Joining us today is author Caroline Clemmons.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I learned Roy Rogers had married Dale Evans instead of waiting for me to grow up. ☺ Actually, when I started reading books on my own, which is about the same time. I was fascinated that so many different stories existed. I wanted to tell mine.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Three months to four—unless our family moves. We moved over the summer and that played havoc with my schedule by adding two months to my last nook.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I see my characters in my head like a movie. What I see first is usually the inciting incident, but not always. Sometimes the first movie ends up about chapter three.
What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?
Self-publishing gives authors the power they lack with NY traditional publishers. The freedom to write what, when, and as fast or slow as we wish is a wonderful feeling. We are in control of our destiny—well, except for who buys our books. Even though I have a schedule, it is a self-imposed one and I have the power to change it.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
When I first began writing, I was afraid I’d run out of ideas and kept a notebook of story ideas in case I couldn’t think of something next time. Now I realize I’ll have to live to be 200 to write all the stories in my head and more come every day. They pop in my mind after reading a non-fiction article, hearing the news, or conversing with friends. They won’t stop! (Keeping my fingers crossed they never do.)
When did you write your first book?
My first book, BE MY GUEST, was published in 1998. I was not happy with it, and later revised it when the rights came back to me. Even so, it made me a published author, and for that I’m grateful.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Visit with family and friends, read, work on genealogy, travel, and goof off. I’m an expert at goofing off—possible Olympic material.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That I can do it! I was so pleased that when I finished one, I had another project lined up. It’s exciting to start a new book, but also frightening. Can I do it again? Will this one be as good as the last? How can I make it better?
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written seventeen titles that reached publication. My favorite is always the one on which I’m working—although I do admit a particular fondness for the first of the Kincaid books.
Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?
Attorney Gabe Kincaid hates liars with good reason. Working as a carnival fortune teller, Katie Worthington is on the run from influential killers and spins yarn after yarn to keep those in Kincaid Springs from knowing her true identity.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I love hearing from readers. Usually, they ask for another book in either the Kincaid series or the Men of Stone Mountain series.
What do you think makes a good story? What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?
Strong characters make a good story. If readers don’t care about the characters, they won’t enjoy the book.
My favorite genre to write is western historical romance. I also write mystery, contemporary western romance and time travel. I love history, especially Texas history of the 1870-1890 time period.
For reading, I like western, funny contemporary and Regency romances. Quite a difference, but I do love those wonderful Regency writers like Loretta Chase and Amanda Quick. I also read cozies and enjoy authors like Susan Elia Macneal, Rhys Bowen, and Alice Duncan. I also enjoy mysteries like those of Robert B. Parker, Earl Staggs, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L Sayers, and Marjorie Allingham.
More About The Author
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling author of historical and contemporary western romances whose books have garnered numerous awards. Her latest release is THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, book three of her popular Kincaid series. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.
Caroline is a member of Romance Writers of America, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, From The Heart Romance Writers, and Hearts Through History Romance Writers. Her latest publications include the acclaimed historical Men of Stone Mountain series: BRAZOS BRIDE, HIGH STAKES BRIDE, and BLUEBONNET BRIDE and the audio book of BRAZOS BRIDE.
Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets—Shih Tzu Webster, huge tuxedo cat Sebastian, and small Manx kitten Max. Prior to writing full time, her jobs included stay-at-home mom (her favorite), secretary, newspaper reporter and featured columnist, assistant to the managing editor of a psychology journal, bookkeeper for the local tax assessor and—for a short and fun but unsuccessful time—an antique dealer. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, getting together with friends, and enjoying watching the birds, butterflies, and squirrels wandering through her back yard. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.
Christina, thank you so much for hosting me. You have a great blog.
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