According to the magic of Twitter’s advanced search feature, Christa Wojciechowski thanked me for a retweet in late February and asked about my weekend plans. My reply: “Scoping out the sleaziest bar in town with a friend for research purposes 😉 She said to bring pepper spray.” And thus another amazing social media connection was made. She also arranged the recent author interview here with Jason Smith.
Official Bio: Christa (Wojo) Wojciechowski is the author of The Wrong David, SICK: A novella, and is working on a series called The Sculptor of New Hope. Her characters explore existential turmoil, mental illness, and the complexity of romantic love. She uses her stories to compare the dark, carnal nature of humanity with its higher qualities of creative expression and intellectualism.
Christa currently resides in Panama with her husband and a house full of pets. She works as a freelance digital marketer and loves to help fellow authors build their brands and platforms. Christa enjoys foreign movies, yoga, wine, and the outdoors. Most of all, she’s passionate about books and writers and loves discussing them on social media.
1. Please provide a brief synopsis of your book.
My latest novella, SICK, is a psychological suspense. Susan Branch’s life revolves around the care of her charming and inscrutable husband John, a man born into wealth and prestige who lost his family’s fortune when his mysterious chronic illnesses left him bedridden.
After years of devoting herself to John’s care, Susan is worn out and frustrated. Yet she is determined to scrape together whatever resources she can to keep John comfortable and happy. This includes stealing Demerol from the doctor’s office where she works to feed John’s ever-increasing need for pain medication.
John suffers a critical emergency, but he is saved and is soon released from the hospital. As his health begins to improve, Susan dreams of a normal life, but her hope for a miracle transforms into a nightmare one fateful afternoon when she discovers the true cause of John’s sickness.
2. Tell us a little bit about what motivates or inspires your writing.
Aside from all the reasons most writers write (emotional release, the rush of creativity, senseless compulsion) I kind of use my stories as mathematical proofs to test theories. I put X person in Y situation and add different variables to see what the outcome is. Sometimes I think I know the answer, but more often than not, my characters prove me completely wrong. That is one of the exhilarating parts of writing.
My work usually deals with a universal questions, and my main goal is to break people’s assumptions and make them see humanity in a different light. Evil and good, pleasure and pain are relative. I like to make people think about things they don’t want to think about–the things that everyone has lurking in their mind, but would never admit it to themselves, much less anyone else.
3. Writing aside, what passions drive your life?
I have a difficult time being a conscious individual who knows that she may die without ever knowing the mysteries of the universe. I lost my faith somewhere along the way from childhood to adulthood, and I know scientists are far from explaining everything. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and feel like my skull will crack open at the sheer incomprehensibility of existence, so my passions in life are either to seek explanations, find solace in beauty and nature, or simply to distract myself from thinking about those mammoth questions that may never be answered (this usually involves wine). I’ve lived in Panama for the past ten years, so I spend a lot of time hiking to secret waterfalls, bird watching, and water sports. Writing also helps relieve the uneasiness, and you’ll find that most of my characters are in the middle of some existential crisis just like their creator.
4. It’s hard to pick just one, but what do you consider your favorite novel and why?
I will say Crime and Punishment has been on my all-time favorite list longer than any other book. Dostoevsky forces us into the mind of tormented Raskolnikov. We join him in acting on his idea about the extraordinary man, and not only do we consider his warped logic, we sympathize with him. Crime and Punishment is like a proof. The character himself is testing his theory, and Dostoevsky forces you to think about questions you wouldn’t normally think about. I love that, and I always look for books that shatter our default beliefs about morality, humanity, and philosophy. We should not become complacent with our perspective. We should always ask questions, test our boundaries, and seek the truth.
5. What is the name of your blog and what can readers expect to find there?
My blog is called My Sweet Delirium. You can either visit mysweetdelirium.com or christawojo.com. I usually host discussions on creativity, art, life, existentialism, and the occasional story about Panama. I’m a freelance digital marketer who builds platforms for writers, so I do squeeze in the occasional book marketing post too.
6. What does your drafting and/or editing process entail?
I’m still an inexperienced writer, so my system isn’t well established yet. My first novella, The Wrong David, was written in one sleepless night on a wine inspired whim. Then I experimented with writing three full-length books, which were done for NaNoWriMo. I made a rough outline for the first book, but I pretty much winged it with the other two. Now those three books are such beautiful disasters, they’ve been stuck in revision mode indefinitely.
Sick was an experiment to see how quickly I could produce a quality book. I didn’t leave any room for procrastination, and so far it has been the best experience.
As far as my revising and editing process, I give my first draft to my gang of beta readers. After I get their feedback, I write another draft or two. Then I’ll work with critique partners to do a more thorough examination. After I implement their suggestions, I sent the manuscript to my editor. I do use professional editing services, and I strongly recommend that all writers do. Spend the money! No matter how meticulous of writer you are, a professional editor gives your book a noticeable polish that sets you apart from other indie authors.
7. Are you traditionally published or self-published?
I chose to self-pub. I already created a substantial network around my internet marketing business, and I didn’t feel I was ready to query agents yet. So far, I’ve done everything myself from start to finish. Graphic design, website management, content/social media marketing are part of my work, so I made my own covers and did my own formatting.
I really enjoy the process of publishing a book, especially when it comes to the print version. It’s so exciting to take an invisible idea in your head and make it into a physical object that anyone can pick up and experience.
I’m expanding my digital marketing services to include eBook and Createspace publishing. I believe the key to happiness is aligning one’s job with one’s passion, so this is my plan!
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8. Can you offer one or two helpful tips for fellow writers when it comes to marketing and publicity?
I would say to remember that quality is more important than quantity. When using social media or visiting blogs, take the time to really read and listen to those you engage with. People can tell when you’re leaving a rushed, canned comment and they really appreciate it when you make the effort to understand fully what they are trying to say and are grateful when you reciprocate with genuine value.
My most devoted fans are people I took the time to chat with or help in some way. Those types of fans not only will buy everything you publish, they become your cheerleaders and your reason to write on those difficult days.
9. What future projects can we look forward to?
The series of NaNo books I mentioned will be released eventually. Writing is the easy part. Revision is daunting. I published SICK in the meantime. I’ve been going through a challenging year and having an attainable side project kept me sane. SICK was a speed-publishing project where I wrote, revised, edited, formatted, and published on a strict time schedule. I’m always waiting till I have my manuscript perfect, but even years later I will see changes I want to make. It will never be perfect. I just wanted to do the best I could while limiting myself to a timeframe–to get it out there and let the readers deal with it, hahaha. So far, it’s a success. The reviews are amazing. People like it!
I’m writing the sequel to SICK right now. I believe all my writing is a mystical collaborative effort between me, the history of the world, biological evolution, technology, my first grade teacher, etc. I like to invite my readers to participate in my projects. I polled them about SICK and they said they wanted to see the story continue. Hopefully, it will be out early next year.
10. Is there anything else you want your potential readers to know?
I’m so thrilled to be living in this new age of social media and self-publishing. I love to collaborate and co-promote with other authors and bloggers. I’m open to everyone, so if you have a marketing or publishing questions, don’t be afraid to ask me. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find out for you, and I’ll be sure to mention you on my blog and profiles.
You can connect with Christa and her social media sites via her website.
Is there anything else you would like to know about Christa Wojciechowski?
Permission must be granted by Christa Wojciechowski to use the images in this post.
Thanks so much for having me on your Author Interview feature, Jeri. This was only my second interview, and I really enjoyed answering the questions. You’ve interviewed such interesting writers. I can’t wait to see your future guests!
Christa, thank you for giving such great answers. I’m a huge fan of psychological suspense and am looking forward to reading your novella.
Very much enjoyed this interview and love the premise of SICK. I’ll give it a look and I also loos forward to seeing more work from Christa Wojciechowski
Thanks, Jacqueline. It’s great to meet you. I’ve connected with you on Facebook and Twitter. I will definitely be checking out Confessions of a Corporate Slut and your other works!
Thanks Jeri for introducing me to another writer. I loved the term beautiful disasters to describe the couple of books stuck in the revision process. I have at least one of those. I was also interested to hear Christa lived in Panama. My husband and I will be spending several weeks there this winter, our first time in Panama, although we will be in another part of the country than she resides in. I hope Christa’s characters help her (and us) find at least a few answers to the mysteries of the universe.
Hi, Donna. I see you’re well traveled too. Where in Panama will you be staying? I’m pretty familiar with the whole country. Let me know if you need an travel tips! I’m also interested in hearing more about your WIPs.
Christa, we will be a few days in Panama City, then a little over 4 weeks in Pedasi.
Panama City has improved, but it can be dangerous. Be very careful.
4 weeks in Pedasi? Pedasi is laid back, quaint, quiet and HOT!!! Bring a lot of sunblock because it is brutal out there. Grab a boat and head out to Isla La Iguana. It’s gorgeous and has crystal clear waters like the Caribbean.
I recommend a quick drive to Playa Venao if you get a chance too. They have a great beach with some good boutique resorts that have great restaurants. Order the ceviche and the pescado frito entero with patacones for an authentic Panamanian lunch.
Vaya con Dios!
Really enjoyable interview. I particularly enjoyed your mix of art and science Christa, and clearly you have a passion for both. I admire you for being so enquiring as to the state of our existence. It’s not something we can ever have a true answer for, but certainly following your passions and nurturing one’s creativity are top of my list. Good to meet you. Thanks Jeri.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kathy. I hope I didn’t sound too hopeless! But passion and creativity do help our souls to thrive and uncover the secrets of life.
Thanks for your comment. I’ll find you on your other social media profiles too. I see a wealth of information on your website. I can’t wait to spend some time there!
“Sometimes I wake up in the morning and feel like my skull will crack open at the sheer incomprehensibility of existence,” – YES! And that’s when I grab my pets and start cooing at them and just generally zone out. Great interview, Jeri and Christa. (This is not a canned response. This is a response after only one cup of coffee.)
Hahaha! I do the same thing. Pets are a tremendous comfort. I’m envious of my dogs. They’re not worried about existence at all! My pet parrot passed away the day after Thanksgiving, triggering an extra-jarring bout of existential confusion, but my doggies are giving me lots of cuddles. I don’t know what I’d do without them.
I’m thrilled to meet you, Laura. I’m really curious about your writing and the Desire Map. You’ll be seeing more of me!
I’m so sorry about your parrot, Christa! And I look forward to chatting more.
Thank you for your condolences, Laura. It was a shock.
I look forward to chatting more with you too! I love your humor and enthusiasm. I can’t help but smile when reading your posts.
SICK sounds great. Will check it out ASAP!
I hope you like it, Candy. I love your website. It’s so much spooky fun! I subscribed to your blog and can’t wait to find out more about your monsters.
Thanks for reading and especially for leaving a review, Candy. I thrive on feedback and especially appreciate insights from an author who admires the same gothic tales I love.
It’s funny though, Sick wasn’t supposed to be anything like a mystery or medical thriller, but Amazon lumps suspense together with them. I was told by some readers that I might categorize as horror as well.
Then I was surprised when the reviews started coming in and readers said they didn’t realize what was going on with John till the end. Susan pretty much says it straight out in the first scene, which I did to show that she knows subconsciously but won’t face it. My goal was to explore the dynamics of the relationship between Susan and John. To me, it’s a love story, which will be revealed in greater detail in the next book! I don’t think it would do well in the romance genre though, hahahaha. But I don’t think it’s really a horror either. What do you think?
I`m not into psychological thrillers but oh, I so badly want to know what happened after John`s health improved. Jeri, your interview questions are always so right on that we really do get a feel for the authors – which is great because you`ve found so many interesting ones, including Christa
I still want to know what happened to Susan……..
Thanks Lenie. You know what’s funny, I’ve never written a psychological suspense before. And, confession: I’ve never even read one! I’m more of a classic lit girl myself. I’ve watched a lot of psych movies though, so I guess I absorbed something from them. I hope you’ll give it a read. What happens to Susan will surprise you.
Thanks for stoppin by. I’ll be studying your frugal living tips. I’ll be needing them until I become a bestselling author, lol.
Enjoyed the interview and agree with others here that SICK sounds like a fascinating read – my imagination is already working overtime!
Thanks, Marquita. The funny thing is, I didn’t even plot this story out. It all came to me in a creepy dream. Something inside told me to write it and publish it, and I’m so glad I did. It’s getting such a great response! Just goes to show that creatives must follow their intuition.
Great interview, Jeri and Christa. I look forward to checking out Christa’s books. Sick is now on my to-read list.
Thank you, Mary. Leaving the Beach sounds amazing! I’ve added it to my wish list 🙂
Wonderful interview. SICK sounds very interesting. I’ll have to check it out. I wish Christa much success.
Thank you for the support, Denise. It’s always scary putting new work out there. Net Switch sounds intriguing. I’ve added it to my list!
This was so much fun! Thank you, Jeri, for introducing me to such an interesting and inspiring group of women. I think I’ve stalked you all down on social media. I’m very grateful to each of you for reading and commenting. Can’t wait to get to know you better!
Jeri – your interviews are always spot on. You know exactly what to ask your authors in order to get the right information. I guess it comes with years of practice and talent of course.
This book Sick sounds very deep. I am sure there is an unexpected twist thrown in. Reading a little about it makes me want to know the ending. I am an eager beaver and once I pick up a good book, I will read it in a matter of days.
Great to meet you Phoenicia. It’s funny how I whined on about my existential depression and all these inspiring, positive women show up on this post. You’re all like angels!
I’ve subscribed to your blog and look forward to your advice on organizing one’s life. Let me know what you think of Sick if you decide to read it. You’ll be finished in a matter of hours. It’s a short novella 🙂
I love psychological suspense and this sounds like a good one. I enjoy learning what authors consider their favorite books. This was a very interesting interview, ladies!
Hi Beth. I’m so glad you stopped by. Being I run my own web design and marketing business, I could use some advice from you! I’m signing up for your free eBook right now.
Another great interview.
You always provide the greatest author interviews. Yours is one of my favorite blog posts to read.
Thanks William. You’re right about Jeri, and anyone who makes his own armor is cool in my book.
A great interview, dear Jeri… I recently followed Christa´s blog as I saw an interesting tweet by her on your feed… So good to get to know more about this author´s work and writing process… SICK sound like a very intriguing book… I is hard to imagine which were the true cause of John’s sickness… And I like when female characters are exposed to this sort of challenges… I got to admit that, after reading the blurb, I am already feeling certain empathy towards Susan Branch…
Thanks for sharing this feature… All my best wishes. Aquileana ★?
I could spend many nights reading around on your blog, Amalia. Philosophy, psychology, literature? Yes, please.
Looooooooooove the Quote.
Excellent, interesting interview.
Call me sick…but you had me at the title!!!
Thank you & Congrats on all of your success.
Thanks, Kim. You rock! XOXO
Really interesting interview and always a delight to be introduced to new writers. Love the expession beautiful disasters. Haven’t we all had those experiences.
Well, they’re beautiful to me because they’re my first novels, but they would disasters to everyone else. I might take mercy on poor readers and leave them unpublished.
I wake up and question my existence all the time! I do think it is great that we are living in a time where a writer has the opportunity to do everything for themselves. It is amazing that so much work that is shared today didn’t get read 50 years ago. I’m shocked that Christina really does it ALL by herself and that she’s still sane. It can say from personal experience that it does get overwhelming so I commend her for keeping on top of it.
Well, I would never say I was sane or on top of things. I work for five other authors, so I’m basically going crazy at all times. But I love my work and I’d do it for free if I didn’t need to pay those pesky bills. Writing, formatting and designing are the peaceful aspects of the business (as long as your computer doesn’t glitch-out on you).Marketing on social media is the most time consuming and stressful, but it can be the most rewarding if you set boundaries and stick to them.
I enjoyed this interview a lot. Sick sounds like a great book.
Thanks, Jason. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it if you decide to buy it. I’m really looking forward to your tips on becoming debt free. My husband and I had a challenging year and have accumulated something of a deficit :O
Great interview, Jeri! Thanks for introducing me to Christa, I love that she mentioned “quality is more important than quantity.” I feel that this is a subjective statement. What does good content mean and how long does it have to be to make it good content? I prefer determining quality as: Do you get the point of the content? Is the vision of the post clear? Does it offer ideas and inspiration? You accomplished all of that in this post, Jeri. Thanks for sharing Christa’s story. I look forward to reading her blog.
I’m happy that Christa is going the Self-pub route and relying on the networks that she alone has created. That’s huge leverage with the broken publishing machine that we all know and love (hate) today. I found it fascinating that she creates stories as a way to test theories. I’ve never really thought of stories having a mathematical formula that needed to be cracked but that’s definitely a new way to me. Maybe I’ll give that a shot!
P.S. Props on mentioning the forced commenting and why we should do away with it. I sometimes have a hard time deciphering whether or not a comment was from a robot and wish that people would take more chances to either critique or dig into a work or writing. We’re too afraid of the networking forces at hand and just want to be on the good side. I need to follow this sometimes but yeah, take a chance and say something different and interesting. That’ll make you stand out, for sure!