Author Carrie J. Keaton

Author Carrie J. Keaton

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I’m enjoying motherhood at my late age --- my husband and I have a new baby. So I enjoy my family time, watching movies on the lifetime movie channel and crime shows, and relaxing and reading a good book. I also manage two online groups that are called the African-American Authors & Writers group. One group is on Blackplanet.com and the other is a newly created group that I just starting on Yahoo groups. I am hoping to grow the group that is on Yahoo to surpass the one that I have on Blackplanet.com (currently has over 200 members and growing). I’m trying to make a place that has a creative atmosphere for writers, aspiring and published authors and enthusiastic readers; a place where its’ members can feel free to discuss and share their ideas about books, writing (books, articles & poetry), book marketing and promotion, and any literary topics of their choice. I wanted to create a place where like-minded people can meet and participate in forum discussions about any literary topic.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I realized that I wanted to be a writer when I was in grade school. I used to write short stories and let my classmates read them. I simply just enjoyed creating stories.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

Producing a manuscript represents a significant investment on the part of the author. The two most satisfying words for a writer to type are: The End. That sweet phrase means that at last you’ve finished your manuscript and have finally achieved your goal of writing a novel. An odd mix of emotions overcome me after the winding down after such a monumental task. Crazed joy. A rush of exhilaration. Relief. A dazed, empty sort of numbness. Dizzy, shaky exhaustion. When I finish a new book, I always feel as if I had been sprinting as hard as I could at the end of a marathon, only to crash into a brick wall—full stop. The sadness I felt was like a literary form of post-partum blues.

It was as if my very best friend had moved out of town. This reaction to such an achievement might sound a little crazy, but this was how I felt.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

For my first book, Two Loves, One Heart, I had personally gone through heartbreak and abuse in a past relationship. I realized that I wanted to share some of my experiences with others who have been victims of abuse. I felt that anyone who has ever felt the heartbreak and trials that love can bring, especially those who have experienced abusive or controlling relationships, would be able to relate to my character Lynnette’s journey to find true love within herself. I wanted to try to give others hope that they can bring their lives around from the brink of devastation and despair if they have the desire to want to help themselves.

I also wanted to express that fact that everyone is worthy of being helped and loved. This help can come from family and friends or professionally if the need be. I am speaking from experience and I am a SURVIVOR. My strong faith in God and my family helped me to find my way back from that dark and lonely place. I am thankful and truly blessed. From my ordeal and the bad experiences I learned that, “LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT”.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

My next novel is another romance novel also titled, Always in my Heart. Here is a little information about the book:

How can two people be such close friends and not be able to see that they are meant for each other?

True love often triumphs through the most complex of circumstances. Rachael Pendleton and Roman Sinclair are two people who connected with each other and have been the best of friends since childhood. This special connection they share has triumphed over all else that has gone amiss in their lives. They each always knew that they would always be there for each other no matter what.

But Rachael and Roman share something else ---- a deep love for each other that neither will acknowledge. Both have had relationships with other people, but they never lasted because some very important elements were missing.... true friendship, honesty, and love. When Roman ends up marrying the wrong woman, Rachael must find a way to let her inhibitions go or lose the man she truly loves forever.

I hope to have this book complete by the end of 2008 or the first part of 2009.

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

My name is Carrie J. Keaton, author of a romance novel -

Two Loves, One Heart published by Authorhouse

A Fiction Novel Based on True Events and Experiences with True-to-Life Characters.

What would you do if your first love tried to come back into your life after he walked out of your life for over 10 years with no explanation? In this new romance novel, TWO LOVES, ONE HEART, Lynnette Thomas is forced to choose between her first love turned abusive and an old friendship that develops into a passionate romance.

At one of the loneliest points in her life Lynnette reconnects with a friend from her childhood and their friendship blossoms into much more.

Will two old friends allow their chance at happiness to slip away? Not if they reach out to each other, give in to their desires, and let love bind their hearts and join their souls. Their lives could be changed forever…. BY A THING CALLED LOVE.

Two Loves, One Heart is available through Authorhouse, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do if you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

I would try not to become so attached to my work that you won’t change it for God or country. The biggest mistake a writer could make is by being unwilling to change because they think everything is A-okay as is. You’re not only doing the work a disservice, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

I wouldn’t get defensive when some people don’t respond well to my book. I would just roll my shoulders in a shrug and say “so what?” All that matters is that I enjoyed writing it.

I would be open-minded with constructive criticism—listen to what my critics have to say and either take some or none of their advice. It’s up to me. Chances are there will be something useful you can take away from it.

As I had said earlier, I’m still learning. So I would try to surround myself with writers who are better than me. Listen when they talk. They could inspire me to challenge myself and to be the best I can be. If I surround myself with mediocre writers, then I’ll be settling for being a mediocre writer myself.

I will try to train my eye to see abnormalities by offering to critic the work of others and by being generous with both my criticism and my praise and give compliments where compliments are due. In the process, I’ll become a much better critic of my own work as well as of other people’s.

I would never be spiteful with criticism just because someone didn’t like something I wrote. I would be kind, courteous, and above all, truthful.

I would ask for examples during a critique. If critics can’t back up what they are saying with evidence drawn from your work, then it’s not a piece of criticism worth listening to.

Last but not least, I must always be mindful that not every reader will be as responsive to my material as I am. There are many opinions and tastes, and not all of them will compare with mine.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

There are several authors who have influenced my writing dreams, goals and aspirations. Just to name a few are: Francis Ray, Brenda Jackson, Zane, Eric Jerome Dickey, Gloria Mallette, Michael Baisden, Sandra Kitt, Omar Tyree, Angela Nissel, and Bette Ford. All of these are wonderful authors and I admire them greatly.

What books would you recommend on writing?

I’m still finding my way with my writing and still learning, so I’m in no way an expert but will willingly share what I have experienced since I’ve been writing. Assuming that the person who is writing knows the essential mechanics of writing, know how to form cohesive sentences, blah, blah, blah., I think that these books will give them the shot of adrenaline they may be in desperate need of to keep going, keep pursuing, and keep following your writing dreams!

1. On Writing by Stephen King - This has got to be my number one book on writing. The first half is an autobiography. I found his writing to be very real and from the heart. I laughed and even felt a bit saddened at times. You read about his childhood, his first attempts at publishing when he was in grade school, and all of the hard work, long hours and dedication he put into his writing career. This in itself gave me hope that I could someday be a successful author as well!

The second half of the book is a no bull, no fluff guide to writing. What I like most about it is that he doesn't bog you down with rule after rule, and strict organization. Forget outlines and note cards and character sketches. He recommends that you just sit down at your computer, go with your muse and see where he/she takes you. He tells you what you need to know from idea to sale, as well as a few simple considerations and rules. He uses examples of his own work and that of others to show what good writing style is and what's not.

My writing has begun to flourish because of this book. It's spontaneous and real. When I sit down at the computer I don't even know what the next scene will entail, but I'm always amazed to see what my inner self can come up with once I get out of my own way.

Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury - Be prepared! Ray Bradbury will take you by the hand and leave you breathless in this little book. I can honestly say that I've never felt more exhilarated or had more ideas popping into my mind than after reading this book. He advises you to stay drunk on writing because it saves us from reality, to write at least a thousand words a day every day, to write from real life, and much more. What I liked most about this book is the way I felt after reading it. Zen in the Art of Writing is like having Ray Bradbury right there with you, guiding you, cheering you on, urging you to stop creeping and start flying!

Much in the same vein as Stephen King's book, this gem is not about rules that fence you in and leave you no room to breathe, but in letting loose the inner writer. It draws that fine line between genius and insanity. I loved it!

My creativity has greatly improved because of this book. I highly recommend it.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

If I could change one thing I did during my road to publication, it would be ignore the negative people who made me feel down about my writing and my ability to create a something that others would want to read. I would ignore the negativity and continue on to complete by manuscript and become a published author. I would maintain my courage and confidence and follow my heart and my inner voice. If I had believed in myself more back then instead of allowing negative people to coward me down, I would have been a published author many years sooner.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

My advice to up and coming authors ---Follow your dreams and your heart. In the beginning, I allowed negative people to convince me that I could not write anything that people would want to read. Separate yourself from individuals who only offer you negative, non-constructive criticism. Know your heart and your inner voice. Without that inner sense of who you are, you'll never have the courage to make the necessary investment and sacrifice for your art and craft. You need that to create the kind of writing to benefit both yourself and the world.

Read samples of as many of the top titles as you can get your hands on. The library is good for this--no cost. Now, you don't have to read every page of every book. Just scan them for characters and descriptive material, and then put YOURSELF into a storyline. For example, what would YOU do if you were trapped in a cave with a giant 'whatever' blocking the entrance?

In most of my books, the characters do all the writing--I just sit back and type the words onto the computer screen. In other words, let your mind wander over ideas of how YOU would handle a situation and then allow your characters to react.

As long as you stay away from the central storyline of the other major published books, you should do fine, but try to think out of the box.

Write every day, whether you want to or not. That's how you become a true writer. Study your grammar and spelling! Most computer spell-checkers will NOT catch mistakes like using "affect" instead of "effect" or "you're" instead of "your". I had to learn about this the hard way. It would be best to have your work professionally edited for errors to avoid this embarrassment.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

My website is here: www.authortree.com/carrielee10

On this website, I have more information about me and my book, TWO LOVES, ONE HEART. I also have blogs posted there.

Carrie, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us. We wish you much success on your future endeavors.