Fiction is not my usual reading fare. I’m more of a memoir, historical fiction, non-fiction reader. I do find the imagination of fiction writers fascinating … a gift I do not possess. And when my local writer friend, Christina Consolino, published Rewrite the Stars, I was compelled to indulge.
Rewrite the Stars is a love story, but not your typical “happily ever after” love story. It chronicles the challenges to maintain love in a marriage when your spouse is no longer the person you married through no fault of their own. It chronicles the challenges in discerning what it means to love them and yourself when that happens.
Christina’s story takes place right here in Kettering, Ohio with a jaunt to a get-away site in Michigan. Christina believes midwesterners are salt-of-the-earth kind of folks and that our area of the country is as interesting as any big city. And she is right.
I might have lost interest in the story because I long ago surpassed the ages and stage of life of the main characters. However, Christina included a twist to their story that kept me intrigued. How is this going to unfold? Isn’t that what good writer’s do? Keep us turning pages to see how it will all turn out?
And unfold it did, in a most unanticipated way. Another mark of a good writer. Giving us a surprise … something we wouldn’t think of on our own. And the way Christina’s characters resolved their challenges was unheard of in my era. Today there are all kinds of ways to do relationships. How interesting Christina’s creativity in making relationships work for all parties involved. Her characters truly did “rewrite the stars.”
I first met Christina in 2014 at a writer’s conference. Through the years, I’ve heard her tale of publisher rejections … something most writers experience. I admire her perseverance and skill in finding just the right publisher for her debut novel, Rewrite the Stars.
Christina is a big supporter of other writers. She attended the 2017 book signing for my memoir. She does author interviews on her blog. She supported me again when I was invited to her writing group, The Plot Sisters, to share my writing/publishing journey. Their support warmed my heart.
Watching Christina’s career bloom has been pure joy. She now serves as a senior editor for Literary Mama and has her own business as an editor. And she teaches writing through Words Worth Writing Center.
Rewrite the Stars is definitely an intriguing read about love, loss, and redemption. I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more from Christina in the years to come. I eagerly await her next novel.
Linda! What a complete surprise. I’m touched by your heartfelt words, and my own “thank you” won’t be enough. But I’m saying it anyway: thank you. Thank you for reading, for your support and encouragement, and your own inspiring journey. I’m so glad we crossed paths years ago and hope we can again soon.
My pleasure, Christina, Would be lovely to have our paths cross again soon.
Sounds like a good read! I’m normally a non-fiction reader, too, but am open and intrigued by your description of Christina’s book. It’s on my list!
I’ll be interested to know what you think. Still haven’t heard how you responded to Nita’s memoir, Born Creative. You will have to fill me in. And both of them would appreciate an Amazon Review. That’s a big help to writers.
Sounds like a great book and Christina sounds like a very creative writer! I will add the book to my list of things to read. Thanks for introducing us to Christina and her latest book.
Christina is indeed a very creative writer … and a neat person. You are very welcome. Let me know what you think … better yet, write her an Amazon review. That is a big help to writers.
I”m interested in reading this new book. Thanks for the information.
You are very welcome. You will enjoy the book.
I”m interested in reading this new book. Thanks for the information.
Fiction or non-fiction, I am intrigued by the creative expression needed to write a book. YOU ALL HAVE A GIFT!!!!
I had to chuckle with this comment, Diana,
Yes, writing is a gift … and it takes learning and honing a skill as well. More to it than one would imagine. I love the writing part … it is the marketing part I dislike. Thanks for honoring us writers with your comment.