We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chrissy Hartmann. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chrissy below.
Chrissy, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
So, when I find myself glaring at the mocking silence of the cursor on my screen I always wonder if this is the so called “writers block” that taunts so many authors. “Creative block,” they call it. Pfft, as if.
I maintain that such a thing doesn’t exist—yet here I am, not writing.
Honestly, I don’t subscribe to the concept of “creative block.” To me, it’s a myth, a fanciful excuse for not producing work. However, when I find myself at a standstill, temporarily adrift in a sea of halted creativity I stand, stretch, and head to the kitchen. If words won’t flow, maybe coffee will. I’m not one to forgo bribery. If Oreos and coffee get the juices flowing again between the Muses, then break into the pantry and get out the double stuffed and pour me a huge cup of the brew. Although, if dieting or the pantry is deplete of our stock of Oreos, I’ll traverse the endless rabbit holes of the internet, seeking anything from obscure facts to vintage cat memes.
But when a particularly stubborn bout hits, I opt for a long, hot soak in the tub—a surefire way to court the elusive muses.
And when the steam rises around me and the hot water ebbs away the tension, my mind begins to wander — free from the confines of paragraphs and plot lines. It’s in these moments of literal and metaphorical immersion that ideas begin to percolate — most usually without prompts.
Nevertheless, I like to think of it as bribing the muses with a spa day, although on particularly tough days, the real bribery involves Oreos and a robust cup of coffee while soaking in a tub of bubbles.
Once refreshed and rehydrated, I’ll return to my desk. And now, the words flow as freely as the water had, my characters more cooperative, my scenes more vivid, and the stubborn cursor now sings out. So, when moments of temporary standstill hit, I find that shifting my creative focus is the key to unlocking new ideas. And while I maintain that “creative block” is a myth, I cannot ignore the effectiveness of my unorthodox methods. Whether it’s a dive into digital distractions or a contemplative shower, each serves as a gentle nudge to get the ideas flowing again. And let’s not forget the true keys to unlocking the juices in this so-called “writers block” — Oreos and coffee.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hello, I’m Chrissy Hartmann, a voice in Contemporary Western Romances and an award-winning short story writer. Born and raised in Ohio, I’m a true Buckeye through and through. Twenty-five years of blindness never limits me — not in life, adventure, or my love for writing. I weave the rugged charm of the West into tales of love and adventure, reflecting my own resilience and determination.
When I’m not typing away on my keyboard, you can find me immersed in spirited political debates with my husband and our circle of friends. We share a passion for music too, often spinning our favorite vinyl records late into the evening. It sets the perfect mood for our lively discussions.
Being a mom to an Eagle Scout brings its mix of laughter and challenges. I must admit, I sometimes drive him a bit crazy with my enthusiastic involvement in his activities, but it’s all part of the fun and deep love that shapes our relationship.
I’m a connoisseur of coffee and a regular at writing workshops and confrences. I believe the best ideas often strike when these passions come together. I dream of seeing my name on the bestseller list, a significant achievement for any writer, but especially meaningful for this blind author.
I’m also thrilled about my upcoming cookbook, COWBOY UP WITH GRAPESEED OIL; HEARTFELT RECIPES WITH BENEFITS, which is a part of my beloved Whiskey Salvation series. This new venture, poised to bring the flavors of the West into kitchens everywhere, will soon hit the shelves. You can find more information on my website https://ChrissyHartmann.com
Besides my novels and short stories, I write the Prickle Forrest Chronicles and contribute to the Prickle Forrest Books blog, sharing insights and inspirations from my writing journey. For those who want more of my engaging style and inspiring outlook, I update my personal blog a couple of times a month. Don’t forget to visit https://PrickleForrestChronicles.com/follow-me and subscribe to stay connected as I continue to craft stories that captivate and inspire. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Thanks and enjoy!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As a blind author, the road to becoming a successful writer is paved with more plot twists than a daytime soap opera. But with a blend of relentless optimism, tenacity, and constant honing of my craft, I’ve learned that each challenge is merely a subplot in my personal success story.
You see, never giving up on your dreams isn’t just a cliché—it’s my strategy. When one door seems to close (or sometimes slam in my face), optimism is the tool I use to find a window, jimmy it open, or occasionally, smash it with a well-placed joke. A positive attitude isn’t just about expecting the best to happen—it’s about accepting that whether it’s the best or the worst, you can handle it with a smile (and maybe a strong cup of coffee).
Now, about tenacity— that’s my secret sauce. It’s the art of being pleasantly persistent, or as I like to say, stubborn with a smile. Whether mastering new assistive technologies to aid my writing or revising manuscripts until they truly sing, tenacity means showing up, day in and day out, dedicated to putting in the work, even when the Muses seem to have taken a personal day.
Moreover, honing the craft of writing is fundamental. It’s not enough to just write; one must continually strive to improve and evolve. I attend workshops, devour literature, and seek feedback, treating each piece of advice as a golden nugget of wisdom that refines my storytelling abilities. This commitment to craft ensures that my narratives resonate deeply and authentically with readers, bringing me ever closer to those bestseller aspirations.
Together, an unyielding positive attitude, steadfast persistence, and a dedication to refining my skills keep my spirits high and ensure that my dreams of topping the bestseller lists and sharing my stories with a broad audience remain well within reach. And if along the way, I have to remind my Eagle Scout son to pick his socks off the floor for the umpteenth time—well, that’s all part of the grand narrative, isn’t it?
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Looking back on my journey, I can’t help but smile at the memories of my pragmatic parents, both educators who loved to read.
Losing my sight at 25 definitely threw a curveball into the mix, but that never slowed my parents down. Even after their divorce, at the age of ten, they both made sure their homes were stocked with books of all kinds, from classic novels to the latest bestsellers.
Before my blindness, they were the epitome of practicality, always drilling into me the importance of hard work and resilience. “No shortcuts,” they’d say, “always aim for the stars, no matter what life throws your way.”
Their wisdom not only shaped my character but also paved the way for my writing journey. With their encouragement, when I decided to write, I dove headfirst into honing my craft, attending workshops and devouring literature like it was going out of style.
And now, as I strive to expand my readership, I can’t help but thank Mom and Dad for their guidance. Though they are older now, their shared love for books and their pragmatic outlook on life continues and it inspires me every day. With every word I write, I feel their presence, urging me to persist through the challenges and deliver stories that resonate with readers far and wide. So, here’s to you, Mom and Dad, the real heroes in this wild writing adventure. Cheers!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ChrissyHartmann.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usawriter355
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usawriter355
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorchrissyhartmann
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/usawriter355
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/usawriter355
- Other: Email: [email protected]
