Christyna Hunter

 
Since 1999, Christyna Hunter has had numerous magazine articles published. In 2005, her first novel, The Butterfly’s Dance, was published. In 2007, the book won the Allbooks Review Reviewer’s Choice Award for Fiction (www.allbookreviews.com) and 2nd place in Fiction in the 2008 Reviewers Choice Award (www.readerviews.com). Christyna lives in Northern Virginia. 

 

"I would recommend "Wildfire" by Christyna Hunter to lovers of contemporary romance, who will certainly not be disappointed by Ms. Hunter's latest offering. Endearingly infuriating hero and heroine, interesting supporting characters, fiery twists and satisfying ending make for a fun read anytime." Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views

 

 

PageOneLit.com:  Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?

Christyna Hunter: I was born in Ohio but moved to Virginia when I was six. I have lived in different places in northern Virginia for more than 20 years and so feel like Virginia is my home. My parents always read bedtime stories to me. Sometimes the same story over and over again. J And when I got old enough I read before going to bed. I still do. It’s a ritual I can not do without. I guess my earliest influences could have been Richard Scarry and the Bernstein Bears. J As I got older I read some Judy Blume and The Boxcar Children.

 

PageOneLit.com: Why do you write?

Christyna Hunter: I write to heal. I was born with a disability and so had many challenges as a result. Ironically, the disability affected my hand writing and so I was taught to type at an early age. Without learning to type, I would not have become a writer. I also write to learn about myself and the world around me. Writing allows me to sometimes pull the jagged pieces of the puzzle of life together to form a completed picture.

 
 

PageOneLit.com: Briefly tell us a little about your new novel  WILDFIRE. 

Christyna Hunter: Joanna Webb grew up determined to save animals and their diminishing habitat. Ryan Stewart grew up to be a manager in his family’s construction business. Now considered enemies, Ryan and Joanna are on the opposite sides of a fight. But can sparks of hate lead to flames of passion? Can two enemies fall in love?

 
 

PageOneLit.com: Who is Joanna Webb?

 
Christyna Hunter: Joanna grew up with a tough, sometimes brutal father. His inhumane treatment of animals and wildlife influenced her to become a wildlife biologist who defends diminishing habitat. But her almost rigid view of the world has led her to be a workaholic. No time for fun or play. Or even compromise. Until she meets Ryan Stewart.

 
 

PageOneLit.com:  Explain your title WILDFIRE as it relates to the story.

Christyna Hunter: Great question! Fire can be destructive. It can clear away structures and land. It can cause tremendous harm. But it can also cleanse. Sometimes fires are intentionally set to clear away invasive plant species or overgrown tree roots. And as a result, with time, new, productive plant growth is produced. Love can be the same. It can be harmful or it can be healing. Wildfire explores these dichotomies of love.

 

PageOneLit.com: WILDFIRE would make a very good story for TV or film - If Hollywood called and asked you to cast the film version of your book, who would you cast and why?

 
Christyna Hunter: That’s a tough question. I see these characters in my head as I created them and not based on one particular actor. I am a novel writer, not a movie producer or director. They have the skills to pick the right actors for a movie. It would be fun for me to see how Hollywood and its many players would interpret my story, though.

 

PageOneLit.com: What do you hope to achieve with WILDFIRE?

Christyna Hunter: First and foremost, I hope Wildfire is just a good story to read. It’s got romance and a bit of suspense. In my opinion, two good ingredients for any story. Second I hope the book gives hope. Hope that despite any destruction you may have in your life, if given the chance, beauty will come out of it.

 
 

 PageOneLit.com: What was the last book you read? 

 Christyna Hunter: I finished reading Leigh Greenwood’s Seven Brides series.

 
 

 PageOneLit.com:   What's next?

Christyna Hunter: Everyone asks that! J I have begun a few novels that are collecting dust on my computer’s hard drive. So at some point I will take a look at them. But right now I am enjoying the afterglow of Wildfire.

 

PageOneLit.com:   Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?

Christyna Hunter: Of course, reading is a hobby! I also do cross-stitching when the mood strikes. I think all of my hobbies, and my writing, enhance my creative side. The ability to create, in whatever form, is necessary, I think, to be a well-rounded individual.