Interview With Author Christine Kern

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?   Christine: I was commissioned by God to write this book. I didn't understand the meaning, thought it was very simple for a while, but didn't dare. When I finally started, it was more difficult than I thought. I prayed and asked God for help and support and let him guide me.   2. What exactly is it about - and who is it written for?   Christine: This book is about a time in my life. I was in a relationship that was initially very harmonious in the rosy times and very quickly turned out to be a toxic relationship. I tried several times to end the relationship, but always let myself be persuaded by promises to change, to stop denouncing myself, to stop psychologically suppressing myself and belittling myself. Finally, with God's help, I found the way out and the strength to end the relationship and face the struggle to be whole and free from it with all my heart. The book is written for all those who are currently in similar situations or are still faced with the decision of whether to leave or stay. I give a kind of guide, reporting from my own experiences. The book is aimed at both men and women who are afraid of having to start all over again or who tell themselves that they won't be able to do it anyway because there may still be children involved.   3. What do you hope readers will take away from reading your book?   Christine: I want people not to surrender to fate in this moment just because they are loved, are no longer alone and think they can't do it alone. You manage it, you regain strength, self-confidence, energy. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether to leave or stay in this toxic relationship.   4. How did you decide on the title and cover design of your book?   Christine: Oh, that's a really good question. I saw the cover in my mind's eye when I started and the title of the book came about naturally as I was writing.   5. What advice or wise words do you have for your fellow authors - other than "Run!"?   Christine: No one has to be in a relationship like that. The fight to get out of it, towards a life without humiliation, verbal and emotional violence, is definitely worth it. It won't be easy, you might consider giving up, but then you're really only one step away from victory. Then follow this path to the end.   6. What trends do you see in the book world - and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?   Christine: Actually, I've never really thought about this topic before. I think eBooks have become more popular over the years. But a real book lover loves the paper, the book itself with the cover. So, I think the print edition is coming back into fashion.   7. Were there any experiences in your personal life or career that were useful when writing this book?   Christine: The book describes a part of my life. I started writing so many times, didn't know how to start. Numerous attempts ended up on the wall and in the trash can. I finally prayed to God and asked him for wisdom, courage, energy and help. I really like what came out.   8. How would you describe your writing style? Which authors or books does your writing style resemble?   Christine: Oh, that's a difficult question. I can't describe my writing style. What you read in it is me. I can't judge whether or who I might resemble. I'll leave that to others.   9. What challenges did you overcome when writing this book?   Christine: Being able to put all my feelings and emotions into words, reliving the pain while writing. The anger because I thought I had already dealt with it long ago and I found out that the pain was still there. I started to heal while writing.   10. If people can buy or read a book this week or this month, why should it be yours?   Christine: My book is not a fad that goes through social media, where lots of people talk about toxic relationships but you don't really feel "picked up". I am authentic, when you read it you feel how I felt. I found strength through God and realized how great God is. The book is a good gift for people who are going through something similar or have a friend who is going through something like that.   The book is also written in English and Spanish. Here too, it was God who wanted this from me. I think it is still a taboo subject in society to talk about toxic relationships because then you would somehow admit that you were weak and would rather keep it to yourself.   At the end, I forgave my ex-partner in a prayer I wrote myself. I prayed it for three consecutive days and then I felt free.   About the Author: Christine was born in Berlin and grew up in a typical working-class family. At the time of the book, Christine is 53 years old, lives on the coast, and is the mother of two children and a dog. Check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXnOsHfuvpA

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About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum