Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Talking with Caroline Clemmins today



Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I lived in Southern California as a small child but my parents moved back to Texas when I was almost eight. I grew up in Lubbock in West Texas. Our two daughters are grown but live nearby. I’ve worked as a newspaper reporter and columnist, assistant to the managing editor of a psychology journal, and bookkeeper. Nothing is as great as being a writer. My husband and I recently downsized and moved from a rural location to the city. We love it. We have two cats and a dog.

What started your interest in writing?

My mother-in-law suggested I translate my long, long letters full of anecdotes into writing books. She brought me a grocery bag of Harlequin books. One was by Nora Roberts, and I loved her writing. With my sweet Hero husband’s encouragement, I’ve created a career but not as a writer for Harlequin. I enjoy writing western historical romances and contemporary romances. I began with Kensington, then with The Wild Rose Press, and now am an indie writer. The people at The Wild Rose Press are lovely, but I love being on my own.

What is your book(s) about?

Blurb for GABE KINCAID, Kincaids book 4

Gabe Kincaid has reasons to hate lies and those who tell them. He moved from Austin to Kincaid Springs and joined his great uncle’s law firm. Gabe believes he’s happy and pushes aside those moments of loneliness, of wishing for more. He strongly believes in the law, in justice, and obeying rules. Doing what’s right is fulfilling, isn’t it? Then why is he so fascinated with a circus fortuneteller who spins tales faster than a cowboy whirls his lariat?

Katie Worthington poses as Dorothy Duncan in a small-time circus. If she isn’t behind the scenes mending costumes or in the circus kitchen, she’s disguised as the fortuneteller, Maharani Shimza, Mystic of the East. Even so, she worries about being killed by the men pursuing her. She fears a brawl at her fortune telling tent that sends her into the Kincaid’s protective custody will end with her exposure and death. Then, a death at the circus implicates her. How can she escape when that attorney pops up every time she turns around?   

Will Gabe and Katie let the sparks between them ignite into a passionate romance or will her secrets destroy their chance at a happily ever after?


What are you currently working on?

I’m writing a western historical romance set in Central Texas in the fictional town of Valdesta. I am loving writing this book! Valdesta is really Bastrop, Texas, but I prefer using fictional names so the town can be tailor made to the book.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy spending time with family, reading, browsing antique malls, travel, and just relaxing with friends. For instance, I had lunch with three friends yesterday so we could discuss marketing.

Are any of your characters like you?

All of my characters include a part of me. We are the sum of all our experiences, and I draw on my personal experiences when fleshing out a character. I don’t mean I’ve killed anyone or been on the run from a killer, of course. I mean that if someone is frightened or happy or angry, I draw on my memories of those times in my life.


What genres do you write in?

I write contemporary and historical western romance and have written two mysteries. I especially love writing romance.


Is there anything you would tell aspiring writers?

Write because you love it.  Some authors do make a lot of money, but most don’t. If you aren’t passionate about your writing, do something else. If you are passionate about writing, don’t let anyone steal your dream.

If you write a series do you reread your previous books before you begin the new one?

No, I keep a bible for each series. I have a notebook for each series also with photos of the locale, brochures, maps, anything that relates to the books.

Is there anything you wish to say to your readers?

Thank you for reading my books! Please leave a review on Amazon.


For readers who haven't tried your books yet, how do you think your editor or loyal readers would describe your books?

Heartwarming and often filled with mystery.

When writing, how do you keep track of timelines, ideas, inspiration and such? By notes on the computer, a notebook perhaps?

In addition to a notebook for each series, I keep a list of characters on the computer. If there is a ticking clock as there is in THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, I also have a calendar to keep track of what happened what day.

I’m always looking for book recommendations. What books have you been reading? Would you recommend them?

I’m always reading and have eclectic taste! I just got the fourth book in the Maggie Hope series by Susan Elia Macneal. I’ve also just read Kathy Shaw’s BLONDIE AND THE HITMAN, Carra Copelin’s KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN, Sylvia McDaniel’s LIPSTICK AND LEAD to introduce her new series, Geri Foster’s latest in her Accidental Pleasures series, and Loretta Chase’s VIXEN IN VELVET.


Gabe Kincaid by Caroline Clemmons
The Kincaid Series Book Four
Available at:

Google Play  bit.ly/RZZeCI


Gabe Kincaid has reasons to hate lies and those who tell them. He moved from Austin to Kincaid Springs and joined his great uncle's law firm. Gabe believes he's happy and pushes aside] those moments of loneliness, of wishing for more. He strongly believes in the law, in justice, and obeying rules. Doing what's right is fulfilling, isn't it? Then why is he so fascinated with a circus fortuneteller who spins tales faster than a cowboy whirls his lariat?

Katie Worthington poses as Dorothy Duncan in a circus. If she isn't behind the scenes mending costumes or in the circus kitchen, she's disguised as the fortuneteller, Majarani Shimza, Mystic of the East. Even so, she worries about being killed by the men pursuing her. She fears a brawl at her fortunetelling tent that sends her into the Kincaid's protective custody will end with her exposure and death. How can she escape when that attorney pops up every time she turns around?


Will Gabe and Katie let the sparks between them ignite into a passionate romance?  


About the Author

BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF WESTERN HISTORICAL ROMANCE! Caroline Clemmons writes historical and contemporary genre fiction. Historical romances, contemporary romantic suspense, mysteries, and paranormals are among her current works.


www.carolineclemmons.com
Visit my blog http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com
Team blog http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com

 

5 comments:

Caroline Clemmons said...

Dawn, thank you for having me as a guest on your blog.

Ruby said...

This book looks like an exciting addition to the series. I haven't read it yet, but will zip over to Amazon and get a copy.

Hebby Roman said...

Interesting twist on a western romance, the circus aspect, sounds intriguing. I've always wanted to read about a 19th century circus, so I look forward to reading your book. I think the Wild West shows of the 19th century were fascinating, too.

Sarah J. McNeal said...

Good advice for aspiring writers, Caroline. If you don't have a passion for writing, do something else. It really isn't a get rich quick scheme.
I see that you wrote 2 mysteries. I think of them as being difficult. How do you tell enough to intrigue the reader without giving away who the killer is?
I enjoyed reading your interview and getting to know you just a little bit better.

Caroline Clemmons said...

Thanks for commenting, ladies. And thank you, Dawn, for hosting me.

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