What is the best thing that I love about my work? I love and appreciate the ability to create new characters, new worlds, new stories without limits. The only boxes that exist in my stories are the ones that I create myself. This freedom is extremely beautiful, invigorating, and liberating!
What is my idea of happiness? Discovering our individual purposes in life and utilizing them to encourage and inspire others to live life to the fullest; while loving the little things along the way and in turn, helping others to do the same. Full circle.
What is my greatest fear? Probably never reaching my true potential and thusly keeping anyone else from doing the same.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I’m extremely overly critical with myself and my work. Even when others praise my work, I often find myself nitpicking at it anyways, instead of focusing on and celebrating the good.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Many years ago, M Night Shaymalan was actually the reason I started writing. He creates these unique worlds and stories without limits. He inspired me to start doing the same, back in 2008. I also deeply admire Laura Linney as well. I had the blessed opportunity to work with her on the film, The Details. She was incredibly kind and humble during the duration of filming. She was also very down to earth, (chatting with us crew), for someone with such experience under her belt. She made an effort to encourage and make everyone around her comfortable. She inspires me to stay kind and humble as well, treating others the way I’d like to be treated, no matter where life takes me. Setting a great examples for others to follow has always been very important to me.
What is my greatest extravagance? I’ve always been a very frugal, simple, appreciate the little things kind of person. However, if I must select something, I would have to say my greatest extravagance is probably buying things my kids enjoy. I love to surprise them from time to time, for good behavior, with a new favorite toy or movie, etc.
On what occasion would I lie? I don’t condone lying in any fashion or situation. I’ve always tried to be an extremely open and honest person. Honestly, I can’t think of any reason to lie at all.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I absolutely adore writing and the whole process, but the time it takes to get through the process is sometimes very challenging! I can be quite impatient, as we all can from time to time. So sometimes, I get frustrated at the lengthy process to complete a well done script, revision after revision. I’m excited for it to be complete already!
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I would say the happiest I’ve ever been in my work is now. I try to be content and happy in all situations. I’ve been blessed with many great achievements these past few years. I have several completed, optioned feature scripts, several completed shorts, and many other amazing projects in the works. I am also involved with many other great projects as producer as well! Great things are coming. I can feel a breakthrough on the horizon! I’d say now, I’m the happiest. However, when that breakthrough finally comes…happiest will be then! The gratitude and relief of all the hard work paying off will be quite rewarding!
If I could, what would I change about myself? I’ve always been quite quite an awkward introvert. It’s been challenging for me to make and keep friends over the years. This can be quite lonely sometimes when I need a friend to chat with, or simply be there for moral support. I’d say, I’d like to be less awkward when it comes to making and keeping friends.
What is my greatest achievement in work? Finding the ability to create successful works, while being a mom and wife has been my greatest achievement I’d say. The greatest success would be to find the balance. Happiness in career life and home life alike.
Where would I most like to live? I honestly can’t think of another place I’d like to live besides Texas, it’s my home. However, I loved Alaska when I worked there for a year and wouldn’t be opposed to having a cabin we regularly visited up there. Sitka to be specific. It was my favorite city of all the places in Alaska I was blessed to spend some time, many years ago.
What is my most treasured possession? My most valued treasures are people, not things: my husband, children, and a couple of friends. Life would be incomplete and colorless without them.
What is my most marked characteristic? My husband says my laughter is my most marked characteristic. I can see that. I laugh at just about everything, always finding amusement in even the smallest of creatures or things. My mom says Im funny and whimsical. My friend says my most marked characteristic is optimism and resilience, even in the face of adversity. And yes, I just asked them the question.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I’m a homebody. I’d definitely have to say my home with my family is most inspirational for me.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? I actually make every meal at home. Totally a homebody that loves to cook; but when I do eat out, Mexican food is usually my go to.
What books influenced my life and how? The Bible comes to mind first. I find it to be encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting. It has made me want to be a caring, decent, honest human being, who practices integrity and inspires others to do the same.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Easily, Wolves at the Gate and Fair to Midland, my two favorite bands.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Specific people in fiction don’t really come to mind. But there’s a type of person I can think of, and that’s people who stand up for what’s right, even when standing alone. Those that help others without expecting things in return and without agendas. Those that continue to give the best of themselves even when feeling weary or are in need themselves. Those that refuse to compromise integrity, even if the majority has already.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Easily my husband and children. They’re all incredibly brave, caring, energetic, giving and intelligent. They set great examples for those that follow. They each in their own way, life me up when I’m down.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? The Green Mile and Requiem for a Dream come to mind first. See them once and only once. Excellent filmmaking. But I simply cannot go through that pain again.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My greatest supporters and encourages have always been my loving husband, children and some family. I’m eternally grateful for anyone who continues to encourage and support me along the way as well, including other family, friends and peers from all over the world.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2022? Zero Gravity Management as literary agent, has always been my dream to be a client of theirs. Anna Stadler. Catherine Dao. Laurine Price. Tatiana Larrea. Aiming big here for these! Josh Hartnett. Cillian Murphy. Jason Bateman. Laura Linney again! Julia Garner!
What project, in 2022, am I looking forward to work on? Newest completed co write screenplay with Sisi Theo goes into production next month with Rivertree Production in Canada. Very excited and very much looking forward to that process. I have several feature scripts in development, In the Cards, Fabulous Creatures, Mindscape, Inc., Less Traveled, and others, that I am hoping to wrap up this year as well! Also, I’m an Associate Producer for Stray Cats & Hungry Wolves and Serious Profession. Looking forward to going into production with Stray Cats very soon, with Midnight Strikes Films. Serious Profession, with Key 13 Films, is currently in Post Production! Great things coming! Check out the projects on Imdb, Instagram and Facebook as well!
Where can you see me or my work in 2022? I keep my Imdb up to date to the best of my ability and upload trailers, interviews, etc as I’m able. Also, my YouTube has some trailers, promos, etc as well. I will try to keep that up to date for upcoming projects!
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? If one has a passion, they’re always thinking about it. They’re always planning they’re next adventure and opportunity to share their art with the world.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story? Catherine Dao, Anna Stadler, Laurine Price. Lorenne Clarke. Tanya Kostadinova. Tatiana Larrea. Sandra Elaine aka Sandra Williams.
How can you contact me? My links below
https://m.imdb.com/name/nm3578545/
www.instagram.com/christanvanslyke
www.facebook.com/christanvanslykescreenwriter
The Heroine's Journey 
Thank you, Peter, for creating this site. Thank you, Christan, for your beautiful words and sharing it with me.
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