What, Why, How: Kristine E. Brickey

What: 

My writing varies tremendously depending on the day. My published works are best characterized as Realistic Fiction/Women’s Lit/YA. However, I also write memoir, multiple fictional genres, and have recently delved into some fantasy horror pieces. (Note: that genre both terrifies and intrigues me!)

Why:

Why is such a powerful question. Why write when it takes such time, energy, resolve, and painful reflection for me to create my characters. I’ve always written, for as long as I can remember. I love writing, whether it’s on a current novel project, short reflections, something crazy and unique, or for a specific writing contest/assignment. 

I guess, for me, my characters are what drive me to write my novels. In each of my novels, whether published or simply stored on my laptop, it has been the characters who have made me write. Yes, made me.

In Flowers for Rodney, Susan Birge and her son, Rodney, were whispering at me for months before I listened. Melinda, another important character, yelled at me. I finally listened, and they never quit bossing me around throughout the entire plot. 

They Said She Was Crazy was written because I needed to find a path through my real life grief but in a way that allowed me to avoid actually dealing with the facts of my real life grief. Mara Sutherland showed up and I had a hard time keeping my fingers typing fast enough to share her story of loss and love. It has been both the most terrifying and most beautiful thing I may ever write.

How: 

Some days it is hard to write what I set out to write, but I find no trouble in staying motivated. I belong to multiple writing groups and organizations, some as a leader/co-leader and others as only a member. It’s hard, as a retired teacher, someone who is quite organized and focused, to stay out of leadership roles when I am asked. However, I have become really good at saying no to things, because I know my limits and some things are better left to others. 

I have also learned that my personal writing improves when I push myself to do a variety of styles, genres, and lengths. Some of these include: NYC Midnight Challenges, Fiction 440, Mid-Michigan Word Gatherers writing group, Nanowrimo, Writing Retreats, Writing Workshops, Conferences, Michigan Teachers of English and National Teachers of English Conference presentations, Blogging, and more.

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in finding out more about any of my writing groups and/or upcoming events.

Bio: 

A writer brave enough to write powerful stories for today’s young adults and their adults, Kristine E. Brickey was born and raised in Michigan and has always loved the power of words. An award winning, retired teacher of 30 years, Brickey has an understanding that allows the creation of true characters and situations that strike the hearts of others. In addition to her art, Brickey spends time traveling, riding the forests and trails of Michigan on her horse, and participating in many ‘artsy/wordy’ groups and activities. Achieving her life dream of seeing her novels in the hands of others and on bookstore shelves has only increased her passion for reading and writing. Look for future books from this author soon.

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Links:

Email: kristine.brickey@yahoo.com
Amazon Author Page: Kristine E. Brickey
Website: Home
Blog: Kristine E. Brickey
Facebook: Kristine E. Brickey
Twitter: @KristineBrickey

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Linda K. Sienkiewicz is the author of the award-winning novel In the Context of  Love, a story about one woman’s need to tell her truth without shame. Discovering who you want to be isn’t easy when you can’t leave the past behind.

2017 New Apple Book Awards Official Selection
2016 Sarton Women’s Fiction Finalist
2016 Eric Hoffer Book Award Finalist
2016 Readers’ Favorite Finalist
2016 USA Book News Best Book Finalist

“…at once a love story, a cautionary tale, and an inspirational journey.” ~ Bonnie Jo Campbell, author of National Book Award Finalist, American Salvage, and critically acclaimed Once Upon a River,and Mothers, Tell Your Daughters

“With tenderness, but without blinking, Linda K. Sienkiewicz turns her eye on the predator-prey savannah of the young and still somehow hopeful.” ~ Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of the #1 NY Times Bestseller, Deep End of the Ocean

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