HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Hurray! You know how much we love debut authors here on Jungle Red, and we are so thrilled to give a standing ovation to the fabulous Christina Estes, an intrepid experienced reporter who finally, after years, took the big step into fiction.
I can tell you, Reds and readers, her debut novel OFF THE AIR is a must read--and a perfect beginning for a series. A winner in every way! (And all of you who wonder: do I need to start at the beginning of the series? Christina makes it easy, because this is book 1!) The iconic and revered JA Jance says “it's a tale that demonstrates how behind the smiling faces of TV anchors, covering the big story is a dog eat dog world.”
And today, Christina gives us the inside scoop. And breaking news: a copy of OFF THE AIR to one very lucky reader! Enter once here with a comment, and you can get a second entry by coming to the Reds and Readers Facebook page and commenting on the post there, too!
HANK: Have you always wanted to be a mystery writer? How and why did that start?
CHRISTINA ESTES: I remember being young and some adult asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Since I devoured books, I would answer, “An author.”
But I never met an author and didn’t know anyone who pursued writing as a career. My love of reading included magazines and newspapers and I was exposed to reporters on TV and the radio, and that led me to study journalism.
J.A. Jance’s Ali Reynolds series, about a former L.A. newscaster who moves back home to northern Arizona, planted the seed for my writing. Hank’s Jane Ryland series about a Boston reporter helped it grow. Or at least helped me contemplate the idea of writing a series featuring a Phoenix TV reporter. It would be many years before I became serious about writing.
HANK: When did you decide that you were really and truly going to seriously write a novel? It’s such a big step – – what made you take it?
CHRISTINA: In 2009, I said, “I’m going to write a book.” And, fifteen years later, I’m being published. Fifteen years!
I naively thought that because I’m a reporter and write every day that I could write a novel. Big mistake. There’s a huge difference between writing a thirty-second or three-minute broadcast story and a 300- page novel.
There was a lot of writing, rejection, stopping. More writing, rejection, stopping. You get the picture. I went years without writing. That’s not how you get published.
When I finally accepted that I didn’t know how to write a novel, I focused on learning (and I’m still learning) and got serious. I started saying ‘No’ to a lot of things in order to prioritize writing. It will not take 15 years to get published again!
HANK Makes sense! And of course. But—what happened to make you finish this time?
CHRISTINA: There was no ‘aha’ moment that I recall. I just felt more committed. I wanted to see it through and figured I would give it my all one more time. Fortunately, perseverance paid off because Off the Air was selected for the Tony Hillerman Prize and I received a publishing contract through Minotaur Books.
HANK: What idea sparked this particular novel? The ONE thing you wanted to write about?
CHRISTINA: Besides taking readers behind the scenes of local news, I wanted to showcase Phoenix. I remember reading J.A. Jance’s first Ali Reynolds novel years ago and practically squealing with delight at the local references. There are so many great series set in cities like Boston, New York, Minneapolis, Chicago and Los Angeles, and I want to read more set in the city I call home.
The theme that kept swirling as I wrote centered on recognition. We all need it. People leave jobs and relationships when they don't feel valued. In the case of Jolene, my main character, she gets the acknowledgment she craves by breaking stories. Part of her desire for recognition comes from her upbringing, which she doesn’t yet realize or chooses not to accept.
HANK: So—do you blend fact and fiction in this novel? Do you use your real-life reporting experiences as a basis for your story?
CHRISTINA: I include references to two stories I covered as a reporter. The first involved residents who gathered to celebrate the demolition of an abandoned restaurant that had become an eyesore and attracted criminal activity. I changed the restaurant’s name but kept the party details – neighbors really did bring balloons and sparkling grape juice to cheer the demolition.
The other story relates to my personal experience being nominated for an Emmy for reporting about a fish going to the dentist. It lost to a story about bubble wrap. Yes, bubble wrap! In the book, it is Jolene’s loss. It’s interesting to hear reactions to that vignette. Some readers relate to Jolene’s disappointment, while others laugh.
HANK: A fish going to the dentist? You must tell us about this in the comments. How did the book change from how it was when you began? How did it become different—darker, bigger, scarier, more thought-provoking, deeper? What did you learn?
CHRISTINA: My main character initially had a different name and backstory. I was writing about the 29-year-old TV reporter that I wish I had been. I needed a character with some rough edges, a character that I cared about and could root for.
I created Jolene’s backstory based on my experience as a former foster parent. It was uncomfortable because I didn’t want to cause pain for anyone who had experience in the child welfare system. It’s a big reason why I included a content advisory in the book. I love Jolene. I know some people will say, “She’s a character, not a person” and they would be right. But Jolene feels real to me.
HANK: One of the most difficult things in having a new novel is that you need the elevator pitch! So here we go… Tell us about this book!
CHRISTINA: I’m glad you asked because I need to practice for Good Morning America. Off the Air will be their Buzz Pick on March 30 and I get to pitch via video. Here’s what I’m thinking:
Off the Air introduces Jolene Garcia, a local TV reporter in Phoenix trying to cover real issues in a society that seems more interested in clicks and reels.
When a controversial radio talk show host dies on air, Jolene’s managers are ecstatic because she conducted his last interview. They’ve got the advantage – but not for long. National media descend on Arizona with bigger budgets and better scoops. Jolene is determined to solve this murder. It’s an investigation that could make or break her career—if it doesn’t break her first.
HANK: YAY! Massive congratulations on GMA. I absolutely love this book, it was surprising and wise and knowledgeable and fast paced and fun to read. How do you hope people will feel at the end of it?
CHRISTINA: Thank you, Hank. I hope readers feel entertained and are curious about what’s next for Jolene personally and professionally. A sequel is in the works!
HANK: Hurray! And cannot wait to hear about all of your adventures. SUCH a joy to have a debut novel, and we are cheering you from the reds room! So, Reds and readers, let’s talk TV. Do you have a favorite television reporter? Past or present, fictional or real?
And a copy of the hot-off-the-presses OFF THE AIR to one lucky commenter!
Remember, you get another entry by commenting on the Reds and Readers page!
Emmy award-winning reporter Christina Estes received the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest. Off the Air is the first in a series featuring a local TV reporter. Having worked for several local TV stations, Christina now reports for the NPR member station in Phoenix.
https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaEstesAuthor/
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