I am C. N. Howard (Christina) and I have an M.A. in Creative Writing, I.B. degrees in Western History and Ancient History, and undergraduate degrees in English, Education, Business, Science, Theater and Fine Arts. Specifically, with undergraduate studies in Cinematography, Screenwriting, Astrogeophysics, Theater production, and studies in multiple ancient and modern languages, you might say I'm a bit eclectic and you'd be right.  My thesis novel is titled Higher Ground. Someday, I'll get around to publishing it outside of the University.

 

My current and most consistent paycheck is my retirement benefits from the University of Colorado (41 years) where I was a media cataloger working with materials in pretty much every language and every format from sand samples to 35 mm mass market films. A part-time writer and scriptwriter, artist, and occasional videographer, I've also worked as a freelance writer, technical writer, editor, artist, and international event organizer via my company Reel Character Productions.

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Before I was out of high school, I was writing spec scripts for television, and working with Sun Pictures International (and briefly with Cherry Creek Films).  While still young, thin, and stupid, I was a primary actor in a few independent films. In fact, in one, I got to be a special effect!  I think it was my favorite.

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An author of fiction and science fiction, my published novels are Wrath of Angels, a post-apocalyptic soft science fiction story, and Blood Totems, An Eagle Plume Detective Novel, featuring a shapeshifting Native American and his brother. I am currently editing my sequel novels Angels at the Gate, and Angels Ascending  as part of my Angel series and War Sacrifice as part of her Eagle Plume Detective novels.

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My short stories have been included in the following anthologies: The Cloud and Zombies Ain't Funny, and StoryHole edited by C. L. Brown. Currently, I'm putting together a collection of my zombie comedy, sci-fi, and horror stories.  Missing Parts (working title).

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As a way to redirect my thoughts and get past writer's block, I write poetry and have been blessed to have won a few minor contests. My poetry is included in Said and Unsaid and World Treasury of Great Poems (vol. 2), John Campbell, editor. And because of a proud grandmother, I was actually published in her local newspaper back in Kansas. 

 

I'm also going through edits on my first attempt at fantasy, The Dove and the Star (working title). If that's not enough to keep busy writing, I'm putting together a collection of my zombie, sci-fi, and horror stories.  No title yet.  

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To keep from being a starving writer, I worked editing the monthly journal for the Office of Interdisciplinary Earth Studies, and wrote the how-to textbook for Sports Ware, Inc. (a fantasy football  company). I also edited a solar energy series for elementary school children produced​ by the University of Colorado Astrophysics Department. I've also written plays and musicals for charitable fundraising events: Sadie, an adventure in 5 acts, and Angel Feathers (a musical). And, perhaps, the most lucrative extra cash came with the interactive murder mysteries I wrote (i.e. Boondoggling). Depending on the event and how much alcohol is readily available, the author/director of the event can and usually does get huge tips, sometimes twice what I was paid to write it in the first place! A very nice money maker until Covid. Alas, it may not ever return as an option. 

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I don't just write. Sometimes I actually use one of my degrees for making money. My watercolors, drawings, and sketches have sold in Santa Fe galleries and my drawings and sculpture have shown in various venues in New Mexico and Colorado.

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For the past 20+ years, I've owned and headed up a small writing and creative consultant company, Reel Character Productions. My company actually won a pilot script contest prize of $10,000 in Canada for the best indigenous culture action series (Lightskies). Go figure! The money went to a Canadian production company, not me, unfortunately), but hey, it was my script!

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Now, being the old, fat broad on the block, I do lectures primarily on Biblical topics, but other things as well. I'm currently booked to do 5 lectures for Oasis, and will be teaching 2 sessions on writing fiction in September (2020). As a point of fact, I'm probably the only old kid on the block that has personally met Moses and Ramses (Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner).

 

Okay, technicals: I'm a member of the International Women's Writing Guild, the National Writers Union, Colorado Film and Video Association, the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Guild and I just joined up with the San Antonio Writers Guild. I've been mentored through workshops and taking classes  from some of the great writers and artists of the 20th century; Frederick Pohl, Tony Hillerman, Roger Zelazny, Bruce Kawin, Ed Dorn (my thesis advisor), Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, Spider Robinson, Ed Bryant, Julia Cameron, Martin Scorcese, and artist Burne Hogarth. 

 

My passions?

Rescue pets. Please, please, please consider taking on a special needs animal if you can. They do take extra care and money, but the love they return to you is priceless. Contact your local shelters for more information on these precious animals. I've been so, so blessed to be loved by two of these four-footed refugees. My Monkey (a poodle) was near death when they found her, so utterly abused with broken ribs and a broken snout. I had the money and time and was able to get her rehabilitated. The vet told me to only expect maybe a year or so with her. I had her 5 wonderful, loving years. Now, I have Toby (the Tobinator). He was born on the streets of Laredo and lived feral for the first nine months of his life. He's got some serious issues with trust, but he's slowly emerging from them to be a loyal and loving companion.

 

I'm also concerned for the plight of the world's shark populations. Because of uneducated fear and malignment in the media, overfishing, illegal fishing, and the horrific and tragic sharkfin industry, these creatures are now becoming seriously endangered. Very few people realize how important they are to the health of our environment and planet and you are encouraged to learn more at Savetheblue.org. You are also encouraged to watch the film Sharkwater. It is one of the most amazing and heartbreaking films out there on these creatures. It will change your world, literally.  Please help stop the finning industry!

 

 

 

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