Christina Strigas writes Vampire Romance
Love those vampires? Meet fellow Wild Rose Christina Strigas. A poet and novelist, she has just published a gothic vampire romance.
Welcome Christina. Is writing something that comes easy to you or not?
Yes, writing comes easy to me, it’s the time to write that doesn’t. I can write poems anywhere. Recently, I was sitting with my kids and they were having a conversation. I had this urge to write a poem that I had been thinking about for a day or so. The words were playing in my mind, so I pulled out my phone and wrote the poem on my notes. It was like a rush of explosive emotions came out of me. I did not even hear the conversation around me that they were having. I was in my own world. I can block off the world easily. I put on my earphones, listen to music, and write.
What interesting jobs have you had? How have those jobs affected your writing?
One of the most interesting jobs I’ve ever had is being a barmaid at a pub in Old Montreal. I pretty much learned on the job how to make drinks, shots, and cocktails. On top of the pub was a loft owned by two artists, who would visit the pub every day. We would talk about art and writing on a daily basis. I met many bands, artists, musicians, and flamboyant people of the nightlife. One man, who was a street artist on Rue St. Paul, painted a mural for free drinks. It was a fun time in the ’90s. I spoke to many people at the bar, and they shared intimate details of their life. I was part-psychologist, part-barmaid. I wrote poems on the back of placemats, I bought paintings, I bought artisanal coffee cups. I was immersed in the nightlife, in the artists of the streets, in the bars and pubs of the city.
I suppose meeting all these unique people have added some spice to my writing. When I think of certain characters to write about I may take a bit of one person and a bit of another person I’ve met, plus add more from my imagination.
I have written many poems from that time that I cherish. I have also written journals, which I need to find!
What project are you working on now or what book will be next?
Presently, I am working on a few projects. I am writing a series with a cast of characters in the erotic romance genre. I am also working on a collaborative poetry book with two poet friends. I have a manuscript that I have been working on for years on and off. I always have something in the making. The mind never stops.
Will you have a new book coming out soon? Do you know the release date?
In the Spring of 2022, Free Line Press will be publishing my new collection of poems, for all the lonely hearts being pulled out of the ground.
It is a poetry book that is more experimental than my other four poetry books. This will be the fifth one that I wrote a few summers ago after reading Bukowski’s poetry books. I wanted to experience more in-the-moment poems about everyday subject matters.
I am excited to publish it with a small publishing company from France…explain company and philosophy. I have self-published all my poetry books, so this is the first one that will be published with a company.
The last poetry book that I published, Love & Metaxa, was accepted three times by various publishing companies, but due to the pandemic and some personal issues the companies were having at the time, I had to do it on my own. Along with the editorial assistance of Alexandra Meehan, it has received excellent reviews.
I am excited about this poetry book because it is a different style and yet you can see that my voice is consistent.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
I would like to go back to my book The Wanting and continue to write a sequel about what happens to the two main characters. I will see maybe one day…or continue writing another book to add to Crush with the brotherhood of the vampires. I had created “vampire” brothers to one of the main characters Hunter, with the idea in the back of my mind to write a book for each one. Maybe, one day who knows. I have so many ideas that the only thing lacking is time.
Crush
by Christa Strigas
It was love at first sight when Maria met Jack on a beach all those years ago. But when Jack suddenly disappears, Maria is thrust closer to Hunter, their long-time friend, taking them on a journey that changes all three of their lives forever.
Maria is a lonely young woman who finds love and acceptance with Jack, a free-spirited musician. In Maria, Jack finally has the girl of his dreams by his side. When Jack introduces Maria to his best friend, Hunter, he feels an instant connection to Maria, but he buries his feelings—along with his secret that he’s a vampire—for the love of his friend.
Set in Saint-Tropez, Crush is a vampire tale with a twist. Spanning decades and delving into the past of each character in this thorny love triangle, it is about a woman who must choose between the man she’s in love with and the man who is her soul mate. Adventure, love, romance, and vampires all collide in this unique novel filled with powerful emotion, heartbreak, and the question of undying love.
Available from AMAZON and other booksellers
Learn more about Christina Strigas
Christina Strigas is trilingual, raised by Greek immigrants, and has written four poetry books. Love & Vodka, has been featured by CBC Books in, “Your Ultimate Canadian Poetry List: 68 Poetry Collections Recommended by you.” Her fourth poetry book, Love & Metaxa, was self-published in June, 2021.
She has also written two novels. One is a paranormal romance, Crush, and the other is a romantic/erotic novel, The Wanting, written in first-person narrative by the two main characters. Both have had excellent reviews.
A Book of Chrissyissms: The Only Way to Find Art is to Lose Touch with Reality is a popular self-help book. This book portrays Christina Strigas’s inner perspectives, explaining her viral quotes, popular poems, and an evolving outlook on life. Based on reader commentary, journal entries, social media, and life, Strigas depicts what it all means: being a writer, a mother, a friend, a confidant, a mentor, a teacher, a wife, and a member of society.
In her spare time, Christina enjoys foreign cinema, reading the classics, and cooking traditional Greek recipes that have been handed down from her grandmother.
She is also co-founder of @ArielPoets on Twitter.
If you would like any of her books signed by the author, please email chrissystriga@gmail.com and place a request.
It’s great to meet Christina here, Zara! What a lovely interview. Congrats to Christina, and than you for sharing, Zara!