First Person
The View from Atop the Charts
Christina Baker Kline, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of OrphanTrain and A Pieceof the World
Christina Baker Kline’ s world transformed suddenly, and completely, in 2013, when Orphan Train, her fifth novel, shot to the top of bestseller lists, and hovered there for more than two years; currently, roughly 3.5 million copies have been sold in 40 countries.
The book brought fame and the invigorating aura of success, even as Kline began aduel with avirulent form of breast cancer. Now in full remission, she is currently promoting APiece of the World, anovel inspired by Andrew Wyeth’ spainting,“ Christina’ sWorld,” that entered the New York Times Bestseller list at No. 7. Amarried mother of three sons, she is known amongst the Montclair literary community as one of the hardest-working writers in pen-and-ink-dom. She recently sat down at Manhattan Juice Bar in Montclair to chat.
What is fame like?
I have to say it changed my life completely. Before, in addition to writing books, I was editing up to 50 manuscripts a year and teaching – just working like a maniac. Then, suddenly, I’ m doing interviews, dealing with publicity, agents, foreign sales, film rights, which all takes some time away from writing. But it was a relief, after all those years, to focus on my creative work and not worry so much about making a living. I was given the gift of time.
Fame and friendship
I’ m glad this happened to me, but Idon’ t feel I“ deserved” it any more than anyone who’ s trying to makeart deserves it. I’ m lucky to be amember of an incredible group of women writers in Montclair who’ ve been meeting for 20 years. We’ ve weathered many ups and downs together, and I am inspired by the fact that we all keep working, keep creating, no matter the reward.
Downside to the stratosphere
It is hardnot coming home fordaysand sometimes weeks at atime when I’ m on a book tour or doing speaking engagements. Luckily, two of our boys are in college, so it’ s not as complicated as it oncewas. My son in high school and [ husband ] Dave are pretty good at being bachelors together when I’ m away.
If, poof, it had all been adream …
Here is the truth: Had this wonderful thing not happened, I would still be piecing my life together around writing. No matter what. ■
– AS TOLD TO ANTOINETTE MARTIN
BAKER KLINE: COURTESY OFKARIN DIANA; BOOKS: COURTESY OFTHE PUBLISHER
20