Christy Barritt Interview

Susan: Your main character in Hazardous Duty is a crime scene cleaner. How did you think of this very unique idea?

Christy: While writing for another publication, I learned that cleaning crime scenes was an actual profession. As soon as I realized that, an idea for a mystery novel began growing. Soon after, Gabby St. Claire was born and she hasn’t left me alone since.

Susan: I hope we see Gabby St. Claire again. Do you have a sequel planned?

Christy: Yes, I’m working on the sequel right now. It’s entitled, The Grim Sweeper. In book two, Gabby finds herself surrounded by loony Elvis impersonators, confused as ever about her love life and feeling an overwhelming need to help a hermit with a pink flamingo collection.

Susan: If your readers could take away only one message from Hazardous Duty, what would that be?

Christy: Life isn’t God. I think too many times people have had a hard life, so they think God is a punishing God. They’ve faced disappointments in life, so they’re disappointed with God. They’ve felt unloved, so they think God isn’t lovable. The truth is, life isn’t God. I wanted readers to realize that you can’t equate the two with each other.

Susan: What writing project do you have planned next or are you working on now?

Christy: I’m working on The Grim Sweeper. I also have another novel circulating at some publishing houses called The Good Girl. Two other projects I’m working on are a cozy mystery called The Couch Potato’s Wife and a chick-lit called Me, Misunderstood.

Susan: What’s God been doing in your life lately?

Christy: He’s been teaching me so much! In June, my first baby was born. His birth has definitely shown me how selfish I am. I’ve had to learn to put aside my desires in order to take care of my baby. Eli is the most fabulous little person in the world, though. I love him more than I can even understand.

Susan: Who are your favorite authors to read?

Christy: Here’s my current list: Linda Hall, Siri Mitchell, Rene Gutteridge, andTerri Blackstock

Susan: Do you have a scripture verse that expresses your writing message?

Christy: Proverbs 16:3 sums it up for me. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” To me, this isn’t a formula for instant success (in worldly terms, at least). It means that to be a success in God’s eyes, we need to commit our desires to the Lord. Then he’ll bless us, whether we’re peeling potatoes or writing bestselling novels.

Susan: Your bio says you worked at a publishing house? Which one and what did you do there?

Christy: I worked as an assistant editor at Standard Publishing in Cincinnati. First, I worked in the elementary curriculum department. Later, I moved into the teen department, which I loved. I got to do the initial read-through of manuscripts that came in for the teen magazine, Encounter. I also gave input on layout, design and theme. It was great fun!

Susan: Tell us about the moment you heard that Hazardous Duty would be published?

Christy: I actually found out through an email. I had to read the note several times before I believed that a publishing company was actually offering me a contract. In fact, I even got my husband to read it, just to make sure I wasn’t delusional. I made sure to quickly sign the contract before they changed their mind.

Susan: Any advice for a writer who’s not been published yet?

Christy: Write from your heart. If you have a story idea that’s been haunting you, not letting you sleep, and/or on your mind for days, then those are good signs that you should pursue that story.