18Q Carrie Lynn Lyons

Carrie Lynn Lyons (a.k.a. Charlene Austin)

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

I think it was more of a case of being roped and tied into it rather

than any matter of choice.

2. What is your background?
I have worked in the medical field for 27 years, office management, insurance and transcription. Oh, and I am a professional grandmother. I get to say that since all the grandkids live with me. Don’t I?

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

I wrote my first book when I was eleven. Really. Ninety hand written pages titled the Outlaws of Redrock Canyon, (I was very into my dad’s western novels at the time.) Trust me you don’t want to read that one, but I knew then I would always write.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

Suspense with just a bit of other, and just a bit of heart.

5. What is your writing process?

Type a word, chase the kids, type two more, do the laundry, type three words, go to work, write whenever and however I can.

6. What was your path to publication?

Long and winding. I actually dumped one publisher along the way. I am not sorry I did. It is not an easy road and when you get there you still have to climb the mountain. But...what a view!

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
I am not sure I have one yet. I do know I believe strongly in the quote “By working together we can accomplish great things.” I think working together with other authors is not only cost effective, productive, but lots of good fun. I like the “outside the box” thinking that targets those that don’t make the book stores. For instance, Brian Rouff and I will be doing Beer and a Book night at the Brass Rail Saloon on June 30th. Come join the fun.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?
Characters. They are quite amazing, sometimes irritating and frustrating. And usually know much more about their story than I do.

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

Life, the kids, life. There is inspiration all around, everyday, if we just allow ourselves to open to it. Creativity, well that is all Carrie. I am often asked why I chose to write under a pseudonym. Their are several standard reasons, but the truth is, Carrie doesn’t have a day job, or kids, or laundry. She is an alter ego of long ago days, free to sit and dream and imagine. And when I can connect with her, when allowed to take over for awhile she can really fill the pages. Of course, often the kids or duty snaps Char back, but when Carrie is in the zone the writing flows.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?
At a signing recently, a reader brought a book they bought on Amazon to get it signed. They stayed for half an hour telling me they loved the book, and telling everyone who walked by it was great. That has to be it. It is wonderful to hear someone really enjoys your work.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?
Read. Really, you can learn more about writing reading than writing. Like not to write sentences like that one.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

LOL, see above.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
Well it is always time and money, isn’t it? It is a business. Who knew all those writers didn’t just sit in their office drinking coffee and creating wonderful characters and stories all day while someone else did all the work. You suddenly find yourself promoting and keeping business files and records and appointments and trying to schedule more, and budget for all of it. But hey, there is always that view to look forward to.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?
Never give up. Never stop. Listen and Learn, Read and learn. Study and learn. Write and write and write, and submit, submit, submit.

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?
Read. Play with the kids. Crochet.

16. Who do you like to read?
Everything and everyone! Soup can labels when there is nothing else. Historical non fiction, but I confess to being a fiction fanatic. I love mystery, suspense, S/F, all the big names and small. Koontz, JD Robb, John Katzenbach, Mel Foster, Tim Layhaye and Jerry Jenkins, Brian Rouff, Tami Hoag, Lee Denning, John Grisham, Dennis Griffin, Maggie Shane, Kay Hooper, Sue Gafton, James Patterson. JA Wilkins and RR Draude are new favorites. I don’t have enough paper to list them all.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?
Never give up. Write everyday. Read everything you love, hate, like and don’t. Do critiques for other writers. Learn and grow.

18. What are you currently working on?
Book two of the Carnival Soul Trilogy “Dream Shadows” is almost ready to go to the publisher. Book three is outlined and I am playing with the start of a mystery based on a true story, tentatively titled “A Mother’s Cry for Justice,” a couple of new articles, and a couple of short stories.