(1) When did you realize or decide you wanted to be a writer? Or what inspires you to plunk yourself down for hours on end and write, opening a vein in the process?
I’ve always told myself stories while trying to fall asleep at night, from my earliest recollection. That hasn’t changed. I still do it. I do some of my best plotting then. The hard part now, is remembering all the good stuff when I wake up. 😊
I’ve always been a jotter. I’d write down scenes or ideas that came about, but other than assignments for creative writing class in school, I didn’t write entire stories from beginning to end. At the time, I never considered showing anyone else.
It wasn’t until son number two, left for college—he was the first to leave the nest— that I started writing entire manuscripts. Mainly, I was simply trying to keep my mind occupied and not worry twenty-four-seven about my baby out there in the big bad world. But also at that time, I had about three very different stories and a cast of characters that I could not get out of my head. It wasn’t until I actually wrote them down, that I found some peace. And when I was finished, I didn’t think they were half bad. I mustered up the courage to send bits and pieces to my sister—I left out the smutty parts. Lol. [To my knowledge, to this day, she still has not read the racy scenes]. That was a big step all on it’s own. To open myself up like that. But I knew, she would be honest with me. I trusted that if it was bad, she would out and out tell me so and would dissuade me from submitting it and embarrassing myself that way. But she loved it and actually hounded me for the next chapter and the next. It was just the encouragement I needed to polish it up and start sending out queries to potential publishers. And to my surprise, all three of those early stories found homes. My three children have also been extremely supportive and my loudest cheerleaders. I’ve always encouraged them to follow their dreams, now they say, it’s my turn.
(2) What has been your best experience as an author so far?
The best part of this process has been the people I’ve met along the way. Readers, editors, publishers, fellow authors. I’ve met some truly wonderful and talented people on this journey and made some friendships that will last a lifetime even if this writing gig hits the skids. 😄
(3) What sort of challenges have you faced as a writer? How did you overcome them?
I find the promotion part of it tough. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to market and write and edit and blog and keep up a social media presence etc. It’s hard to get noticed. The advice I’ve been given is to write the next book, and the next and the next. Easier said than done.
Also lately, I’ve been going through a slow period. I have so many ideas and more unfinished manuscripts than I can keep track of but zero ambition to finish them. It’s not writer’s block, the ideas are there, I just don’t want to do the work. I used to want to write more than anything else. I’d get almost angry when real life cut into my creativity. Now it’s the opposite, I’ll do just about anything to avoid getting down to work. It’s like I’ve lost my passion and the early excitement I used to thrive on. Unfortunately, I haven’t overcome it yet. Any advice, tips or tricks, would be welcome, folks.
(4) How do you research and plan your books? Do you find outlining helps or hinders your process?
I pretty much do the research as I go. I look things up as they come up in the storyline.
(5) Tell us a little about your writing nook! What time of day you write? Do you have any rituals for getting into the process?
I write whenever, wherever the mood strikes me. I just need my laptop, my trusty Chihuahua, Ken. He’s my sidekick/co-author. Sometimes, I also have a bowl of dry Honey-nut Cheerios. And yes, we share. 😉
(6) Of all the characters you’ve created or written about, who would you most want to be/or date?
I suppose I’d want to be Holly Cambridge from the Always Cambridge Series. Although being the daughter of mob boss, Bill Cambridge, her life is filled with violence and tragedy. But on the flipside she more than makes up for it, in the man department. Between her rugged and steadfast bodyguard, Randy Phillips, and later FBI Agent Alex Orton, who challengers her at every turn, to drop-dead gorgeous, Victor Mayhue, from the Mayhue crime family, one of the Cambridge families’ biggest rivals, Holly’s love life is turbulent but incredibly passionate.
(7) What’s your best advice to new writers?
Take the good with the bad. Savour the good reviews and praise, and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, but also take note of the criticism, and learn from it, turn it into a positive and make your writing better. And always remember, you can’t please everybody.
(8) What project are you currently working on? Can you share something about the characters or story?
I’m working on a piece for an anthology call. Though, with my lagging ambition, I’m not holding out much hope for hitting the deadline.
(9) What’s next for you?
I’m hoping—fingers crossed—to get a jump on the holiday season.
I started a couple of Christmas themed stories last year. I’d really like to finish those up and submit them for the season ahead.
Thank you so much for having me on your lovely blog, January!
I’m honoured to be your first guest. Hugs!
Blurb:
Rarely do we get to pick our battles… Often, they choose us.
Single mom Mikaylah MacDonough and her only daughter Autumn have been on their own a long time. So, when Autumn goes off to school, it seems only natural for Kaylah to pull up stakes and follow, though with some clear-cut boundaries, of course. She’s determined to give Autumn space to enjoy the whole college experience but remain close enough for emergencies, meals and laundry. But when the closing date of the current house overlaps with taking possession of the ‘new’ house, along with orientation week, Autumn has to go it alone. From that moment on, Kaylah’s dreams of a new beginning turn into a complete and total nightmare.
When former serviceman Jerusalem Aames drives up to the century-old Cleary house, he sees dollar signs for himself and his all-veteran crew. The rundown, old place would finally put his fledgling construction-renovation firm in the black. But the moment he meets the gorgeous homeowner who had been duped into buying the money-pit, his attraction is swift and instantaneous.
However, there’s something very strange going on in the dilapidated house that has nothing to do with rotting timbers or shoddy wiring. Whatever it is, it’s affecting Kaylah’s state of mind, and Salem finds himself in a battle he’s not sure he can win.
Series Blurb: Always Cambridge 1 - 6, Romantic Suspense
The Always Cambridge Series chronicles the life of Holly Cambridge through her tumultuous childhood, violent teen years, into adulthood, and the consequences that stem from being the daughter of mob boss, Bill Cambridge.
Caught up in a bitter blood feud with the rival Mayhue family and unable to bear the violence that claimed her mother, Holly sets out to right her father's wrongs. But instead she embarks on an epic journey of sex, love, loss, tragedy and life-altering choices that not only impact her life but that of her beloved bodyguard, Randy Phillips; unsuspecting Federal Agent, Alex Orton; and surprisingly of all, Victor Mayhue, a member of the reviled Mayhue clan.
Can Holly distance herself and the ones she loves, from the violence and corruption she abhors, or will she discover a truth she's feared all along ... Mob life is forever!
Take the good with the bad. Savour the good reviews and praise, and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, but also take note of the criticism, and learn from it, turn it into a positive and make your writing better. And always remember, you can’t please everybody.
(8) What project are you currently working on? Can you share something about the characters or story?
I’m working on a piece for an anthology call. Though, with my lagging ambition, I’m not holding out much hope for hitting the deadline.
(9) What’s next for you?
I’m hoping—fingers crossed—to get a jump on the holiday season.
I started a couple of Christmas themed stories last year. I’d really like to finish those up and submit them for the season ahead.
Thank you so much for having me on your lovely blog, January!
I’m honoured to be your first guest. Hugs!
Latest
Release – Autumn’s Healing – Totally Bound
Paranormal
Erotic Romance
Released
– May 16, 2017
Rarely do we get to pick our battles… Often, they choose us.
Single mom Mikaylah MacDonough and her only daughter Autumn have been on their own a long time. So, when Autumn goes off to school, it seems only natural for Kaylah to pull up stakes and follow, though with some clear-cut boundaries, of course. She’s determined to give Autumn space to enjoy the whole college experience but remain close enough for emergencies, meals and laundry. But when the closing date of the current house overlaps with taking possession of the ‘new’ house, along with orientation week, Autumn has to go it alone. From that moment on, Kaylah’s dreams of a new beginning turn into a complete and total nightmare.
When former serviceman Jerusalem Aames drives up to the century-old Cleary house, he sees dollar signs for himself and his all-veteran crew. The rundown, old place would finally put his fledgling construction-renovation firm in the black. But the moment he meets the gorgeous homeowner who had been duped into buying the money-pit, his attraction is swift and instantaneous.
However, there’s something very strange going on in the dilapidated house that has nothing to do with rotting timbers or shoddy wiring. Whatever it is, it’s affecting Kaylah’s state of mind, and Salem finds himself in a battle he’s not sure he can win.
* * * *
The Always Cambridge Series
Series Blurb: Always Cambridge 1 - 6, Romantic Suspense
The Always Cambridge Series chronicles the life of Holly Cambridge through her tumultuous childhood, violent teen years, into adulthood, and the consequences that stem from being the daughter of mob boss, Bill Cambridge.
~
Caught up in a bitter blood feud with the rival Mayhue family and unable to bear the violence that claimed her mother, Holly sets out to right her father's wrongs. But instead she embarks on an epic journey of sex, love, loss, tragedy and life-altering choices that not only impact her life but that of her beloved bodyguard, Randy Phillips; unsuspecting Federal Agent, Alex Orton; and surprisingly of all, Victor Mayhue, a member of the reviled Mayhue clan.
Can Holly distance herself and the ones she loves, from the violence and corruption she abhors, or will she discover a truth she's feared all along ... Mob life is forever!
Books
In Reading Order
Always
Cambridge
Running
Misfortune
of Birth
Law
& Order : Crime & Chaos
Afterlife
Always
Holly
Author Bio:
H K Carlton is a multi-published
Canadian author of romance and it’s varied sub-genres.
Blogs
Pick
a Genre Already (Blogger)
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a Genre (Wordpress)
Hi January. Thank you so much for hosting today and for this fun and thought provoking Q & A. You made me think, and lately, that ain't easy. ;) Lol. Much love! Cheers! <3 A big wave from Ontario, to your readers and fans. Thank you so much for stopping by. (((HUGS)))
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