Interview Christy Cameron

by

Scott C. Ristau

1) How did you come up with the title for your book?

One day when I was in the rewrite phase, I was walking on the treadmill, listening to old music, and I heard the two words “over yesterday” in a refrain. The phrase just seemed to fit the story on a lot of levels. The characters of Stephanie and Jason had a previous relationship that ended badly, so in that sense they were “over yesterday.” They are also still trying to “get over” what happened in the past--yesterday--when they meet again. In many ways the events that follow their reunion are caused by their past, too. Everything that happens is over yesterday.

2) What genre is your present novel and do you prefer to write in a particular genre?

This novel is a romantic suspense. All my novel ideas and drafts fall into the romance genre. Someone once asked me why I write romance, and the only reason I could come up with is that romance plots are what come to me. I'm not sure I choose what I write so much as what I write chooses me.

3) What part of the world do you call home, and is your novel set in the region where you live, or elsewhere?

I live in Illinois, and my book is set here. My previous one was set here, as well, and so is my current work-in-progress. Was it Willa Cather who said something about bringing the muse to her country? I don't consciously choose Illinois as a setting, but I am proud to be an Illinois author.

4) If you had to go on a two week vacation with a character from your book, who would you choose and where would you go?

Oh, I would definitely go with Becca, Stephanie's best friend. She's very wise and a lot of fun. A spa weekend with her would be great!

5) Does it bother you if readers try to identify a real-life person, such as a family member, who might be the inspiration for one of your characters?

It doesn't bother me. Maybe because I know that I don't largely base my characters on real people, I don't worry about anyone looking for those connections. I may see one personality trait or physical feature in a person that I want to incorporate into a character, but that's as far as it goes.

6. Have you had other books published and, if so, what are they?

This is my second book. My first was also published with Wings. It's a romantic comedy about a nanny who gets in over her head when she gets involved with the guardian of her twin charges. The title is Who's Watching the Kids.

7) What interests do you have besides writing?

Right now, de-cluttering my house! I've recently gotten into this concept of living richly with less stuff. I also teach college English classes occasionally, and I do activities with my kids, like bicycling and swimming.

8) Who is your favorite author and why? And what are you reading now?

My all-time favorite author is Jane Austen. Her themes and characters are so universal; they're still popular now, two hundred years later. Lately, I've been listening to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series on audio books and really enjoying them.

9) Writing a book is a pretty daring undertaking? What other brave adventures do you have on your “I want to do this someday” list?

Well, since two of my three children were adopted in Russia, I'd like to return there someday to do charity work in the orphanages. I hope to do this when my kids are older, so that they can travel along with me.

10) Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

Just that I'm planning to donate the proceeds from this book to charity. I haven't worked out the details yet, but my goal is to help out a crisis pregnancy center. I chose this particular type of organization because it is a worthwhile cause and because it ties in with the story, as the character of Stephanie faces a crisis pregnancy.