Best Seller garnered awards BEFORE it was published!

How often does a book gather awards before it makes it into print? Not often, but author Christina Rost did just that with her debut novel, Best Seller. In 2022 at the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Conference, the manuscript called Best Seller was a Genesis Award finalist. Soon after, Scrivenings Press put her manuscript under contract for publication.

Here is snippet about this intriguing new book, which is the first book in the H & G Mystery series. When crime fiction novelist Kelly Landon agrees to write a memoir for an eccentric, elderly gentleman, her quiet life turns upside-down.

Unbeknownst to her, the memoir is peppered with clues leading to a rare collection of stolen jewels from World War II. After the memoir makes the best-seller list, Kelly finds herself in the crosshairs of a decades-old vendetta.

Author Christina answered some fun questions today.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would you like?

Dr. Pepper. That’s probably an unhealthy answer, but have you ever been at a writer’s weekend with no DP? I have and it was scary.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why?

I’d love to temporarily be Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. I think I’d enjoy experiencing that era and stepping back in time into her story. Also, I’m not a big fan of peril for myself, even though I write mystery/suspense, and Pride and Prejudice doesn’t have any Jurassic dinosaurs, natural disasters, or serial killers I’d need to worry about … just Mr. Collins.

What are you working on right now?

I’ve got a couple things in the works. I love the holidays so when I have a free moment I’m trying to craft a Christmas story. I also have a story I wrote 15 years ago, I’d love to publish someday but it needs to be reworked. I’m also working on personal edits for book two of the H & G Mystery Series. Book 2 is due to release next August, so I’ll start the editing process with Scrivenings after the end of the year.

What is your next writing project?

After book two, I need to start writing book three of the H & G Mystery Series. I have about 2,000 words written and it is just in the planning stages. I’m learning the art of crafting a mystery series and how I might add connections throughout all the stories. Even if they are small. If you would’ve asked me fifteen years ago what I like to write, it would have been sweet romance. Now, I can’t see writing a story without some sort of twist.

How do you relax and recharge when you step away from writing?

Relaxing to me is holding a paperback, drinking a cup of hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate—depending on my mood and sitting outside or by a roaring fire.

I also like to get out and browse antique shops. I could get lost for hours looking through old books.

Do you journal?

Yes, I do. I used to journal a lot before I started writing books, now it seems like my journal thoughts are more like one-liners or thoughts and prayers about my Bible reading times.

What genre would you like to consider in the future that differs from that/those you do now?

This is a great question! I would love to write a historical novel, but the research scares me a little. I’m a big fan of reading historical fiction and non-fiction, and I love being transported back in time. My H & G Mystery series actually has it’s origin story from the Medieval time period, so some day, when I’m brave, I’d love to tackle a prequel.

What book or book series have you recently enjoyed reading?

I recently read Book One of the Minnesota Marshalls series by Susan May Warren. I really enjoyed that book and I plan to finish reading that series.

What’s your best advice for other writers?

Do you remember the Oregon Trail game where one of the options along the trail was to talk to fellow travelers? I’d say that’s what every writer needs to do: Talk to your fellow travelers. Take the good advice and add it to your pack and dump the advice you don’t need. Find writers groups, go to conferences, listen to podcasts from knowledgeable writers. There are so many helpful writers out there, I haven’t found a question I’ve asked that someone wasn’t willing to help me with along this journey.

What are you most thankful for?

I’m most thankful for God gifting me my wonderful husband. We will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this year, and I wouldn’t change a single thing. The ups and downs brought us closer, and the steady moments gave us time to reflect on the goodness of God’s care throughout our marriage.