Good morning everyone. Today Coffee Time Romance has the pleasure of speaking to Carol Cassada. Why not pull up a chair and allow us the opportunity to learn more about Carol, and her stories. Grab some hot coffee, or tea from the table, and some brownies and cookies while we begin our questions.
Carol thank you for allowing the readers to learn a bit more about you and your work.
Why don’t we begin by discussing your book Westmore and the series that follows? I believe it surrounds three families and has a setting in Norfolk, VA?
Westmore is what I like to call a romance novel with soap opera appeal. The book follows three families; The Greens, The Braxtons, and The Reynolds. The families are from different social circles and each of the characters have unique personalities, yet their lives are mingled throughout the story. Towards the end of the book, something happens which will affect everyone and change their lives.
The setting takes place in the fictional town of Westmore which I based in Rhode Island. My first book Going Home Again is the one that takes place in Norfolk, Va.
What would you say was the hardest part in composing this book?
There are seventeen characters in the book, so coming up with backgrounds, personalities, and original storylines for each of them was challenging.
How long did it take in the preparation for this series?
Even though I’ve had these ideas written for years, it wasn’t until July 2009 when I decided to make it a book. The basis of Westmore came from my love of soap operas, as a teen I thought of becoming a writer for one of those programs and I even came up with my own ideas for a show. Then I was looking for inspiration for my second novel, and I found my old notebook with the soap opera ideas and decided to turn it into a book series.
In your spare time, what do you do for relaxation and fun?
I love to read whenever I get the chance, I like paranormal, supernatural, and of course romance. I’m also into playing video games, I got a Wii not too long ago and my brother and I like to play bowling.
Do you have any other upcoming projects you are working on?
I’m currently finishing revisions for the Westmore sequel, which I plan to release next month if everything goes accordingly. I’ve also started on volume 3. Plus I’m doing freelance work and short story contests, and I’ve got a few other book ideas I’m playing around with. So I have a lot to keep me busy.
When composing, do your characters ever wake you up in the middle of the night and insist you write?
Thankfully, I’ve never had that happen. As a writer I feel it’s best to get a good night’s sleep and start fresh the next day. Although a few hours before I go to bed, I sit down and think about what I’m going to write next in the book and how I want to continue the series.
Do you prefer to start with an outline when you write or just go with the flow?
I have an outline of ideas for the Westmore series, as for doing a book outline, I skip that step. When writing I like to go with the flow, just let my mind take over and type away on the computer.
If you were given a class on proper nutrition for children, what would you do if you were confronted with a family that only gave their child processed nuggets, French fries, pop tarts, or an occasional pizza. The word vegetable was never thought of in the household. Would you have a certain tact to reach the parent about eating the right foods when they have been fed this for many years?
I’d tell them facts about obesity among children, and the importance of the right nutrition. I’d suggest they incorporate vegetables and fruits into their meals, and learn which ones the kids like and don’t like. Teach them there are healthy snacks other than French fries and pop tarts.
If you could change anything in the world, what change would you make?
The world’s in a tough place at the moment, and there are so many things that need changing, but I think the most important issue to fix right now is the economy.
You are granted three wishes, what would you wish for?
A house, a Ford Mustang, and for my family and friends to be happy.
What three words describe you?
Sweet, shy, and fun.
You have planned for a lovely night out with your loved ones but when your order arrives; your meal is a disappointment. Do you complain to the waitress/waiter, or just let it slide?
I don’t like to complain, so I’d just let it slide.
If you had the choice to either go skydiving for the day, or either spend the day river rafting down the Grand Canyon which would you choose?
Both are fun and something I’d love to do, but I’d go rafting first, then do skydiving.
Carol, thank you so much for sharing time with us today. I have enjoyed our time together. I wish you the best in your writing.
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