Author Spotlight: Kristine Dugger
April 22, 2019 • News
CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
KD: When I was seventeen, I came up with a story idea and decided to write it. Then more and more stories started coming to mind. This might sound crazy but the voices would not shut up. I have always loved writing but never really pursued it until my first release, DAMAGED. I had no idea what I was doing when I released it. I love rereading Damaged to see how far I have come since April of 2016.
CJC: What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?
KD: The biggest hurdle I would say is managing work life, mom life and author life. Mom life is always number one. I felt like work life was starting to get in the way of my real passion. That real passion is becoming a successful author and sharing my world with everybody else. Being an author is a full-time career that doesn’t pay in the beginning. Like with any business, you have to put out more than what you get in return. This is something I have to remind myself daily. Then I get a message from a reader and that mind-set changes. More motivation happens.
CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
KD: I would have to say The Last Check. This book took a lot out of me emotionally. I wanted to focus on PTSD and losing a loved one. I wanted it to be raw. And it was. There is a scene that no matter how many times I read it, I cry. I just hope I did justice on real-life situations in that book.
CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
KD: Stay true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to take that leap. Yeah, it is scary but it is so worth it. Lastly, research, research and research.
CJC: Favorite motto?
KD: You live and learn.
CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
KD: Fast-paced.
CJC: Which author inspires you the most and why?
KD: This is so hard to answer. There are so many wonderful authors who inspire me. In the beginning it was Jamie McGuire. Now, it is the authors who I have met and read while writing my own journey. But here is a few: Thia Finn, Renee Harless, Teri Kay, Colbie Kay, Janine Infante Bosco, Victoria Renteria, Kahlen Aymes, KL Kreig, KL Donn, and the list goes on and on.
CJC: What is your writing process like?
KD: Crazy. That is the only way to put it. I need my coffee and cheese popcorn. It’s my thing.
CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?
KD: I have a few projects up my sleeve. I plan to finish out my MC series. Then start Rocker romance and possibly write something a little different from my norm – a horror suspense with a little romance.
CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
KD: Don’t be afraid to take that chance on that author you have never heard of. I found so many authors who I love because of the chance I took.
It Was Always You is now available !
Stay up to date with all of Kristine’s latest releases by liking her Facebook fan page here.