Q&A with Author Samantha Christy

I am not gonna lie, the fangirling I do over Samantha Christy is pretty epic. I started reading her after she had already developed a considerable backlist, so the binge was also pretty epic. She made me cry right off the bat (definitely a good sign), and she made me fall in love with her characters even when I wanted to throttle them (also a very good sign). But what I loved most was how freaking real her characters and their situations were. They were heartbreaking and deep and left me shattered, but Samantha always put my heart back together, even better than it was before. Because what her characters go through to get their HEAs is extraordinary.

After reading nearly all of her series prior to the Calloways (I still have a few I am saving for the audiobooks because I love the narrators, too), Samantha became more than a name on a spine for me. She became one of my go-to recommendations anytime someone asked for a book that would destroy them and then bring them the ultimate HEA. 

And then she became an editing client. The scream I scrumpt when she asked me to edit for her… yep—EPIC!  Editing can be a very vulnerable part of the writing process for an author. Samantha’s stories involve some very deep and raw emotional situations, so sensitivity without destroying the powerful and dramatic elements is key. Fortunately, she’s a consummate pro when it comes to bringing the drama with the heart, plus the perfect level of heat and such great humor. Editing for her is seriously an absolute joy. And she’s one of those authors I find myself reading an entire chapter, so completely engrossed in the story, that I have to stop and remind myself I have an actual job to do.

And yes, I absolutely do reread her books multiple times, both through and after the editing process. And I listen to the audiobooks during proofing and sink back into those amazing stories, because they are so freaking good!

But honestly, the part of this journey that hits the hardest is the friendship we’ve developed through working together. Because not only am I a huge fangirl, but getting to know Samantha through her books, her group, and messages back and forth about her stories and characters brought home what a beautiful heart she has and how much she loves her readers and the Romancelandia industry.  And I can confirm, she is very down-to-earth and super easy to talk to.

I loved reading her Q&A and learning even more about her and her journey as an author. I cannot wait to see her at Charm City Romanticon 2025, hug her again, and spend time with her. 

How did you get started writing?

It was New Year’s Eve 2013 - I was reflecting upon my life and made a New Year’s Resolution to do something different in 2014 - something off my bucket list. So I wrote a book. I just picked up a pen and wrote longhand, not sure I’d be able to put two sentences together. 5 months later, I published Be My Reason and I haven’t looked back since.

Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist? 

Purple Orchids is the book that leads into 28 others. They are all standalone, but read consecutively, you’ll get to know all the characters and cheer for them when they get their books.

Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?

A lot of the scenes I wrote for Igniting Ivy were of my own experiences. I took a trip to Kauai, Hawaii, and everything I did (hikes, helicopter rides, ATV experiences, waterfalls, seal and turtle encounters)…they all made it into that book (with obvious alterations for the story). I’ve had people plan trips to Kauai after reading it! Because it was all so personal, that makes them the most memorable. 

Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?

Reader interactions have surprised me the most. At first I had major impostor syndrome, being contacted by readers who view me as some kind of superstar. I love it when they find out I’m just a regular person with the same daily struggles most people have. And since 99.9% of reader interactions are positive-they truly make my day.

Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or audiobook listener?

As an author, I’ve found over the years that my favorite characters to write are single dads, so you’re bound to see a lot more of those. 

What is your favorite part about being an author?

Flexibility. Especially as an indie author. I control my own schedule. I can write anywhere at anytime (and most of you who know me, know I’m on a cruise ship about a quarter of each year which is fantastic for relaxation, inspiration, and motivation!)

What do you like to read/listen to?  Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?

There are too many authors I love to single any one or two out. 

I love to listen to post-apocalyptic books and books about space travel. They are so different from what I write that it really immerses me in the experience.

Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?

The only way I can answer that is to say my husband. When I told him my crazy idea of writing a book, not only did he fully support me, he let me read my chapters to him every night after I’d written them. Though we stopped that practice years ago, he’s still my biggest cheerleader. Without his unwavering encouragement to do something completely out of the blue that I had zero training for, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?

I always say my life is pretty low-key. I had an amazing but uneventful childhood.  I’ve never met anyone famous. I rarely travel overseas. And we eat the same 5 dinners over and over on a rotating schedule. There’s nothing about my life that is interesting enough to influence my books.

That being said, I did spend about a decade as a travel baseball mom. That led to me writing a series about baseball players.

This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related: 

Kindle or Paperback

Beach or Mountain Vacation

Dogs or Cats

Ice Cream or Cake

Action Flick or Rom-Com

Tea or Coffee - Neither

Road Trip or Air Travel

Connect with Samantha Christy

You can find more information about Samantha, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:

https://samanthachristy.com/