Q&A with Christina Bergling – Author Interview

Christina Bergling is an author known for creating gripping stories that blend suspense, emotion and unforgettable characters. In this Q&A interview, we sit down with Bergling to discuss the inspiration behind Savages, the writing journey that brought the novel to life and the creative influences that continue to shape her work. Honest, engaging and passionate about storytelling, Christina shares valuable insight into the process of crafting stories that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

Throughout our conversation, Christina opens up about character development, building tension and the themes explored within Savages. From the initial spark of an idea to seeing the finished book in readers’ hands, she offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the realities of life as an author. Whether you’re already a fan of her work or are looking for your next compelling read, this interview provides an enjoyable and insightful glimpse into the mind behind the story.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

I have been belly dancing for over twenty years. My favorite style is heavy metal and dark fusion. I have performed around Colorado, Tennessee, and Georgia.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Library

Who is your biggest role model?

My children. They are consistently teaching (and reteaching) me about life and myself.

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

My favorite book is The Death of Vivek Oji by Awaeke Emezi. My favorite author is more difficult to pick. I don’t think I could name just one. My favorite recent discovery is Tatiana Schlote-Bonne. I loved her book The Mean Ones and am eagerly awaiting her new release.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

I am split being physical and audio books. I enjoy reading a physical books the most. I like the feel of the pages, the tactile experience. I love filling my shelves and building my library. But audiobooks are most conducive to the pace of my life. I listen while I drive, ride my bike, clean. Most of my spare time is filled with books, one way or another.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Unfortunately, I do still have a day job. I’m a technical writer in cybersecurity. Until they replace it with AI. Writing is a passion and side hustle. However, I think that helps keep the endeavor pure. I don’t know that I could stay as enamored with it if I had to rely on it for financial support. Even as a hobby, my inspiration and motivation waxes and wanes. Since it is not my main job, I am able to give myself the space to honor those ebbs and flows without pressure.

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

Social media used to be so fun. Algorithms, AI, and ads have made them less enjoyable. Instagram is probably my current favorite. Links to my socials:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I always start by pantsing. The idea usually assaults me, and I just try to capture it all before it vanishes. Once I have those pieces, I force myself to outline and plan. I usually do a waterfall approach to outlining. I plan out the next few events; then once I finish those, I plan out the next chunk. Though I almost always know the ending from inspiration onward. It’s all that in between I need to work out.

Where do you like to write?

I usually write on my couch in front of a horror movie. However, my favorite place to write is a hotel room or cabin in the mountains with a fireplace. Even better if it’s snowing outside.

What do you like most about writing?

I like living in other worlds, being other people, escaping reality entirely. When I am working on a book, it’s like I’m straddling the worlds, able to slip out the real world and into the story.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Time and obligations, particularly children. I would write more if I didn’t have a day job. I must set aside time for writing and work to keep on my routine. It’s easier on my schedule to not write (and do all the things that come after the writing is done), but I love it too much. I have soft quit it multiple times just to end up right back at the page. I prioritize it because I need it.

What genres do you like to write and why?

I write mostly horror. My latest book, Invisible Girls, is my first published work that is not horror. Though it is only a sidestep into speculative fiction and dystopian. I process my trauma and the evils of the world around me through writing, and that seems to produce horror. I also find it comforting to play in the dark and worst-case scenarios. It makes everything else seem brighter by contrast.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Keep writing. Make your first draft your vomit draft where you just get the words and the story down. Worry about polishing it later. Keep the momentum going then come back and improve it.

Showcase Your Book!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I have published seven books. I have one coming out next year and one currently in progress. And one more started but in the drawer. My favorite is still my first, Savages. I lived inside that story. And I’m always happy to return to it. It is getting rereleased with a sequel next year, and when I worked on it, I loved it just as much as when I was first writing it.

How long did Savages take you to write?

Savages and The Waning each took about a year to draft and edit for submission, but they are both novellas. The Rest Will Come, Followers, and Red Walls each took about a year and a half. But Invisible Girls took longer because I put it in the drawer multiple times. Then it called me back and insisted I finish it. I wrote it during the pandemic, but it just came out this year. Drafting the story is the easy part for me. If I’m in it, it goes very quickly. The editing and submitting, however, are like quicksand.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

I love when people connect with my work. The first thing I ever published was a nonfiction, satirical article called “How to Kill Yourself Slowly”. I was surprised to learn (and continue to learn) how much it resonates with other people. It’s comforting to not feel alone and inspiring to put work out to which people relate.

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