An Interview with Christina Rec
As a mom and former teacher, I love reading and sharing stories. Our family has traveled back and forth across the country, and we have lived on both coasts. We currently reside in Wyoming. We have two dogs, a cat, and chickens. The fresh eggs from my spoiled hens are the absolute best.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
One Lucky Dog – This is the story of Bella and how she joined our family. Afterward, I wrote a poem called One Lucky Dog about her new life. I thought that would be the perfect title of her story.
The Caterpillar and the Butterfly – Enjoying a sunny, summer afternoon with my grandchildren, we started to create a story about a butterfly that flew by us. Another character, a caterpillar, joined the butterfly and thus the title came to be.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
One Lucky Dog – Seeing Bella on the cover was joyful. She is a special dog, and it was a great way to celebrate her.
The Caterpillar and the Butterfly – The cover was a great representation of the characters my grandchildren and I created together. The book was a perfect way to capture those precious memories.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I have always loved reading, and writing was a natural extension. I remember choosing my first poem book from the library as a young child; I really enjoyed it. I wrote short stories and poems throughout my life. I wrote a great many poems when my children were small. As a teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching a poetry unit and converting students who were extremely reluctant at first. I encouraged them to play with words and find joy in creating pictures with words.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The most meaningful part of publishing my books is helping others. Helping children and their grownups learn how to help animals through One Lucky Dog and each other through The Caterpillar and the Butterfly.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
I would love to explore this aspect of my books. I’d love to hear from readers what songs resonate with them as they relate to my books.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope to help readers learn about pet adoption in One Lucky Dog. The animals in shelters are often scared and waiting for a forever family to love. There is love to give and get along with the responsibility of caring for an animal. Helping each other is a key element to a meaningful life and is presented in The Caterpillar and the Butterfly.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I continue to look for illustrators for my stories. I am still writing and exploring more genres and subjects.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Atmosphere Press was instrumental in bringing my books to life and available to everyone. The staff I worked with for each book were knowledgeable and helpful. Suggestions and ideas were all meant to bring out the absolute best in the story. As an author, you can be sure the end result will be of the highest quality. The whole team is fantastic.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.