Christina Diane: The Sizzling Storyteller of Regency and Dark Romance by Kashish for Pub-Craft

Some writers chase inspiration. Christina Diane? She gets ambushed by it.

“I never planned to write novels,” confesses the author whose Regency romances and dark love stories have ignited reader forums. "But when a cast of characters showed up in my head and wouldn’t leave, I had no choice but to write them down." 

That surrender to creativity transformed Christina from a freelance writer and lifelong journal-keeper into a rising star of romance fiction. Her journey from childhood comics about a grumpy bear, Grizzly Grouch, to brooding dukes and dangerous modern antiheroes proves that the best stories aren’t found but felt persistent voices that refuse to be silenced.

Now, with both traditionally published and self-published series thriving, Christina embraces the chaos of her muse. "Once I started writing fiction, I couldn’t stop," she says. 

Christina describes her writing process as a blend of organization and spontaneity. She maintains a notebook brimming with story ideas that strike at random moments, acknowledging that her imagination often outpaces her writing speed. Before diving into a new project, she develops her characters and engages in world-building, followed by crafting a flexible outline that allows the narrative to evolve naturally. She identifies as a hybrid between a plotter and a pantser, appreciating a general direction while remaining open to unexpected turns her characters may take.

Once a draft is completed, Christina undertakes several personal revisions to refine the prose and ensure coherence. The manuscript then undergoes scrutiny from trusted first readers who provide feedback on plot and character development. Subsequent revisions lead to professional editing and proofreading stages. Throughout this process, she juggles drafting new works and revising existing ones, keeping her creative endeavors dynamic and engaging.

Inspiration for Christina's stories emerges from various facets of life: casual conversations, musical pieces, and notably, dreams. She recounts how some of her most vivid characters and plot twists have originated from her dreams, promptly recorded in her ever-present notebook.

Her love for Regency and dark romance genres is evident in her writing. The Regency era captivates her with its intricate social norms and communication barriers, offering a rich backdrop for exploration. Delving into dark romance allows her to navigate themes of danger, desire, and redemption, pushing boundaries and delving into the complexities of love and power. Her longstanding interest in horror subtly influences her narratives, adding layers of fear, risk, and emotional intensity.

Embarking on her publishing journey, Christina confronted imposter syndrome, a common adversary for many authors. She candidly shares the internal doubts that plagued her:

"Am I good enough? Will readers hate what I put out?" To combat this, she continually reminds herself that every writer's path is unique and strives to avoid comparisons with others' successes. 

Navigating the passionate and sometimes polarized opinions within the bookish community also presents challenges. Christina remains attuned to ongoing conversations and prioritizes authenticity in her storytelling, aiming to resonate with readers who connect with her narratives.

For her, authenticity is paramount in personal branding and marketing. She strives to connect genuinely with her audience through social media, newsletters, and direct interactions. While her author assistant, Morgan, manages organizational aspects like social posts and newsletter logistics, Christina personally engages with readers, ensuring real connections.

Acknowledging the steep learning curve in marketing, she values continuous growth and learning. Participation in "Laurie Cooper’s marketing program, The Visible Author Method," has been instrumental in building a robust foundation, and she is gradually exploring advertising strategies to expand her reach without compromising her personal touch.

Christina is enthusiastic about her forthcoming projects, including a contemporary dark romance series that marks a new direction in her writing career. She is eager to delve into darker, more emotionally intense themes while continuing to craft Regency stories with added depth and grit.

Additionally, she anticipates the release of the final book in her Unlikely Betrothal series, a journey she describes as both emotional and rewarding. The upcoming publication of her first book with her publisher adds to the excitement, making this a bustling and fulfilling period in her career.

Christina attributes significant growth in her writing journey to collaboration and networking within the author community. She has forged invaluable friendships, serving as mutual sources of support, feedback, and strategic planning. Sharing experiences, marketing successes, and sales figures with peers has fostered transparency and collective advancement.

These collaborative efforts extend to cross-promotions, shared anthologies, and joint ventures, transforming the solitary act of writing into a communal endeavor that enhances inspiration and continuous learning.

When it comes to engagement with readers, Christina emphasizes the importance of being herself, sharing her reading experiences, promoting fellow authors, and engaging in sincere conversations. Recognizing how time-consuming it is to be active on all social media platforms, she focuses her efforts where her readers are most active and responsive, particularly on Instagram, to foster meaningful connections.

Reflecting on her journey, she underscores the importance of initiating a newsletter early in an author's career to establish direct connections with readers. She has experimented with various strategies, including platforms like Substack, to maintain communication with her audience.

Addressing imposter syndrome, she acknowledges its pervasive nature and the necessity of setting boundaries, such as selectively reading reviews to protect creative energy. Understanding that not every reader will resonate with her work, she prioritizes safeguarding her creative well-being.

Her advice for aspiring authors is simple: "Write. Then keep writing. The more you write, the more you'll find your voice." She also recommends starting a social media presence early. "You don't need to have a book ready. Just show up, share what you're reading, talk about your writing process."

Christina Diane's journey reminds us that every writer's path is unique. Her story is filled with determination, heartfelt creativity, and the courage to follow her passion. We hope her words inspire you to keep chasing your dreams and to appreciate the magic that comes from simply putting your thoughts on paper. 

Stay tuned to Pub-Craft for more stories that celebrate the art of writing!

Christina’s Positioning Statement from The Visible Author Method Group Coaching

Program: Christina Diane writes swoonworthy Regency and Dark Romance that sizzles with spice, banter, and unforgettable characters. Whether set in the glittering ballrooms of the past or the shadows of the modern world, her stories deliver the kind of brooding, rough-around-the-edges heroes you’ll want to claim as your next book boyfriend. With high heat, witty dialogue, and guaranteed happily ever afters, Christina’s books are perfect for readers who believe that bad boys never go out of style—and that love is always worth the burn.