Featured Writer on Wellness: Christine Rains

 I first started writing, I had troubles dealing with rejection.

One critical word was enough to have me tossing my stories and sending me into long bouts of depression. It took time to develop a thick skin and to turn critiques into something that motivated me, encouraged me to become a better writer.

These days, I struggle with feeling overwhelmed as I deal with the stress of trying to balance my writing and life outside of it. I don’t want to neglect my family and home, but I feel like I’m failing myself if I don’t put all my energy into being a writer.

I’m my own worst boss too. I push myself hard both in front of the computer and away from it. It’s a tough line to walk, and I haven’t managed to find a good balance.

I’ve Found a Lot of Support and Inspiration in My Writing Community

It helps for me to talk with other writers. Our community is an incredible one, and I’ve found a lot of support and inspiration within it.

If I’m having a horrible day, I can check out author blogs and maybe find just the piece of encouragement I need.

I also belong to a fabulous group of writers called Untethered Realms. While we work together compiling anthologies and help market each other’s works, the biggest thing we do for one another is give us someone to lean on.

We share our joys and sorrows and build each other up when we fall. It’s like group therapy with a bunch of friends who truly understand everything you’re going through.

Sitting in Front of a Computer Doesn’t Help a Writer’s Health

I have never been the most healthy of people. Sports don’t interest me, and I’d rather spend time running around in my imagination than anywhere else.

I have high blood pressure and I’m pre-diabetic. Plus my love of chocolate chip cookies knows no bounds! Yet since I’ve had my son, I’ve been trying to find a healthier lifestyle that works for me.

Sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time hasn’t done anything to help. I get stiff if I don’t take at least one break a day to stretch. I tend to want to snack more when I’m in the writing groove, too. And finding the time to exercise sometimes feels impossible.

Try Breaking Early for Lunch to Stretch Stiff Muscles

One thing I consistently do every day is break early for lunch (30 minutes) and stretch. One of my friends was a yoga instructor, and she taught me some great stretches for the back and arms, particularly the wrists.

While I have no idea the names of these stretches, they do rejuvenate me after a morning of marketing drudgery.

I’m also lucky that my son has activities at the local YMCA two nights a week. For those two 45-minute periods, I can exercise on a treadmill or ARC trainer while he swims or runs around the gym.

I Love Making Ordinary Things Into Extraordinary Things

The keys to my creativity are countless. I can’t name one particular thing.

Reading a good book inspires me as much as an oddly shaped vegetable. I look at everything when I’m out, and when something peaks my interest, I play the “what if” game with it.

What if that vegetable actually does have a face because it’s a fairy in disguise? What if those two women over there are discussing the politics of their werewolf packs?

I love making ordinary things into something extraordinary. My mind works in stories. It’s how I remember things, how I interact with people, and how I get through everyday life.

In Our Modern World, Writers Have Choices

Twice now I’ve had bad experiences with publishers.

The owner of a small press took all the authors’ earnings and ran, and a larger international publisher didn’t pay royalties before closing. Both incidents were devastating, and hearing so many other writers having similar experiences, made me not want to be in the industry at all.

It has always been my dream to be a writer, and back in the day, you could only do so with a publisher to print your stories. There is a little part of me that still feels that way even though I know better.

Thankfully in our modern world, writers have choices. These incidents with my former publishers have spurred me on to take the reins of my career and become an indie author. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but immensely gratifying.

Every Day I Must Find the Strength in Myself to Continue On

My greatest triumph is taking that leap to become an indie author.

It’s frightening to step out into the publishing world all on your own. All the responsibility is on you. Some days, I feel like I don’t have a clue what I’m doing. Other days, I feel empowered.

I call this my biggest triumph because every day I get up and push myself forward. Every day I must find the strength in myself and continue on.

Not giving up on my dreams is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

The Pure Desire to Create Keeps Me On My Path

I have always wanted to be a writer. I have stories I wrote when I was four and five. I might have gotten distracted by wanting to be an archaeologist like Indiana Jones or a criminologist focusing on serial killers, but all those came from stories.

I want to get all the adventures in my head onto the screen, share them with the world, and take readers with me on these marvelous journeys. It is that pure desire to create and share that keeps me on the path.

Advice for a Young Writer: Stick With It

Never give up on yourself. There will be many times when it seems the rest of the world has given up on you, but if this is truly what you want to be, stick with it. Perseverance will carry you through.

It also helps to find a group of like-minded folks. Nurture them and let them nurture you. Sometimes it is harder to accept help than it is to give it. Writing might be a solitary activity, but being a writer doesn’t have to mean you’re alone.

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Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s going on adventures with her son, gaming with her husband and friends, or watching cheesy movies on SyFy Channel. She’s a proud member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. She has one novel and several novellas and short stories published.

For more information on Christine and her work, please see her website and blog, or connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Of Blood and Sorrow: Erin Driscol works the perfect job consoling fellow demons by feeding off their grief at Putzkammer & Sons Funeral Home.

When fledgling vampire Nicolas Reese comes to Erin for help, she learns the truth behind the legends and hides him from his sire and the vampire hunters who seek him. But when the Putzkammers begin to die one by one, Erin is caught between her act of kindness and the need to save her adopted family.

Only by facing her own personal demons can she stop the slaughter and still rescue Nicolas from his dark fate.

Available at Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

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Marc’s power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn’t an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It’s also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it’s her heart and soul that shine bright.

While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.

Available at Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

The TOTEM Series: Three sisters. Seven totems. One chance to save the world.

Available at Amazon.