Carlene Love Flores is a big fan of the stars (especially Orion), honest music (especially Depeche Mode), and her travelling family (no favorites there-she loves them all). These things have always inspired her to think up edgy, intimate love stories and continue to do so. If she could touch someone’s heart with her writing the way others have done for her, she’d say truly there never lived a luckier girl.
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
Me: Hi! Thank you for having me today. I definitely don’t plan everything. But I do spend an incredible amount of time with the characters before I write anything down. And depending on the story, things either flow in an orderly, chronological manner or I end up writing the scenes I feel most passionate about but out of sequence. Since I’m never sure which way it’s gonna be, it’s a real treasure knowing the characters on as intimate a level as possible.
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
Ha-ha, see above answer. I think that’s why I don’t seem to have one set process or method of writing. Because the characters are all so different and yes, it’s absolutely the telling of their story which means we do things on their schedules and to their likings.
What is your favourite food?
San Diego, CA style rolled tacos from any taco shop but my favorites are Cotijas, El Sombrero, and El Ranchito. My mouth is now watering. It’s only about 2,600 miles from my Virginia home to these delectable tacos. Easy peasy, right?
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Oh I love this question. I’m a conflicted night owl. I love the night. But I also love to sleep. We’re talking if I can be in bed by 8pm, I’m a happy girl. Best time? The wee hours of the morning when it’s still dark out so it feels like it’s still night but I’m awake to enjoy it.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I have a huge dream of traveling to London to see Depeche Mode in concert. I’ve seen them so many times here in the States but what a treat it would be to see them in England.
Do distant places feature in your books?
Somewhat. In today’s release, Sidewalk Flower, the heroine’s best friend is an Australian man named Jaxon. I had a blast researching him. Me and the characters enjoy road tripping so we see lots of great places across the US. Historical Route 66 features in Sidewalk Flower and it’s iconic touristy stops help to lighten the heavy parts of Trista and Lucky’s journey.
Do you listen to music while writing?
I live for music and love writing playlists! And I love listening to it before and after writing scenes. But during that actual writing time, I have to keep it quiet so that the only place I am is right there with the characters.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
I think the most important thing I’ve learned is balance. Sometimes for a new writer, it’s easy to feel like you have to learn everything there is about writing but what I found was that I needed to be careful not to learn too much. If that makes any sense! What I’m trying to say is to be careful you’re not drowning out your creative ideas with all the technical and business knowledge there is to be had.
Is there anything you would do differently?
No, not really. I’m one of those girls who believes everything happens for a reason. If I made changes to that journey, I wouldn’t be celebrating my first book’s release today with you!
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
Definitely this is the place where I get to gush about my local writers groups. The Washington Romance Writers and The Waterworld Mermaids. At those meetings is where I get to be my writer self and learn and be inspired. Oh, and whenever I think about my critique partner, I get a love-dripping grin. I remember one of the first things Lynne (Silver) ever told me after reading my manuscript. She said I did emotion really well and had a gorgeous voice which were great things but there were these other little things called “scene goals” and I needed to get some. Love her! She is truly priceless to me.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Just remember to keep writing the stories you love. Work hard and once you get to the submitting stage, take this to heart: All the wrong people have to say no so that the right one can eventually say yes.
What are three words that describe you?
Lucky, loyal, silly.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
My favorite book is Seize the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon, who is my absolute favorite writer. She is like chicken soup for the soul. This particular book from her Dark Hunter series is filled with mythology, tragedy, humor, adventure and a whole lot of Valerius Magnus!!
Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book:
In Sidewalk Flower, a jaded young woman sets out on an intense road trip home to deal with her past when she is asked to allow a relative stranger to tag along. But, she’s seen too many good guys succumb to the harsh realities of her supposed privileged life in the music business and intends on keeping her distance. When she picks up Lucky, the southern gentleman cousin of her selfish best friend, she has absolutely no idea of how to accept a perfectly good person with good intentions. Home has never looked so good, or felt so far away.
List of previous books if any:
This is my very first! More on the way in the very near future ;)
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.
My website & blog: http://carlenelove.com/
Author page at Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/carlene-love-flores/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/carlene.l.flores
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cloveflores
Thank you, Carlene and good luck with your books!
Hi Annette! Thank you so much for hosting me today and for the well wishes. To you and your readers, I wish a very sweet day! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome :)
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