Interview Sr. Christine Kresho

by

Rhobin Courtright

1) First off, is At The Last Supper your first book? Even if it isn't it is exciting isn't it? How do you classify your story? As mainstream or genre? Do you have more books on the way, and are they sequels or do you write each book to stand on its own? Do you have a web page?

Yes, At The Last Supper, is my first book. I found it extremely exciting. I'm not sure if I could call it mainstream, although there is a growing interest in religious topics. Its genre is mystery. I am writing another stand alone mystery. My web page is http://home.catholicweb.com/srchris/

2) From the blurb, your book sounds like a mystery thriller. It is also obvious from your title that you are a Sister in a religious order. This seems a very interesting combination of vocation and interest. Can you tell us how At The Last Supper came about? And how do you combine your interest with your vocation?

I wrote At The Last Supper as a way to interest people in reflecting on their image of God; many people will read a novel but not a theology book. I was “motivated” to follow my dream when I was told that my position as a consultant with a school text book publisher might be eliminated; being an author also seemed like an exciting way to earn money for my community in my retirement years (if I ever retire)! As a member of a religious community, we do not earn money as individuals, but all who work support the whole community including the sick, infirm, and all those in leadership and ministry roles who do not earn money.

3) Have you always wanted to write? When did you start writing and how long did it take to finish your story? What does your writing give you?

It has always been a dream to become a published author. I started At The Last Supper in 2000 (I think! may have been 1999). I completed it in 2001, but did many rewrites while collecting rejection letters, and did my final rewrite and had two publishers and an agent interested in 2002, but they fell through; the agent I decided against for another reason.

4) How or where did you get the idea for your story? The title and blurb  makes this story sound like an investigation into faith. Is it? Will all your future stories be based in faith?

It was actually “inspired” by a murder of a local priest; however, the motive in that killing had nothing in common with my story. My hope is not only that my stories will deal with faith, but also, that at least one person in the story will experience a conversion.

5) Did you need to do much research for your story? If so, what type of research?

No, I followed the rule for writing your first story--write what you know! That may cause people to wonder why I included violence and sex, but I didn't say personal experience!

6) It seems there are two types of writers, plotters and pantsers. Plotters plotting each action in their story and pantsers, flying by the seat of their pants. Which are you? If you were the other type of writer, how do you think it would affect your story?

I plotted insofar as I knew the ending and certain events, but my characters also “told” me their backgrounds and some of their desires, etc. I'm a planner for most things, so I don't think I would write well as a pantsers.

7) Everyone always seems to want to know how long did it take to write your story? Everyone seems to live at a faster pace today. How does your life shape how and when you can write?

Because I have a ministry that requires many hours, I write in spurts when I have time; sometimes I think about parts of the story as I drive, and even while I watch TV,etc.

8) After reading the blurb for your book, and in light of what is happening in the news on our TVs everynight, there is so much that overwhelms most people. Did your story evolve as a search for answers, a guide for others, or just a desire to write a story?

All of those motives were a part of my writing.

9) What other interests or hobbies do you have? Have they found a place in this story or in future stories?

My interests include my brother's family, especially his children and grandchildren, exercise, nutrition, and the new ministry I'm involved in, which is a pastoral minister in a senior citizen parish. Hobbies include reading and puzzles. I'm sure any or all of these may help me in the development of characters in future stories.

10) Wings ePress has writers from all over the world. Where do you live? Please tell about it. Does your present location or a past location play a part in your writing?

I live in Silver Spring, MD; I moved to Maryland almost 19 years ago, from Virginia Beach where I was a principal of a grade school. I enjoy Silver Spring because it is close enough to Washington, DC to visit but not live there. My community's “home base” is in Baden, PA, near Pittsburgh. Location did not play an important part in my writing.