Interview
Question
When did you first discover your love of writing?
Carol's Response
I started writing stories when I was old enough to hold a pencil and form letters. I was also interested in art, but I always thought of myself as a writer.
When did you first discover your love of writing?
Carol's Response
I started writing stories when I was old enough to hold a pencil and form letters. I was also interested in art, but I always thought of myself as a writer.
Question
Has reading always been one of your favorite past times.?
Carol's Response
I've been a voracious reader my whole life. For a long time, when I was younger, I drove to the library with anxiety, thinking I'd better get there before someone got to it before me and got all the good books!
Has reading always been one of your favorite past times.?
Carol's Response
I've been a voracious reader my whole life. For a long time, when I was younger, I drove to the library with anxiety, thinking I'd better get there before someone got to it before me and got all the good books!
Question
Do you write by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two? Would you describe your writing process as structured or free flowing?
Carol's Response
Writers seem to fall into two categories, those who follow an outline, and those who just plunge in with an idea, but no set outline. I seem to be a bit of both. I start with an idea, but work it out as I go.
Do you write by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two? Would you describe your writing process as structured or free flowing?
Carol's Response
Writers seem to fall into two categories, those who follow an outline, and those who just plunge in with an idea, but no set outline. I seem to be a bit of both. I start with an idea, but work it out as I go.
Question
What drew you to choose the contemporary romance genre? Would you describe yourself as romantic, having an idealized view of reality?
Carol's Response
Romance novels have been my favorite genre for years. They take you to an idealized world where love conquers all and you're left feeling hopeful. Reading them is the ultimate feel-good occupation!
What drew you to choose the contemporary romance genre? Would you describe yourself as romantic, having an idealized view of reality?
Carol's Response
Romance novels have been my favorite genre for years. They take you to an idealized world where love conquers all and you're left feeling hopeful. Reading them is the ultimate feel-good occupation!
Question
Can you tell of the challenges in getting your first novel published?
Carol's Response
I knew that getting a first novel published would be a challenge. Most publishers won't look at a manuscript without an agent, and getting an agent is as difficult as finding a publisher. Using a writer's magazine that regularly lists publishers and agents, I made note of those interested in romance novels that were willing to look at unsolicited manuscripts. The first place I sent Heartfelt to, accepted it!
Can you tell of the challenges in getting your first novel published?
Carol's Response
I knew that getting a first novel published would be a challenge. Most publishers won't look at a manuscript without an agent, and getting an agent is as difficult as finding a publisher. Using a writer's magazine that regularly lists publishers and agents, I made note of those interested in romance novels that were willing to look at unsolicited manuscripts. The first place I sent Heartfelt to, accepted it!
Question
Romance novels range from stories centered around loving relationships, sexual tension, suggested love scenes behind closed doors, sexy romps to explicit, erotic pleasures. Where does Heartfelt fall in this continuum?
Carol's Response
Heartfelt falls somewhere in the middle, between chaste sex behind closed doors and anything goes. When I told people my novel is a romance, several asked me if it was a "bodice ripper." I told them no, it's a gently unbuttoned cardigan. The cardigan comes off, but no ripping involved.
Romance novels range from stories centered around loving relationships, sexual tension, suggested love scenes behind closed doors, sexy romps to explicit, erotic pleasures. Where does Heartfelt fall in this continuum?
Carol's Response
Heartfelt falls somewhere in the middle, between chaste sex behind closed doors and anything goes. When I told people my novel is a romance, several asked me if it was a "bodice ripper." I told them no, it's a gently unbuttoned cardigan. The cardigan comes off, but no ripping involved.
Question
Have any of your characters ever gotten away from you, taking on the life of their own? Or did the plot line take a turn that you were not expecting?
Carol's Response
In writing Heartfelt, I worked out a lot of problems/issues, but there were no surprises. I'm now working on my second book, tentatively titled Loves X 2, and I introduced a secondary character. Much to my surprise, I've discovered he's taking a larger part in the story than I planned. At this point, I have no idea what's going to happen, but I'm willing to see where it goes.
Have any of your characters ever gotten away from you, taking on the life of their own? Or did the plot line take a turn that you were not expecting?
Carol's Response
In writing Heartfelt, I worked out a lot of problems/issues, but there were no surprises. I'm now working on my second book, tentatively titled Loves X 2, and I introduced a secondary character. Much to my surprise, I've discovered he's taking a larger part in the story than I planned. At this point, I have no idea what's going to happen, but I'm willing to see where it goes.
Do you have a question for Carol? Email her below.