Interview with Carol McPhee

Hello and Welcome, we have the pleasure of  talking with talented author Carol McPhee.

I don’t ever set out with the idea of writing a suspense. I seldom read that type of novel. For some reason my plot develops on its own that way. I have to struggle with at least every other manuscript to keep it on a contemporary romance level. The seed for each plot comes as a flash in my mind. I can’t base it on anything I’ve seen or read, but sometimes a particular location will give me the inspiration I need. Often I have several ideas forming in my head and I have to tamp them down so I can concentrate on developing just one plot.

What did you find was the hardest part about writing this book, if any?

I had a real struggle with the time lines. Part of the story takes place in California and part in England and Scotland. Factor in time differences with the plane flight of the hero and heroine and it became a nightmare of checking out airline schedules and time zones.

Do you like doing research for a book?

Research can be fun, but it’s very time consuming as one item looked up can lead to another and so on and so on. On the other hand, I just got back from a trip to Alaska for researching my current work in progress, so it can be exciting as well.

What do you do to relax when you are not writing?

My husband and I go for walks in the woods everyday, out for tea morning and afternoon to get away from the computer, and we camp, canoe, bike and ski.

Carol, I noticed a lot of writers say they were avid readers before they began writing, were you a big reader?

I went through a spell of reading Harlequins before I started writing. I liked Harlequin Presents the most as they were relaxing.

What kinds of books do you like to read?

I’m a first reader for Wings ePress manuscripts, plus I critique the work of writers and don’t have time to read other books.

What do you find is the hardest about being a writer?

The hardest thing about being a writer is to find enough time to do it. I consistently write fresh work every morning starting at 4 a.m. for at least an hour and a half. Then other times of the day I may do rewrites, study ways to improve my writing, or work on marketing my novels.

Carol, when you started writing, was there ever a point you thought you would just quit? and if so, what made you go on?

I’ve never wanted to give up. Even if I don’t get a work published, I enjoy the creative process too much to let it go.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on an off-beat story for me. The heroine is in her 50’s and has been dumped by her husband for a younger model. She has no idea where to go from this point as she’s led a privileged high society existence. Not only is her life dragging but so is her chassis and her confidence. She heads to her aunt’s lodge in Alaska for a two week period of getting her thoughts on track. The sloshed bush pilot she meets on the flight there has little compassion for an independent snob dressed to the nines for a wilderness trek. He has his own problems dealing with the recent disclosure of his Internet love turning out to be a seventy-five year old woman. And oh yes, there’s that vindictive overprotective raven.

Carol, can we have your web site address?

http://www.geocities.com/carolmcphee2003

Is there a type of book, you would like to write, but have not so far?

No, this Alaska one with an older heroine and a younger hero is the type I’ve wanted to write for some time.

Carol, would you mind telling us what has been the funniest thing to happen to you since you have become a writer?

The funniest thing that has happened to me since I’ve become a published writer and fairly well-known in my community is to have several women I’ve known only casually become enthralled with each of my stories and keep asking when the next novel will be out.

What is the most rewarding thing as a writer?

To have a reader tell me how much he/she enjoys my work is without a doubt the most rewarding aspect.

Have you ever had writers block?  If so what do you do, that helps?

I only had writer’s block for part of one day. I went for a walk and took my mind off writing and my story completely.

Carol, do you have any advice for any aspiring writers out there?

Persistence is the key. Associating with other writers, taking workshops, and honing your writing skills are important, but finding the time to write something everyday is essential to keep the energy and enthusiasm flowing.

Another piece of advice is to find a support network. I’m lucky in that my children and friends encouraged me. My husband is truly the hero in my life. Without his far-sightedness, energy, and time, I would never have had the joy of reaching my goal–to get a novel published so I can hold it in my hands and pass the accomplishment down to my four children. I am now contracted for eight novels with Wings ePress, Inc. a wonderful author-friendly publishing company. How terrific is that?

For those who love romance with a great suspense, you have got to read Jeweled Seduction!  Thank you Carol for taking time out of your writing schedule to answer a few questions that I had!

Thank you Wateena!  I hope that readers will be spellbound from page one to the end by the secrets, treachery, and greed in Jeweled Seduction.