COVER AUTHOR: Victoria Christopher Murray

EDITOR NOTE: I was introduced to Victoria’s book through the library. I was flipping through the AA section and came across her book, Temptation at the time I didn’t know there were AA Christian fiction, so I quickly checked this book out. I was not disappointed. She blew me away with her writing style. I’ve been a fan every since.

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton University where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.

Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she tested her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.

As a Christian fiction novelist, Victoria’s objective is to pen entertaining page turners that most importantly, exalt the message of Jesus Christ. Through the pages, Victoria hopes to introduce readers to the love of Christ and at the same time show that we all have the same trials, tribulations and temptations – it’s how we solve these issues that makes a difference. The novels all show that no matter what you’ve done in your life God’s redeeming love, grace and mercy is there for you.

Too Little Too Late (June 2008)

Jasmine Larson Bush returns to her devious ways in this tale of two marriages -- each threatened by lies and betrayal.

She took marriage vows to be honest and true, but Jasmine's still hiding secrets to keep her husband, Minister Hosea Bush, by her side. When Hosea's ex-fiancée, Natasia, suddenly appears in New York, Jasmine knows it's not a coincidence. A former manstealer herself, Jasmine is very aware of Natasia's motives -- even if Hosea is not.

Complicating Jasmine's life is the secret she's kept from her baby's daddy. Luckily for her, Brian Lewis has problems of his own. His wife, Alexis, is convinced he's cheating on her -- but Brian's real betrayal is much worse. Revealing the truth to his wife could lead him back to the biggest mistake of his life...Jasmine.

Two marriages are in desperate jeopardy. Will Jasmine be able to scheme to save her own? Or will she have to choose between protecting her past and compromising her future? Even if Jasmine and Brian find the courage to stop the lies, it may be too little, too late....

Divine Divas Diamond (March 2008)

The Divine Divas. They're fifteen and they're fine, and they want to be the hottest, hippest new girl group to hit gospel music. First they'll have to win the team talent competition. But with looks, energy, and voices like theirs, they are sure they'll go right to the top.

Diamond Winters is the one who formed the Divas. With her wealthy, loving parents and an endless supply of charm, she's always been able to sweet-talk her way into anything. But this time, has Diamond talked her way right into trouble? Diamond has support for her group from her family and church, but she has a lot going on. She's made it onto the school's varsity cheerleading squad, and she's caught the eye of the totally cool senior Jason Xavier. Jax is sweeping her off her feet, but Diamond is starting to feel as if she's in over her head.

What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

All I ever want my readers to take away is an entertaining experience. Since I write fiction and not non-fiction, it's always about entertaining for me. However, I feel blessed whenever anyone takes away anything else - like the love of Jesus Christ and how God is not a concept, but a part of our lives everyday.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I can't say that I learned anything really. I had to do some research about sexual addictions, but I didn't get a lot of new information.

What inspired this book?

I always find that to be such an interesting question. I think what inspires most authors is what inspires everyone else. Writing is our job. So, we're inspired to get a paycheck so that we can eat and sleep. But the idea for this book came from my fifth novel, A Sin and a Shame. I wanted to complete that story.

What is the hardest part about the writing business?

Writing everyday, putting your heart and soul into it and then having people criticize your work. That is tough!

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

What a great question! I wish non-writers would just read the story and accept it for what it is. I'm always amazed when someone writes me to say, "I wouldn't have done that!" Well, the story is not about them. I'm surprised by people's limited views. I met a woman once who'd never left Greenville, South Carolina, yet she made a statement like, "No Black woman would behave that way." I was shocked - how would she know? She's never been 100 miles away from home.

What advice would you give someone writing a connecting series?

I don't have any special advice for sequels at all. I'm not an expert on that. Now for someone wanting advice about writing, I always tell people that there are two things writers do - writers read and writers write. Writers definitely need to be reading the type of material they wish to write - for motivation and education.

What makes your writing style unique?

I don't think my style is unique at all.

What do you do to make time for yourself?

I wish I had time for myself. Right now, over the last few years, I've had no time. I've written three books a year and I've been touring. I'll be keeping up this pace for a few more years at least.

Oprah has--as one of her magazine columns--a section where she talks about what she knows for sure. What do you know for sure?

That God is alive! And that He takes care of every part of my life!

What is one of your lowest moments during your career and one of your highest moments, and how did you deal with them?

My lowest moments have been when I had to write my books through my husband's passing and then a few years later, after my father's passing. That was the absolute hardest thing to do - to try to sit down and create when you're filled with so much grief. Through a lot of prayer, I was able to sit down every day and do what I had to do. I have so many high moments - every time I receive a kind email, or when I go on tour and people are waiting to meet me. There is nothing like knowing that your work is appreciated.

What marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?

Word of mouth! I'm no difference than any other author. I depend on the readers to help me sell my books.

What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?

I wish I'd known how long it was going to take to build this career. I wish I'd known just how tough it was going to be to write and live. I wish I'd known exactly how much money writers made. (It's no where near what readers think.)

This month our theme is Mainstream Fiction. Can you give us five mainstream authors you read?

E Lynn Harris, Eric Jerome Dickey, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Jackie Collins, Lolita Files.

Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?

I think I said it above - writers read and writers write. You have to write something (no matter what or how much) every single day to get closer to your goal.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com/ or http://www.thedivinedivas.com/