Carolyn LeComte

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18Q

carolynlecomte.com

Dark Paradise
Trinity James

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1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

It was definitely a mutual attraction.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

I am a graduate of Douglass College (Rutgers University) with a major in art, minor in American Lit.

I worked as a medical artist, and then enjoyed a career in the Technical Publications Department of a major defense contractor.
Have taken part in numerous writing workshops.

3. When did you 'know' you were a writer?

I knew I was a writer when I asked my parents for a typewriter for my twelfth birthday. Actually, I was writing and illustrating my own short stories for three or four years before that.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

Straightforward, clear, no fancy curlicues.

5. What is your writing process?

I sit. I write.

6. What was your path to publication?

Through much rejection, constant improvement, continued learning, and rejoicing in the smallest successes.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

I suppose developing a website is my favorite, since I'm still discovering the options and possibilities "out there." As soon as my paperback is released, I'll try to do as many book signings as possible. I'm a relatively shy person, so this will be a challenge - but I'm up for it!

8. What are the biggest surprises you've encountered as a writer?

No matteer how many times you edit your work, or have it edited, there are always ways to improve it. It's harder to market a book than to write it.
Most (okay -all) of the work of marketing a book is up to the writer.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

Reading is inspirational. Visiting an art museum or library can produce that spark that lights my own creativity.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

That first contract!

11. What's the best advice you were given about writing?

To paraphrase Somerset Maugham - There are three rules to writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

This came when someone asked me what my book was about and I got tongue-tied, absolutely at a loss for words.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

The prospect of promoting and marketing my book has been the biggest challenge.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

Keep writing as long as it's enjoyable - don't force inspiration. Like what you write, even if few others do!

15. When you're not writing what do you do for fun?

I love to paint, and play word games like Scrabble and Boggle. I'm addicted to crossword puzzles. Photography is also a passion, and traveling with my husband often takes center stage. I love spending time with my family!

16. Who do you like to read?

My tastes are eclectic - Joyce Carol Oates, John Grisham, Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, Rosemary Rogers, Larry McMurtry, Celeste DeBlasis . . . I could go on...

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

While you write, continue to brush up on the mechanics - grammar, spelling, and punctuation are the signposts of communication. Bad writing will sink a good story.

18. What are you currently working on?

I am working on another historic romance (western) entitled Pale Angel. The novel is complete - I am in the process of rewriting and editing. I'm also working with my editor (BVS) to complete the fine-tuning of Trinity James. And, of course, there's also the challenge of promoting and marketing my ebook, Dark Paradise.