ve just finished my first novel, and am starting my 2nd…. and those tips are very useful!
Juliette
I’m lucky to have her on my blog! Great interview, if I must say.
Thank you for commenting, Juliette.
Fantastic interview. What an inspiration you are, Christine! I love your advice on not pulling all night cram sessions. Writing in a low-quality fury is bound to lead us nowhere.
Thanks for reading along, August. Love the “low-quality fury.” Readers can and do discard sub-par novels. It’s best if we all take our time to produce high-quality fiction that’ll have readers clamoring for more.
Great advice, I really loved this post! And I’m super excited for the release of your next book in Feb! Only a month away!
Thanks for reading along!
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Wow! Some very good advice to take into consideration.
Thanks for sharing.
WDLady, I think most authors–especially Indie authors–now feel the pressure to “do it all” as quickly as possible. No one should spend their entire life in front of a computer. In the long run, writing great books and creating a backlists for readers to purchase makes more sense. Balance is everything.
Hi. I’ve chosen you for the Versatile Blogger Award. I was chosen (http://writeorrevisedaily.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/versatile-blogger-award/) and, in turn, you are one of my chosen 15. Congratulations and keep up the great work on your blog!
The rules of this nomination are as follows:
1. Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this award along to 15 others.
4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.
Thank you.Receiving an award is so nice
Congrats on the award!
I know, Christine. I have the best readers. I am lucky.
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There’s nothing wrong with the occasionally writing until dawn. Just don’t make it a habit–your health is more important than the current novel you’re writing!
You are right, but, you see, certain necessities fly out the window when you are lost in your fictional world.
It’s good to be reminded to choose sleep over writing … Sometimes. Lol
Rebecca, thank you for hosting me on your site today. I hope my story will inspire other writers to finish that WIP then consider Indie Publishing.
No worries, Christine. It was a pleasure. I’m so happy to share you with my followers. Good luck with your upcoming releases. I’d be happy to do a pre-release review.
Thank you, Rebecca. I’ll contact you directly regarding a review of The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge. The proof copy will be available in the coming days.
Interesting insight and encouragement. Thanks.
I agree. Good advice, especially about giving time — being patient.
Fab! That advice is wonderful: though an occasional all nighter is fun.
So true. I’m guilty on this count too. I just lose track of time. I promise myself I’ll be off in 30 mins and then … what do u know, it’s 2.00 am already!