Welcome, today we are talking with Carole Ann Moleti!
I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.
Can you share a little something about Carole Ann Moleti not mentioned in your bio on your website?
I am well on my way to becoming a crazy cat lady, and I want to get chickens and a miniature pony for the back yard.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing fiction and creative nonfiction since 2005, both of which were spurned by portrayals of domestic violence in popular films that appealed to children. Both my fiction and nonfiction are venues to open dialogue and foster understanding of the problems.
What have you found most challenging about it?
Writing and working full time, plus raising three kids, and caring for an eccentric housecat, plus a TNR rescue tribe, a dog, fish ,and hermit crabs (left behind by grown children). I’m happy to be cutting back on work hours after the worst of the COVID epidemic during which I had no time to write.
What does writing do for you?
Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?
Writing is cathartic, and it channels my frustrations into positive messages of healing, persistence and survival. My nonfiction is a way to capture memories of a space and time.
Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?
I write when I can. But there are times I wake up in the middle of the night to scribble down a scene I’ve just dreamed up.
Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?
I’d hoped it would be a job, but with the advent of Amazon and self publishing, writing has become a wild adventure—even after the book is done.
What inspires you?
Real life experiences inspire all my writing, There is a grain of truth that sprouts and spreads through my fiction. For nonfiction, it’s generally sad truths or haunting retrospections.
Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.
What are your pet peeves?
People who complain but do nothing to help solve problems but escalate everything into a political battle.
Who is your hero?
My father for sure. He emboldened me and inspired me follow my heart and my dreams—and I’m working my way through both quite nicely.
Give us one thing on your bucket list.
I’m still waiting to go to Australia and New Zealand.
What would readers find surprising about you?
I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a family nurse practitioner involved with emergency and disaster response. Hence my almost three year stint with COVID related public health emergencies including mass testing, vaccination and treatment initiatives. I’m currently with the HERC project in New York assisting newly arrived migrants. I have made three trips for disaster aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, the earthquakes, and home visits in to homebound elderly and the chronically ill who have little or no regular health care. I’m anticipating being deployed this summer to the Southern Border to assist unaccompanied minors.
If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?
My first visit would be with my grandparents and my father. I miss them so much and can’t wait to hear what they have to say about how I “turned out.”
Now that our readers know who Carole Ann Moleti is let’s get down to the business of your book, Void of Course, which is book one in your Boulevard of Bad Spells and Broken Dreams series. Love the cover by the way.
Thanks, had to leave off the red tailed hawk, but it is beautiful anyway. Facebook thinks the hero’s abs are is not suitable for ads however, which I find quite amusing given the other covers with bulging boobs and off the shoulder gowns out there.
Please tell us a little bit about, Void of Course.
The book series was born, like most of my fiction, by stringing together real life events, the frenetic energy, and often dark sides of life in my hometown of The Bronx, New York City, oft maligned but never duplicated in any other place though Brooklyn comes pretty close. The run on sentence is intentional.
What was your hardest challenge writing this book?
The research is very difficult, and if you believe in black magic, a bit intimidating. Fortunately, I have friends who have been supportive and educated me about cultural norms and spiritual practices.
What kind of research did you have to do?
Living, walking, and driving around The Bronx inspired many scenes, as well as working in hospitals and clinics in the South Bronx. I visited botanicas, had a registro at one and have spent a bit of time in courthouses when testifying or for jury duty. I rely heavily on books and classes by Deborah Blake who writes about witchcraft for “muggles” like me.
What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters.
Conflict has to ignite the spark between the characters, particularly the hero/heroine and the villain(s), whether the relationship is platonic or romantic, or the character is an antagonist or secondary. The hero and heroine have to be opposite or there is no action and no story.
What’s next for your Boulevard of Bad Spells and Broken Dreams series? How many books do you have planned?
I’ve outlined Book Two but haven’t been able get to it due to real life intruding. There might be a third but it’s too exhausting to think about now. Research for these books is very intense.
Any other works in progress?
I’m very excited about my contemporary Western/Women’s Fiction series set in Northern California (where my son is living). Plenty to work with: Floods, mudslides, wildfires, drought, COVID, human trafficking… It’s all in there. Book One is getting final edits and Book Two is in process.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Take writing workshops and classes to develop your skills. Stay involved with writer friends you meet along the way. Connections are critical to success in this market.
Final words?
Thanks for reading. Subscribe to my newsletter and you’ll get a free horror short story.
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Website: https://www.caroleannmoleti.com/urbanfantasy/
Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/caroleannmoleti.info
Email: carole@caroleannmoleti.com
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3iy6rwK
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