Enjoy getting to know, Chrissy Lessey:
Thank you for joining me today. Tell us in three words how you would best describe your writing.
Poignant, humorous, relatable
Your book, “Crystal Coast: The Coven” is set to release on 4/30/2014. Share a passage (a paragraph or less) that you’d like for us to see before the rest of the world.
Stevie watched Charlie as he scooped a handful of sand and let it sift slowly through his fingers. Golden ringlets of hair fell around his face, hiding his pale blue eyes. Just a few years ago, those eyes shone bright with curiosity. Now, they were clouded by a need for routine and a lack of connection to the world around him. His dimpled cheeks were overshadowed by a furrowed brow, evidence of the countless fears and worries tormenting his young mind.
You’ve been presented with the opportunity to be a best-selling author, but can never write again, or write forever, but never have a bestseller. Which scenario sounds more tempting?
Having a bestseller would be a dream come true, but giving up writing is unthinkable. I’d have to keep on writing and pass on the bestseller.
If you could live on a college campus and never leave, or live in a small town but be able to travel, which one would you choose?
I’d live in a small town and travel, which is pretty much what I’m doing now.
Okay, how about in an amusement park or an airport?
Definitely an amusement park. I’m a huge fan of roller coasters!
And how about Australia or Scotland?
Scotland. I think I’d find a lot of inspiration there.
Who is your favorite 90’s band (I’m thinking Counting Crows, Blink 182, Hootie & the Blowfish)?
The Black Crowes and Pearl Jam.
Are there any good bands out there today that we’ll talk about in 50 years?
Possibly the band Fun. There’s tremendous talent there and lead singer Nate Ruess reminds me of Freddie Mercury.
And what about your favorite comedy on TV (My favorite is The Office)?
Big Bang Theory never fails to make me laugh.
Is there anything you’re currently working on?
I’m working on the next installment of the Crystal Coast Trilogy.
Who is your favorite author and if you could ask him/her one question, what would it be?
I’d love to ask Anne Rice about her choice to bring Lestat back after all of these years. Specifically, I’d ask if her perception of the character has changed since we last saw him.
Lightning round:
Ocean or mountains? Ocean
Yogurt or ice cream? Ice cream
M & M’s or Skittles? M & M’s
The Daily Show or The Colbert Report? The Daily Show
Happy or sad ending to a novel? Happy
Beer or wine? Wine
Flying or driving? Flying
Hemingway or Twain? Twain
You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take two things with you as well as two people. What and who are you bringing?
My practical side is going to show through on this answer. I’d bring a knife and a ball of twine. I’d leave my family safely on the mainland and bring survival expert, Bear Grylls. I’d also ask Anne Rice to come along, so she can tell me stories while we wait for rescue.
You’re able to sit down with any leader in world history. Who would you choose, what would you talk about, and would you rather have him over to your house or meet at their place of royalty?
I’d meet with Abraham Lincoln at the White House. We’d discuss his plans to go see that play.
You can wish for one thing and one thing only, not world peace and no more wishes. What’s it gonna be? 🙂
Time. I’d love more time with my family and more time to write.
Chrissy Lessey is an autism advocate, a coffee junkie, and an avid reader. She lives on the coast of North Carolina with her husband, two children, and their ill-mannered dog. Her debut novel, The Coven, and her short story prequel, The Secret Keepers, will be released in April from Pandamoon Publishing. For more information, visit her website.
Jackson Paul Baer 