Writing the Dream

For most of us, “applying coats of paint” may mean we are in the process of home improvement.  Perhaps it means we are doing our nails.  Maybe it means we are refurbishing an automobile.  But for Villa resident Christina Varrasso, it means she is writing a novel. 

Having just authored her first novel entitled Running for Yellow (a belated coming of age tale about a woman's struggles and the restorative power of family, love, and faith), Varrasso describes the process of developing themes and characters to that of the aforementioned coats of paint.  “Every writer has [her] own way of writing.  Some develop a detailed outline before they ever write a word of the story,” she said. “I like to use a general outline along with a lot of notecards.”  In preparation for writing the novel (an eventual four year process), anytime an idea would come to her, she would jot it down on a notecard.  Over a thousand notecards later, and she had her draft.  “I wrote the first draft using these notecards, then I would go back and add detail; [it was] like applying coats of paint.”

            Although a strong writer throughout college, Varrasso claims she never considered herself a writer until an editor she respected read one of her manuscript drafts, congratulated her on a job well done, and wished her good luck on future books.  It was then that she thought, ”I guess I AM a writer!”

            She attributes her decision to become a writer to the simple fact that she could not stop writing!  According to Varrasso, “ for me expression always came easiest through writing.  Writing in my journal, taking writing classes and writing short stories.  At some point it just felt like something I should do.” 

            As one of her “bucket list” items, writing this novel has also impacted Varrasso on a personal level.  “I think anytime you accomplish a goal, there is satisfaction that comes from it,” she said.  Writing the novel tested her discipline and helped her realize that so much can be accomplished when you are determined to complete a task.

            She also hopes to impact her readers.  As they read she wants them to feel that it is all right to fall and make mistakes.  “I hope they’ll feel that our experiences take us right where we need to be in our personal growth and that forgiveness is a good thing.”

            In becoming a writer, she joins many of the greats who have inspired her. Two of her favorite authors who have influenced her work are Sue Monk Kidd and Alice Munro. “I esteem great writers who are able to write novel after novel,” she said. 

So, can we expect novel after novel from Varrasso?  “I do have an idea for a second one. Stay tuned!”  Looks like it is time for more notecards and “painting”!  In the meantime, Running for Yellow can be purchased on Amazon.com or through Varrasso’s websites runningforyellow.com and christinavarrasso.com.