INTERVIEW | Christina Berry

Christina, describe yourself for our visitors.

Flawed, freckled, and faithful. I’m a single mother of two, currently adopting a foster child who’s been in my life for the last 1 1/2 years. I love math and books, which makes for a strange mix. My favorite things tend to be random: dancing with the kids to music in restaurants, winning the Family Feud game show, doing infomercials for eye surgery, and substitute teaching. Yesterday marked the first anniversary of my husband leaving our family. Without the love and constancy of my Savior Jesus Christ, I would be lost and very afraid. Instead, with His presence in my life, I am full of hope and only a bit afraid.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I pray many times throughout the day: in the shower, before meals, as I drive … whenever I think of it really. They are not long or elaborate–just an ongoing conversation between me and my Best Friend. There are times I feel He doesn’t listen as well as others, but I know that’s only my perception. Every night I read a devotional from The Secret Place and a chapter or two from the Bible. Some people believe in starting their day off with that quiet time, but for me, the last minutes of wakefulness are when I can more clearly see my life for what it is and what God is doing in it.

Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?

I sign every copy of my book with this verse, "Man looks at appearances; the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

Lately I’ve been exploring integrity and trying to follow the expectations set forth in Psalm 15.

~Walk blamelessly
~speak truth from my heart
~no slander
~good neighbor
~despises evil
~honors people of God
~keep my promise, even when it hurts
~generous with money

I love the promise that ends the chapter. "He who does these things will never be shaken." I think we’re all looking for stability in these uncertain times. One way we can find it is working on godly character.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

Most of my favorite authors have voices I never dream to come close to: Nancy E. Turner, Jane Kirkpatrick, Leif Enger, Francine Rivers, or Randy Alcorn, to name a few. The writers that really influence my stories are ones that examine the real grittiness of life like Roxanne Henke, Bette Nordberg, and James Scott Bell.

My favorite books are The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, though anything by newcomers Jennifer Erin Valent and Christa Parrish are amazing as well!

Tell us about your journey to publication.

My mother, Sherrie Ashcraft, and I began writing in the summer of ’99. We figured the accountability of having a co-writer would make us actually do what we’d always dreamed of, but never put action to. It took a long road of learning how much we didn’t know, tons of re-writing, brooding over rejections, making connections, pitching at conferences, and directional prayer to make our writing salable.

In the summer of 2006, when Mom was busy caring for her dying mother-in-law, I got the itch of a new story idea. Undiscovered was written by February 2007, edited by June, won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis Contemporary category, was renamed The Familiar Stranger and contracted by Moody Publishers in October, then released in September 2009.

One decade from naïve first scribbles to debut novel!

Tell us about your current book.

The Familiar Stranger—formerly known as Undiscovered—is about a couple going through a really rough patch in their marriage. When an accident incapacitates the husband, their relationship must be redefined. Which would be a lot easier to do if BIG secrets from his past didn’t raise their ugly heads. Despite the upheaval, the choices they make involving forgiveness and trust might allow a new beginning. Or … they might not.

You can see the back cover copy and what other authors have said about The Familiar Stranger by going to http://www.christinaberry.net/books.aspx

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Two stories appeared in the newspaper. One was a huge, national story; the other a smaller, local-interest item. I wondered what it might look like if those two stories conceived a child. Boom! I had the entire plot for The Familiar Stranger. It will be interesting to see if readers can figure out which stories inspired the book.

What influenced you to write this book?

Though the plot of The Familiar Stranger came from news stories, I’d been looking for a fictional vehicle to express the lessons I’d learned regarding forgiveness in my own marriage. I knew no one was interested in reading my particular story, but I still felt God had given me something to say. My husband and I worked through a major issue seven years ago and found a vibrant, completely renewed marriage on the other side.

However, a year ago, that same issue broke our bond. Now as a newly-single woman, I’m in the midst of promoting a book that touches far closer to home than I would have ever dreamed. If no one else ever reads it, I’ve been convicted and encouraged by my own words.

The recent changes in my life—losing my husband, facing finding a “real” job, selling my home—have done nothing but solidify what I hope to be the theme of the book and my life: Live Transparently—Forgive Extravagantly. If reading The Familiar Stranger makes even one man or woman be more honest with his or her spouse or delve into trust issues in a healthy way, I’ll consider it a success. Maybe there’s a hurting heart that can find a new path to forgiveness because of the story.

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

I really like the youngest son, Jamie. He has such a kind heart, but he’s wild and crazy and very, very fun to write. Of course, I believe every woman wants a friend like Sarah, someone ready to fight any battle while giving unconditional love and support.

What’s next for you?

I’m about 1/5 of the way through my next manuscript, Unafraid, a story about a girl’s kidnapping, and how her life unfolds because of the trauma. One of my characters is a PI, so I’m having loads of fun with the research.

The humor Sherrie Ashcraft (my sometime co-author and always mother) and I display in our infrequent, humorous newsletters–sign up at www.ashberrylane.net/update.aspx–has garnered the attention of an editor. You just might see a funny, non-fiction cooperative work from the Ashberry Ladies at some point in time. Plus, I have a funky TV-based devotional a house is interested in … Busy, busy, busy!

Where can visitors find you online?

I share Ashberry Lane with my mom, then hang out by myself at my website. You can always find my ramblings at Posting with Purpose. Come friend me on Shoutlife or Facebook, and follow my out-of-pickles?-rants on Twitter!

Related Posts

1. INTERVIEW | Lyn Cote
2. INTERVIEW | T. N. Williams
3. INTERVIEW | Melanie Dobson
4. INTERVIEW | Betsy St. Amant
5. INTERVIEW | Diann Mills