(Award winning author Charlotte Hughes began her writing career publishing newspaper and magazine articles before becoming a New York Times best selling author. Charlotte makes her home in Beaufort, S. C. Best known for her FULL HOUSE series with Janet Evanovich, she has written over 40 books, ranging for the 3 mysteries she wrote for Avon to Mira’s HOT SHOT and A NEW ATTITUDE. Her newest release, NUTCASE centers on Atlanta psychologist Kate Holly and the humorous antics of her friends, family and patients. In the process she learns that the life of a psychologist is enough to drive anyone nuts. Readers are invited to visit Charlotte online at her webiste and blog. Early reviews for NUTCASE have highlighted the humor: Kathy Boswell at Fresh Fiction: “Oh My!! I never laughed so hard in my life.” Amie at Night Owl Romance Reviews: “You will love all these charcaters down to your soul.”
You can hear more about the new book at Charlotte’s web at www.readcharlottehughes.com, where she also blogs regularly. As part of the introduction of her newest work, NUTCASE, Charlotte is doing a virtual blog tour VIRTUALLY NUTS in March.)
Oh, sure, authors look good at book signings, but for many of us that’s the only time we tweeze our eyebrows, wear pantyhose, and exfoliate. And for someone who wears socks or sneakers around the house every day, putting me in low heels is tortuous. My last book tour almost crippled me.
Most authors are not naturally witty and charming. Unless we’re very drunk, of course, but who wants to end the evening with puke in her hair? Plus, it’s not safe to drink on Zoloft.
It’s not easy to be interesting when you stare at a computer screen all day, and the people you hang out with are in your head. Truly, the only fascinating people in my life are those who end up in my books. They have exciting careers. They go out to lunch and shop in nice stores. They go to plays. They get manicures and pedicures. Their clothing sizes come in single digits, and they’re always on the cutting edge of fashion. They meet and fall in love with wealthy, fascinating men.
Me? I’m just the person recording their fun experiences while I dribble coffee or hot soup down the front of my Big Bird sleep shirt. Sure, I go out. Every afternoon I have to go out and perform poop patrol for three dogs. My favorite night of the week is Friday. I usually celebrate by hitting the drive-thru window at Taco Bell.
I do have one good looking man in my life, sort of. My FedEx guy is a hunk who, in summer, wears shorts. Unfortunately, he doesn’t come around often enough, making me wish I could afford to send FedEx packages to myself every day.
I guess I’ve become a recluse. I’ve lived in my neighborhood for six years and only know the names of a couple of people. I don’t think any of them know what I do for a living. They just know me as the lady in tacky clothes who picks up dog poop every afternoon.
The only real excitement in my life is the stark fear I experience as my book deadline approaches. Everything in my house goes to hell, including my beauty regimen and fitness routine. Okay, I know you’re thinking I made that up. Deadlines mean lots of hours at the computer and an IV running Starbucks through my veins. No makeup, hair all over the place; I look like I should be on the cover of a book titled “Beauty Secrets of the Damned.”
When the book is in, I don’t take fancy vacations or fly to New York to celebrate the birth of my latest story with my agent or editor. I take a hot shower and put on my pajamas because I feel a 48-hour crash coming on. But why shouldn’t I be tired? Not only did I take my characters on a fabulous adventure, I solved all their problems before I let them go.
0 COMMENTS
Jennifer Garolof
16 years agoLOL. I suppose now you are going to tell me Brad Pitts had zits? You have blown my whole image of celebrities!
Charlotte Hughes
16 years ago AUTHOROkay, here’s the deal… I’m not sure this is where I’m supposed to post my blog so I’m expecting the blog police to knock on my door any moment.
I love this site because it has the word ‘coffee’ on it and has coffee cups all over the place. Coffee is my best friend. I love Starbucks even though it’s expensive. But like I’ve said before, I’m not into buying shoes so I figure I can splurge on good coffee. I’m also big on fancy soaps, candles, and chocolate. Oh, and let’s not forget books! I always have a book on my bedside table. These are just a few ways I take care of myself. The problem with most women — and I’ve been guilty of the same thing — is we often put our needs last. In the past, my children ALWAYS came first, so I did very little for myself. And I am STILL doing it to some extent. For example, and this is so dumb, I don’t use my good perfume unless I’m going out. As a result, I have perfume that I was given years ago, still sitting on my vanity unused. How sad is that? So, guess what? I’m going to start using it! I’m also going to use those nice candles, even when I’m the only one around to smell them. I’d love to know how YOU take care of yourself, even if it’s something small.
Charlotte Hughes
16 years agoOh, Jennifer, I didn’t mean to disillusion you, I am ALMOST CERTAIN that Brad Pitts has perfect skin. How could he not? Hollywood doesn’t pay actors that much money to star in a movie unless that actor has great skin, except for maybe Tommy Lee Jones, but even Tommy Lee is sexy in a rugged sort of way. Unfortunately, Brad is spoken for. Angelina would kick butt if a female got within 100 yards of him. :):):)
Christina T.
16 years agoI loved the last book. My husband is a firefighter/paramedic and I always try and seek books with firefighters in them. Sometime I would love to see Jay’s thoughts and POV’s.
Looking forward to the nest one.!!!
Danielle
16 years agoCharlotte,
I wanted to stop by and say hi. For those who do not know this (which most people do) Charlotte is a very funny woman! If you have not checked out her site yet, watch for the lady in the strait jacket. I am so happy to see you here Charlotte! Waving from michigan and hoping someone is at least keeping warm!
Charlotte Hughes
16 years agoHi, Christina:
I have nothing but admiration for you and your husband. I did a lot of research on firefighting, and I was awed by what I read, especially Dennis Smith’s book, “Report from Engine Co. 82.” While so many people applaud the dedication and bravery of America’s Finest, they don’t always consider the sacrifices made by the family. I suspect you’ve spent a few sleepless nights and paced a few floors as well. I commend you and the many wives who are married to firefighters. Yes, I’d love to get into Jay’s head, but since I’m writing in first person — don’t know if that makes sense to you — I’m only able to use Kate’s point of view. Yes, even writers have rules to follow! Thank you so much for writing. I wish you and your family the very best.
Charlotte Hughes
16 years agoHi, Danielle:
Thanks for your kind words. Writing is so isolating, and hearing from readers means a lot! I’m thrilled you like my website — a lot of thought and hard work went into it. As for the cold weather in Michigan, I highly recommend heated mattress covers if you don’t already have one. Thanks again for writing and stay warm!
Keena Kincaid
16 years agoCharlotte, you had be laughing from the first sentence. You’re funnier than you think, even if the most exciting part of your day is poo patrol.
Barbara77
15 years agoNext parachutes come out, causing even more air resistance to slow the lander down. ,
Mark43
15 years agoThey called me back and I interviewed the next day and it went great! ,