Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Walking on Broken Glass

Christa Allan is a debut novelist whose first book, Walking on Broken Glass releases today! Christa lives in Abita Springs, Louisiana. Christa has kindly offered to give away a copy of her debut novel to one fortunate winner!

Christa, tell us about yourself!
With the exception of having spent some years in Texas, I’ve been a lifelong Louisiana girl. I spent most of my growing up summers curled up in a wingback chair reading books that transported me to magical and fascinating places. The bookmobile brought me a fresh banquet of books every other week; otherwise, I’m certain I might have starved. After college I started teaching high school until the mommy years. I have five children, who are now 32, 29, 26, 26, and 24, a son-in-law, and two precious grandgirls ages 4 and 2. Twenty plus years ago I returned to teaching high school, and I’m hoping to finally graduate! My husband Ken and I spend our time with our three neurotic cats, play golf, and dodge hurricanes.

1: How long did you write before you were published?


I actually started writing in high school. I couldn’t sing, dance, paint, play sports, or act, but I could wield a pen. That’s when I discovered that writing allowed me to explore in much the same way reading did. And it kept me company when I felt alone. I’d been writing for at least five years when my book sold. In the year before that, I’d published in anthologies like Chicken Soup, Cup of Comfort, and The Ultimate Teacher.

2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?

Well, I might have to get back to you on that one as I’ve not had that thrill yet! But holding my Advanced Reading Copy was as surreal to me as when Rachelle Gardner, my agent, called with the news that Abingdon had bought Walking on Broken Glass.

3: What do you find the hardest part about writing?

I joke that the most challenging part of exercising is putting my shoes on. It’s the act that signals the commitment. Writing is often like that, except that instead of shoes it’s placing my fanny in the chair. And then keeping it there! In the beginning of a book or even a proposal, my little ADD-self is all over the place making plot pretzels because I’ve not yet focused. But what I’m learning is that might be just how I have to enter the process. On the edge of my novel being released, the hardest part now is what I always tell my students: “You can’t follow your writing.” So, now my book is going to be “out there” in the universe. I wonder if that’s why it’s called a release…because, as writers, we have to let go of whatever control we think we have over our work once it’s published.

4: How do you coordinate time between writing and other responsibilities?

If you could see my house, you’d know the answer to that one! Not very well. I teach English, so I’m forever drowning in a sea of papers that require grading. Or I should say required because I’m probably already screeching into late! My students are quite patient with me!

5: What are you working on now?

I have two proposals out right now that I’m praying to hear something about soon. I also have a character who continues to linger, and I’m still trying to figure her out. Maybe I need to go have coffee with her or something. She might be able to grade my papers…

6: Where can readers find out more about your books?

Abingdon Press has a great site, and my website is www.christaallan.com

7: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

So many events, even people, including ourselves don’t follow the “script” we’d written. Often when that happens, we feel as if God’s abandoned us. Sometimes God won’t follow the script we’ve written for Him! Instead of disappointment, despair or defeat, I hope readers come away with the hope that God’s grace can find us wherever we are. And sometimes we’re following exactly the script God had for us all along. My prayer is that readers find the courage to confront addiction-either in themselves or someone else-and feel reassured that they’re not alone. We may never know to whose prayers our lives are the answer.



8: Why did you chose this profession?

I think it chose me! Like so many other writers have said, I can’t not write. We all have gifts and talents, and I trust that God knew what He was doing when He granted me this one! I think that’s because the thought of my singing caused a riot in heaven…

Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?

Besides buying dozens of my novels?! Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and Walking on Broken Glass. Blessings!

Watch the book trailer for Christa's Debut novel:


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This contest is open to anyone, but is void where prohibited. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. Winner will be chosen by Randomn.org