Thicker Than Blood, an author interview

by Molly Noble Bull
www.mollynoblebull.com

Today I am interviewing C.J Darlington about her new book, Thicker Than Blood. Welcome to Writers Rest. What would some people be surprised to know about you, C.J.?

C.J.:
I started writing the story that would become my first published novel Thicker than Blood (Tyndale House) when I was fifteen-years-old. I was homeschooled Grades 1-12, and I’m really thankful for the gift my parents gave us in home schooling my twin sister and me. In many ways I don’t think I’d be where I am today if they hadn’t.


Molly:
Tell us about the Operation First Novel contest.

C.J.:
The Christian Writers Guild, which is owned by New York Times bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins (of Left Behind series fame), runs an annual contest called Operation First Novel. CWG staff evaluate submissions, and the top four are sent to the acquistions team at Tyndale House. The winner receives a publishing contract with Tyndale, as well as $20,000. My novel Thicker than Blood won the contest in 2008.

Molly:
Fantastic! What was that like?

C.J.:
It was a “dream come true.” I’d almost given up on Thicker than Blood. But I decided to give it one last chance by entering Operation First Novel, and I was shocked when they announced it as the winner.

Molly:
Wow! What’s the novel about?

C.J.:
Thicker than Blood tells the story of two estranged sisters, Christy and May Williams. Christy works at the renowned used and rare bookstore Dawson’s Book Barn as a clerk and aspiring book buyer. May owns and operates a cattle ranch in southern Colorado. Here’s the back cover blurb: Christy Williams never imagined that a stolen Hemingway first edition would lead her back to the sister she left fifteen years ago. But when things begin to unravel, she finds herself on May’s doorstep, fearing for her life. After a bittersweet reunion, will the two discover that some hurts can’t be healed, or is there a tie that’s thicker than blood?

Molly:
Sounds great. What makes your book unique?

C.J.:
I’ve been involved in the antiquarian book world for over thirteen years, and I’ve seen many crazy things in this industry. I wanted to incorporate some of what I’ve experienced in this novel. One of the rare books I learned about was a first edition of Ernest Hemingways For Whom the Bell Tolls. I loved being able to incorporate that book, as well as many others, into this story.

Molly:
How does your book reflect your religious views?

C.J.:
I’m a Christian, and my faith is very important to me. There are several ways this plays out in my writing. First, I’m careful about how far I will go in telling a story. You can give my novels to your teen daughter without worry. There’s no swearing, sex scenes, or gratuitous violence. I do deal with some tough issues like alcoholism and abuse, but I’m always careful how much to show readers. I don’t like reading novels that make me feel dirty after I read them, and I think I’m not alone in this.

Also, an important aspect of Thicker than Blood is the spiritual journey of my main character, Christy. She has a hard time believing God would ever give her the time of day. She doesn’t believe she’s redeemable. But over the course of the novel she changes. I love being able to share her spiritual journey as well as her physical journey, which gets quite harrowing at times!

Molly:
When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Reading! I love to crack open a novel with a cup of tea by my side. I really enjoy going to the movie theater and catching a good flick. Also, I’m the co-founder of Christian entertainment website www.TitleTrakk.com.

Wow, you are a busy person. I hope you come back and visit us again.
Until next time,
Molly Noble Bull