Writer - Carolyn Arnold

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I'd like to welcome you to my interview with writer, Carolyn Arnold.  Enjoy.

Carolyn Arnold

Hello Carolyn, can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Carolyn Arnold, and I am the author of the best-selling Madison Knight Series, and the Brandon Fisher FBI Series.  I have written nine novels to date with more planned. 

My primary genre is crime/mystery, although, I have a couple of shorter works that venture outside of that.

How long have you been writing?

I used to write as a teenager but things in life changed, and for thirteen years I didn’t write.  I have since been reunited with writing almost five years now.

Can you tell us a bit more about your publications?

I have published 6 works with a 7th slated for release March 14th.

In the Madison Knight Series (in order):

Ties that Bind

Justified

Sacrifice

Eleven  (Brandon Fisher FBI Series)

Pearls of Deception (A Short Story)

Rings of a Tree (A Short Story)

Hart’s Choice (A Novella)

Who/what influences your writing?  Where do you get your inspiration from?

I believe inspiration is all around us, but that it’s up to us to take advantage of it.  My novel ideas have been sparked from many different things from local news to dreams to places that have inspired.

How do you come up with your characters’ names and personalities?

They come to me.  Maybe it would sound strange to a person who doesn’t write, but my characters are real to me. 

Do you have a writing routine?

When I’m in the process of writing a novel, I typically write some each day.  I used to be a morning person but things have changed in that area, and I find I write at any point in the day.

Do you start out with a complete idea for your stories, or do you just start writing and hope for the best?

I start out with a basic concept and things grow from there.  I don’t plot out my novels in detail, but let the writing flow.  I write “panster-style” as the term goes.  When I write, it’s like I’m watching a movie and just recording it.

Do you have an editing process?

My editing process starts at minimum 1 month after completion of the first draft.  I like to let the manuscript sit so that I can come at it with a refreshed perspective.  The first time back at it, I simply read the novel to get the feel of it.

From there, the number of edit rounds stack up. (I haven’t actually counted them.)  When I feel I have it perfect, it’s time for my professional editor to have a go.  From there, it comes back, I make the necessary changes, and send it back to her for a final proofread.  After that, I’ll work through it one final time.

As it comes close to completion, I read it on my Kindle because I find that things stand out more.

What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?

I can’t think of anything in the writing process I don’t like.  I love the fact that when I’m writing I can “escape” reality for a while and become part of the characters’ lives.

What advice could you give to a new writer?

Don’t get weighed down by supposed writing rules.  Of course, some things are hard and fast rules, but for the most part, they are mostly guidelines.  Don’t be afraid to experiment  and do what’s right for you.

Here’s an example: in writing forums new authors are typically advised not to mix first and third person point of views. 

Well, New York Times Best-Sellers do it.  I did it my thriller novel, Eleven, and upcoming release Assassination of a Dignitary.

My basic rule is: do what works best for the story.

Where can we connect with you online?

Amazon Author Page

Website

Author Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Thank you very much Carolyn.