Author Interview: Christie Leigh Babirad

Author Interview- Christie Leigh Babirad

At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?

I believe you can call yourself a writer at the moment that you experience something and there’s that innate tug on your heart to put pen to the page. This is the mode, the medium of art you gravitate to, and that is what makes you a writer.

Do you play music while you write— and, if so, what’s your favorite?

I often do play music when I write. A lot of times I put music on though after I get down the thought or scene in silence, and then the music helps me “decorate” so to speak, the writing, it stirs up and channels the emotions further. As far as my favorite music to listen to when writing, I couldn’t pick a particular genre but it’s generally soulful jazz, love songs, singer/songwriter type of music.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

At this point, I have a number of books and the titles come rather naturally. My first book, “As the Winds Change” was inspired by the idea of life always changing, the winds shifting, and new hope rising with each new season.

If you could be mentored by a famous author, who would it be?

If she was still alive, I would say Emily Dickinson. The other famous author I would love to be mentored by would be Judy Blume- I really enjoyed her MasterClass (online education platform).

If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?

This is an excellent question because my dream is to have my books made into movies. Some of the actors I have thought of for different roles in my stories are- Carlo Marks, Bethany Joy Lenz, Tyler Hynes, Marisa Tomei, Meg Ryan, Lacey Chabert, and Jack Wagner.

What inspired the idea for your book?

All of my books are inspired by different perspectives on life, different emotions and viewpoints I have confronted myself, my personal belief that what we do and who we are in this life matters and that our loved ones who have passed on are still with us and we will reunite again one day.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Since I was little, I wrote poetry, but when I first realized I wanted to take my writing more seriously would be when I started my first poetry collection in college, and then soon after, when my screenwriter uncle shared one of his screenplays with me and encouraged me that I had this art within me as well.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book in 2017, I believe. I was about 29 years old.

When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

This is definitely where my passion for music comes in. I create a playlist of songs that help me channel the emotions accurately. I usually write in my notebook first, and I usually have soft lighting and a candle going. 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I usually write from quite a personal mindset, so I get my information and ideas from life itself. I am also inspired by other art- music, movies with profound cinematography and details, visual art, dance, nature. Inspiration can be found everywhere, and I try to always stay open to that and view life as an extraordinary story, the way my uncle always did.

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