Interview with Author Charlotte Hughes:
Hi Charlotte. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...
- Please tell us about your latest book.
Book #2 of the Crazy series is titled NUTCASE. Although the book stands on its own, it follows the life and times of clinical psychologist, Dr. Kate Holly and her kooky patients, friends and family. It promises to be just as fun as the first book, WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY. That book is still available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other sites. Although the books are considered to be mysteries, they are high comedy and contain a love interest.
Briefly, the plot (taken from the back cover):
Facing eviction after “accidentally” blowing up her office with nitroglycerin, Kate’s best option may be sharing space with ex-boyfriend Dr. Thad Glazer; but it’s anybody’s guess how soon he’ll want her back in his hot tub. Kate’s best friend and receptionist, Mona, is out to prove her young lover is cheating, and Kate’s aunt is dating an ex-con, a Romeo who swindled several elderly women out of their retirement. If that weren’t enough, Kate’s faithful dog is depressed after the last puppy was sent to a good home; and Kate is bound and determined to help a patient escape the psychiatric ward.
The one sure thing is Kate’s love for firefighter ex-husband, Jay Rush, but her near-death experiences at the hands of some of her scarier patients has him criticizing her every move. And Kate still hyperventilates each time he races into a burning building. Only the stakes just got higher because there’s an arsonist on the loose who is targeting firemen.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
I plan to continue the Crazy series with Berkley. I’m presently writing book three HANGING BY A THREAD. I am also working on a single title, DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, a big romance; again, high comedy and suspense.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
You can visit my website at www.readcharlottehughes.com. It’s a fun site with games and puzzles as well.
- How may readers contact you?
Through my website. I personally answer all E-mails at readcharlottehughes@gmail.com.
- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?
Yes! I love hearing from readers who tell me my books helped them through a difficult time in their lives, by giving them a reason to laugh.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
It usually takes me a minimum of six months to write a book. I’m pretty obsessive so I revise and rewrite A LOT! I’m not a first draft author.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I definitely have a set schedule. I usually write at least six days per week, 6-8 hours per day. When I’m on deadline, I write anywhere from 12-16 hours per day. I’ve been known to write 24 hours straight, then crash for a little while and get right back to it. Once I turn in a book I go to bed and try to catch up on my rest. If I waited to ‘go with the flow’ I’d never get the book written.
- Do you feel humor is important in women’s fiction and why?
I’ve read many wonderful books that don’t contain humor, but for me it comes naturally, which is why I am often plugged as a comedy writer. I don’t think authors should try to force humor unless they’re good at it. For example, it doesn’t come easy for me to write love scenes, so that is not my greatest strength.
- What motivates you in general? In your writing?
The need to pay my bills.
- What kind of research do you do?
I do a ton of research, more than I actually use in my books. But it’s important for me to have a clear understanding of what I’m writing whether I actually use it in my books or not. Lately I have read a lot about firefighters and psychology.
- How long have you been writing?
My first book was published in 1987 so I’ve been at it for a while.
- How many books have you published?
I think about 40.
- After you’ve written your book and it’s been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
No. By the time I finish a book I’m sick of looking at it.
- Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, how did you work through it?
I go through dry periods, and I often have trouble working out my plot, but I refuse to call it writer’s block because it would freak me out, and I probably wouldn’t be able to write.
- If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?
I’d like to be a princess.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Finishing the damn book!
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Take a writing course; join a critique group so you can get honest feedback. And believe in yourself!
Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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