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Cristin Frank grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY as a disciple of conservative preppy and Catholic school guilt. But underneath the up-turned collar was an imagination first expressed in Cabbage Patch diaries and spiral bound sketchpads.

A love of design and artistic talent punched her ticket to art school. While earning her Bachelor’s Degree in design from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Cristin admitted the A she received in Creative Writing came the easiest.

In her late 20’s she met her husband and returned to her family in Buffalo. It was then that the sage experiences with her elderly family members inspired her first novel, Trimming the Blue Hairs, which honed her writing and editing skills and manifested a career. Cristin has since published a handful of articles and launched two blogs: blog.carrycargot.com and TheEveofReduction.com. Her latest projects include the sequel and screenplay to Trimming The Blue Hairs .

Thank you Cristin for answering some questions for us!  What are you currently working on? 

I am working on the sequel to my debut novel. It's funny, once you've put yourself out there the first time, the second time you can be bolder, but at the same time more thoughtful. I've lost my writing inhibitions.

Have you received any awards for your work?

My reward was seeing it print!

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I don't, but would be open to the idea. Right now I concentrate my time on writing, reading, networking and marketing.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

I've always been a creative renegade. Entering the professional world after art school, I found that I was working against client objectives and not my own. So, I started painting to fill my creative void, until my kids got into my paints and Picassoed my carpets. That's when I turned to writing. It's imaginative, clever and emotional - no smock required.

The benefit to my design background was being able to create the cover art, video trailer and marketing materials to my standards. 

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

My writing has undertones of Catholic guilt which has been noticed and acclaimed by other Catholic school grads.

What will your next project be?

I have just embarked writing the screenplay for Trimming the Blue Hairs. I love a challenge and am very passionate about this story, like a first love.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Network. Spend a day or a month or a year accumulating relevant people to follow on Twitter. Don't be afraid to meet with someone in your area.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

One of my best friends lives in LA and she has coached and inspired me. We share our small success as they have snowballed over the years. It helps to hear what she's been invited to do and the people she had lunched with.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

David Sedaris. I like that he writes short stories, he never loses my interest. Even though on paper we are very opposite, I relate to him like one of my own siblings.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

Ritchie Valens - Come On, Let's Go...that was today.

Thank you Cristin! We wish you great success with your new screenplay!