Please help me give a big Hoosblog welcome to Kristine Brickey!

Kristine and I first met at a book event that we both agree absolutely sucked (for a number of reasons that I won’t get into) BUT—we met each other, and therefore it was worth every wasted hour. Over the years we’ve learned that our twisted personalities go very well together, and I’m honored to have her as a friend.

Let’s get down to business.

A writer brave enough to write powerful stories for today’s young adults and their adults, Kristine E. Brickey was born and raised in Michigan and has always loved the power of words. An award-winning, retired teacher of 30 years, Brickey has an understanding that allows the creation of true characters and situations that strike the hearts of others. In addition to her art, Brickey spends time traveling, riding the forests and trails of Michigan on her horse, and participating in many ‘artsy/wordy’ groups and activities. Achieving her life dream of seeing her novels in the hands of others and on bookstore shelves has only increased her passion for reading and writing.

Tell us about your book.

They Said She Was Crazy was written because I didn’t have any other choice. I knew that I needed to write about losing my son, but I could not write about the loss of my son. From somewhere, Mara’s voice started speaking to me, showing me her son, Zane, encouraging me to write her story. Though Mara and Zane and the events in this novel are fictional, many of my personal reactions and connections with my son, Robbie, are important pieces of their story as well. Once I began writing, my fingers were barely able to keep up with the movie playing in my head as their stories unfolded in my mind. It was the easiest, yet also the most difficult piece I have ever written.

Beyond the writing, the responses to They Said She Was Crazy have been astounding. Each event and presentation brings people to me, sharing their personal stories of grief and survival and heartache and love. Whether our losses are new or old, parent or child or sibling or friend, the result of illness or suicide, grief is at the heart of it all.

“There are a lot of books about suicide, but not about what comes after suicide. This book showed me what would be left behind. I never thought about that before, but now I know what it would be like for my mom.” —a high school senior from northern Michigan 

Laurie Halse Anderson, YA author and my personal writing idol (and now, dare I say acquaintance), read this novel. (Insert ecstatic squeal here!) “What a powerful and devastating story!”

Order They Said She Was Crazy

 

My newest book is currently ‘under construction’ and titled, F%$K It, I’m 50! It is the story of three women, each with their own independent, rather #metoo tales that intersect with each other as they create new futures after hitting 50. I am loving the characters, and cannot wait for my readers to meet Becca, Ginny, and Cassie.    

 

Now for the fun stuff!

What’s your favorite genre? Do you read what you write?

One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction, though I have absolutely zero plans to ever write in that genre! My strength as a writer is realistic fiction featuring characters who are dealing with obstacles that life has placed in their paths. I have read my books numerous times, but it’s hard. My writer’s brain wants to continue revising!

Kudos to you for reading your own work after it’s published—I’m always terrified to do that!

What’s your favorite part about writing?

I love when I get to the place where my characters’ stories are running like a movie in my mind and my job is to write what they’re showing me. That’s when I know I’ve hit the jackpot, that I’ve gotten it right. After writing, what I love the most is sharing my books and message with people, particularly at high schools/student events where I get to talk about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Kids need a voice about tough topics, and there’s nothing anyone can say to me that will shock me. Been there. Done it. The feedback I’ve gotten from so many young adults (and adults as well) makes all the hard work involved in writing worth it for me.

I really admire how you’ve handled the challenges that you’ve faced, and how you’re working to help kids.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

My characters don’t always behave in ways that I particularly agree with or like, and then I usually have to have some discussions with them (yes, I talk to my characters) to try and convince them to listen to me. I mean, I am the author after all! It’s like dealing with a bunch of teenagers sometimes, except in the end my characters always get their way.

Haha! My characters always win too.

What’s an activity unrelated to writing that you love?

Horseback riding and camping with my horsey friends. CrossFit has become a huge passion of mine, because it helps me release tensions and build up strength with a group of amazing, hilariously helpful friends. (Reading, but obviously that is completely related to writing, so I can’t write that here. Ha!) My new puppy, Frankie, is my new favorite non-writing activity! He is a little rat terrier, and he is hilarious and demanding constant attention.

You have as many non-writing passions as me! No wonder we’re friends.

Who’s your biggest cheerleader?

Definitely, my guy, Chad. When I was struggling to get Flowers for Rodney (2014) published, I debated over the cost of self-publishing via CreateSpace. (I’d had interest from publishers, but wasn’t getting picked up.) He watched me working so hard and finally laid it out: “It’s only your life’s dream to publish a book. You deserve it. Just do it!” I don’t that I would have found the courage to push my dream without his support at that time.

I’m so glad he pushed you!!

Now I’d like to play a fun little game called This or That. As a writer, I find that a lot of interviews ask the same questions, so I always appreciate sharing something new about myself. I’m super excited about these questions—and I hope you enjoy them!

Introvert or extrovert? Extrovert.

Morning or night person? Morning.

Coffee or tea? Coffee. (I love herbal teas, but could live without if I had to…unlike coffee!)

Sweet or salty? Salty.

Eternal summer or four seasons? Eternal FALL! Jeans & sweatshirts, ahhhh!

Mountains or beach? Mountains.

Dogs or cats? Dogs. But don’t tell my cat!

Over 5’5” or under? Under.

Left or right-handed? Right-Handed.

Hoodie or yoga pants? Please don’t make me choose!

We seriously need to hang out more often. <3 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Self-publishing has been a fantastic venture for me, allowing me to meet some truly inspiring and amazing readers and writers, like yours truly, Ms. Hooyenga. 🙂 I’ve fulfilled my dream of having a book on the shelf with my name as author, having a book picked up by a publishing company, having my mentor and idol, Laurie Halse Anderson, read and give permission to use her feedback on one of my books, and keep setting new, bigger goals as my life unfolds. Never quit setting goals. For me, it keeps me young and feisty!

Kristine, thank you so much for spending this time with me and my readers. Readers, you can find Kristine at these links—and be sure to check out They Said She Was Crazy!

Website  |  Blog  |  Twitter   |  Facebook

 

If you missed the previous interviews, you can read them here.