One of the things I like best about being a Lady Scribe is being able to interview my favorite contemporary authors. Authors like the fabulously talented, Carly Phillips. KARMA, the latest novel in the Serendipity Series, is hitting bookshelves and e-readers May 1.
1. Congrats on your RITA nomination! How does it feel—come down
from the clouds yet?
Nope and I hope I never do. Seriously, it's always felt
like a dream - to be recognized by my peers and this is what the RITA
nomination does. Added to that, the short story nominated, MORE THAN
WORDS - VOL. 7 - my story Compassion Can't Wait - recognizes the Andre Sobel
River of Life Foundation that provides payment of urgent expenses in order to
allow single parent/caregivers to be by their child's bedside during
catastrophic illness. I was honored to write a story that showcases such
an important charitable organization and Valerie Sobel, the founder. http://andreriveroflife.org/
2. In your upcoming book, KARMA, Dare and Liza's story seems to be one of unrequited
love—mostly because Dare's been keeping it himself. Personally, I love it when
a hero *knows* the heroine is the one for him, even if he's never shared that
little tidbit with her. Tell us more about their story, please!
Poor
Dare! He makes life look so easy on the outside but inside he's wrapped up in
the past and full of angst. He needs the right woman and he needs to
forgive himself for past mistakes. Then there's Liza, who reminds him of
his biggest error in judgment, and who he's always been attracted too.
Once he gets to know her? Attraction becomes secondary to how much he
cares. To me, it's a beautiful thing watching him take care of a woman
who's never had anyone look out for her before. And visa versa. I
hope readers enjoy Dare and Liza and love them as much as I do!
3. How are things going with
bringing/keeping General Hospital where it should rightfully be?
Good - and not so good. Good in that General Hospital
was renewed for another year despite dire doom and gloom predictions - hurray!
And gloom because their greatest couple (in my mind, anyway), Jason and Sam,
are being written without thought to how they have always treated each other.
With love, understanding, compassion and kindness - with the occasional
lapse in judgment (ie. what I call the Liz - Sam's insanity - era) - what makes
Sam and Jason the ultimate couple was how well the COMPLEMENT each other.
That's not happening now and I implore the writers to fix things! OK
enough of that. EVERYONE WATCH GENERAL HOSPITAL - this is the year to garner
ratings and keep it on the air longer.
4. You tweeted that your youngest *just* got her
Driver's License. Watch out World! Will this free up more time for you to
write?
YES!
In New York, they have 6 months of permit/driving practice time and then they
take their test - if they pass their driving test, they can drive on their own
until 9 PM. Since this is my second time going through this, I KNOW both the
angst and worry of having a child driving and the ultimate sense of freedom for
them AND me! Right now I pick her up up every day after school, which cuts my
day around 2 PM. I can't imagine not having to do that anymore! I hope I
can write more (and we can SPRINT more!)
5. Inquiring minds want to know—what color is your hair
now?
Hah!
More like my website photo - a golden brown w/blonde highlights. I'm so
over the red. I'm so over the Keratin straightening. I'm all
natural curl and the color most people are used to. ;)
6. Anyone that's ever interacted with you via
Twitter, facebook or in person knows that you LOVE romance. *And* that you
promote it every chance you get. Do you have a favorite trope or plot device
for the hero and heroine to be thrown together? What's one that you haven't
done before and have always wanted to try?
As
a writer, the EASIEST trope/device is to give the characters SOME kind of
connection in the past - this makes their coming together stronger - at least
for me as the author. As a reader, I've noticed myself drawn to stories
like you mentioned above when you described Karma - the hero KNOWS the heroine
is for him even if he's never shared that information with her. In the
story I'm writing now (aka Serendipity # 4 - or Perfect Fit - the hero is
learning each time he's with the heroine, this THING between them is stronger.
It's a very different story - they grow together in the relationship.
I'm not sure how to throw the hero and heroine together in the best way -
so much of it depends on story - and I'm not sure if there is any one particular
thing I've always wanted to try - each book is its own challenge.
7. Finally, what's next for you and your rabid
reader fan like, ahem, me? Also, a little birdy on Twitter said you were doing
a novella with some other crazy talented writers like yourself. True or False?
Next
for me and my rabid reader fan, LOLOL. Thank you! I had no idea I had those ;)
Yes! I'm doing a novella - it's gone through some author changes but the
final four are myself, Jaci Burton, Erin McCarthy and an author I don't know as
well, Jessica Clare. I plan on doing Serendipity characters .. and watch
for it, I may ask my readers on Facebook who they most want to read about
- www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage so
PLEASE like me there - so you won't miss out when I do. I'm currently
working on another three book Serendipity Trilogy - the Cops of Serendipity -
the Perfect Trilogy - (Perfect in the titles!) - featuring characters you will
meet in Karma - and once Karma is on bookshelves and readers have had a chance
to finish it, I'll talk more about who's up next!
WOW!!! So much for us to look forward
to in the coming months. Thank you so much for blogging with us again, Carly. You
make it so much fun!
Thanks
for having me back. I love hanging out with you - as you already know! Here's
where to find me around the Internet - I'm a social media junkie! And my
website is updated often - if you visit me there, please sign up for both my
newsletter and the blog posts so you'll have notice of the most recent news!
~ www.plotmonkeys.com (blog)
New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips tossed away her legal briefs and a career as an attorney to become a stay at home mom. Within the year, she turned her love of reading into an obsession with writing. Over 25 published novels later, Carly writes sexy contemporary romances, striking a balance between entertainment and emotion, and giving her readers the compelling story they have come to expect and enjoy.
Carly is a New York Times bestseller, USA Today Bestseller and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller. The triple play earned her a spot on Romance Writers of America’s coveted Honor Roll. In 2002, Carly’s novel, The Bachelor, became Kelly Ripa’s “Reading with Ripa” pick on Live with Regis and Kelly, making it the first romance ever chosen on a nationally televised bookclub.
Carly received her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and is a graduate of Boston University School of Law (J.D.). To date, Carly has over twenty-five novels to her credit, all available wherever books are sold.
When not writing or playing online, Carly loves to read, to knit, and to spend time with her family. She lives in Purchase, New York with her husband, two daughters and two soft-coated wheaten terriers who act like their third and fourth children.
One lucky winner will receive one of my backlist Serendipity books - Serendipity, Destiny, or Kismet as a prize for commenting! And I'm (because I lurve supporting Carly) throwing in Karma, too. Of course the winner has to wait until May 12 for that one, but it's totally worth it. ;)
So, Rabid Readers, what's your favorite way to interact with authors?
Great interview, Carly! Thanks so much for stopping by Lady Scribes. I love sending my favorite authors a handwritten note, telling them thank you. It's a personal way of letting them know how much I enjoy their work. (I hope this answers the question, LOL!)
ReplyDeleteYes, you totally answered the question! A personal note is so sweet, Lily. I can only imagine how an author might feel about a fan taking the time to do that.
DeleteThanks for stopping by today!
That's so nice! With the internet, the whole, handwritten note is dying out. Just ask my kids :(
DeleteNice interview with one of my favorite authors! Can't wait for Dare's story. My fav way to keep in touch with my authors is through an email, Facebook, their bog or through twitter. I enjoy letting them know how much I liked a recent book or look forward to an upcoming book from them. I think letting them know what you think & feel is important to their continued success.
ReplyDeleteCarly is so much fun to interview, Jessiel! And you sound like me: facebook, twitter and blogs are some of my favorite ways to connect with authors, too. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I love to interact with authors any way that I can. Three of my top ways are Facebook, their blogs, and also book signings. Next year I plan on attending the weekend author get-together. This year I will just be able to go to the signing, but Carly, you will be there!!! I'm so excited and I can't wait!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteBook signings can be so much fun, Amanda! But sometimes people can go nuts when they meet their favorite author(s). Not that *I* have done anything like that. *whistles innocently*
DeleteWhat is the weekend author get-together?
Thanks for stopping by!
I LOVE hearing from people on Twitter and FB or website. It literally makes my day!
DeleteMy favouritewat to keep in touch is Facebook as most of them are from the other side of the world. It makes me feel a little closer to the action.
ReplyDeleteThe other side of the world, Jennie?! Wow! Facebook *is* a lot of fun.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I think FB opens up the whole world :)
DeleteWelcome, Carly! Many congrats on your Rita nod! Karma sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI heard that Karma was Carly's hottest book, yet, Deb. So excited to read it.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Thank you, Deb! :)
DeleteI can't wait to read Karma. I joined for facebook for the purpose of a church singles group, but once there discovered he I could see if my fav author were on there. I hav communicated with several this way and love it.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember what we did before FB and Twitter. It makes me feel like I'm never alone ;)
DeleteI am looking forward to reading Karma and Dare and Liza's story!! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Betty! :) Thank you!
DeleteThanks for coming by Lady Scribes today, Betty - good luck in the drawing!
DeleteI enjoy reading the author's comments on Facebook. You sometimes tend to forget that they are normal people, just like you. I enjoy reading all about their daily routines and I really enjoy getting to read little excerpts of future books!
ReplyDeleteI love to post fun graphics of animals and sayings that are cute or make me laugh. That usually gets me more "likes" of that pic than a book update. It's fun.
DeleteMarquita great interview. Carly it it's nice that you come on by. It wasn't until recently that my friends got me hooked on twitter. I like interacting w/ my favorite authors there. I think that it's cool that we have so many ways to to interact with people.
ReplyDeleteI also like reading different types of blogs to see what's coming out.
countessofmar@yahoo.com
Melody I follow so many blogs too - which has led to many new authors and new reads for me. As a fast reader, it's been amazing!
DeleteMost of my favorite authors are very attentive (that sounds like a good word!) on Facebook -- I'm not a Twitter person myself -- and post thoughtful comments there. I also enjoy newsletters as they remind me when authors' books are coming out, in case I missed a date. Blogs are good, too, and mostly I find out about them thru...wait for it...Facebook author postings!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview and thanks, Carly for amazing reads.
Thanks! I try to do a monthly newsletter so readers don't forget me even if I don't have a book out. It's also what makes FB so helpful!
DeleteI have a whole list of Blogs that I visit everyday. I like them because they feel a little more interactive...you can comment and sometimes you get a response back. Plus I feel you learn even more about the author and her/his books. Someday I also want to attend a book signing...I think they all sound so fun!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Blogs are interactive. FB can be too :) Twitter is too fast for some. I love the immediacy. I think I get all my news from it now.
DeleteFor me it's Facebook, or even Goodreads. I love that about social media that I get to interact with the authors of my favorite books because I feel appreciated as a reader but also as an aspiring author they aren't too far out of reach if I ever REALLY needed just the tiniest piece of advice. Usually, if I ask a question (I try not to do that too much) I get an answer. I'm not sure I can think of any other fields where mentors are so readily available. It's really such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteAgree, Kelli! Not sure Goodreads makes total sense to me yet but I think that's b/c I don't like to do reviews, being an author and all.
DeleteSince I'm a Twitter junkie and not inclined to cut back, my favorite way to interact with them is on Twitter. :) I've Tweeted more than a few of my favorite authors (and authors whose books are new to me!) and let them know how much I loved their work.
ReplyDeleteAnd Carly, like you, I tend to really love stories where the hero and heroine already have a connection in the past, whether it is older brother's best friend or something else. That seems to make the interactions between them somehow more powerful, at least when it comes from my fingertips. :)
Catherine, who said we have to cut back? Never LOL. ;)
DeleteIt is HARD to make myself not Tweet throughout the day when I should be working. LOL.
DeleteOh! I love to talk to EVERYONE via Twitter ~ authors, fans, random Game of Thrones addicts like me. ;) It is my favorite way to communicate with the world.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! It's so fun to have friends all over the world that we can chat with instantly!
DeleteI use twitter a lot. Even if it's 3AM in the morning, there is always someone else online. That can be a good thing...and also a dangerous thing because its just so addicting sometimes.
ReplyDeleteAnn
allthetherhage AT gmail DOT com
LOL - I have been known to scroll through the twitter feed at 2 and 3 in the morning, bathed in the light of my phone. That's not a sign of addiction, is it??
DeleteSocial media is the best way. I love following my favorite authors on Facebook. It is a quick and easy way to keep them all together!
ReplyDeleteI really love Carly and other authors' FB posts. It's a lot of fun and I've found that they're just as entertaining and fun as their books!!
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's FB since I go on FB daily.
ReplyDeleteIn the old days before online chatting, I had no fear of hand writing a letter or shooting an e-mail to an author when I had a question about one of their books. I have also been lucky enough to meet a few of them in person when they have traveled to Michigan for book signings. However, I'm a Facebook talker. I have been blessed with being able to communicate with several of my favorite authors (including yourself), and even a few new ones through that medium. Some of the ladies here at Lady Scribes have also been amazing and it's been nice to create a friendship with several of them. I like that many authors who do accept a friend will communicate with you on their own and not necessarily will a topic be on a book release.
ReplyDeleteI know that I have said it a few times but thank you Carly for many years of delightful reads. You are one of the top five that I tend to recommend when a customer is looking for a new contemporary read.
temptnfate13atyahoodotcom
OK apparently something is frozen on me. I can't answer individually anymore ... might be a good thing, hand hurts LOL. Thanks, everyone! You can find me at all the places you mention above - Twitter, FB, my website, Pinterest ... I'll check in tonight. I'm going out this afternoon! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by this morning to chat with us, Carly. And let me tell everyone that Carly is so much fun to Tweet with. If you get the chance to ever get on Twitter, follow her. :))
DeleteOh! I tweeted so much I've been put in Twitter Jail (too many tweets in a certain period of time - renders you inactive for awhile). That's pathetic. That's me ;)
ReplyDeleteHa!! I had no idea that was even possible. Guess I need to step up my Twitter game, lol :-)
DeleteCarly, Thank you so much for the interview! I'm a tweeter too--update facebook once, maybe twice a day, but I'm on Twitter all day long. It's an addiction I can't (and don't want to) stop! ;}
ReplyDeleteHi, Carly.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to have you with us at Lady Scribes today. When you're ready for writing sprints, I'm in. :)
I used to do most of my interacting through twitter, but now my FB posts also post on twitter. That has opened doors for me to chat with lots and lots of folks. I'm liking FB a little better these days than I did. I enjoy the pictures and quotes people post. My only problem is I keep looking for the "like" button when I'm on twitter and read something funny. I haven't mastered Goodreads at all.
I like to visit the author's website to find out the latest news. If I read a story and I really like it, I send a letter to that author and let them know what I liked about the book. To me this is more personal than Facebook. Sometimes on their site, there is no way to contact the author.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your books.
Love the interview! Carly Phillips is one of my favorite and must buy authors. I can't wait to Read Dare's book and the cops of Serendipity.
ReplyDeleteLove to connect via Twitter, Facebook and their blog. Thanks for the giveaway.
kidsue99@yahoo.com
Welcome Carly! For me, there is simply nothing better than meeting your favorite authors in person :) Forget Brad Pitt or Julia Roberts - show me Julia Quinn and Judith McNaught! I feel so blessed to be in the business now, and to have met many of my heroes.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, I'll be able to say hello to you at Nationals, and cheer you on at the Ritas!!
I like going to the author's website and on Twitter. With the emergence of social media, it's sad that so many authors (SEP & JQ) are closing their message boards.
ReplyDeletepenfield716(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I've never been on an author's message board, Kim. Were those fun?
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Congratulations on the nominations. Very fun interview. I like to interact via blogs. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like the author websites, Facebook, twitter. You can read about the reviews, new releases comment on the books you've read of theirs and just interact with them through posts!
ReplyDeleteI like if they have a website that I can check in case I need to check things out about their books (particularly about series connections). News letters are great & blog tours include a lot of great questions.
ReplyDeletesallans d at yahoo dot com
Since not many authors come to Birmingham, Alabama, I like using Facebook and Twitter to communicate with authors. It gives instant feedback. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice being able to use both of those to talk to authors and even other fans, Shelley.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
A great interview with one of my favorite authors Carly Phillips! Can't wait for Karma to come out!! Facebook is awesome for keeping up with my favorite authors!
ReplyDeleteGwen V/mom
Thanks for being the one to introduce me to Carly's books! I know how much you love her books. :))
DeleteThanks for stopping by, mom! :)
Thanks for the interview! I really enjoy getting to know authors so my favorite way to interact with authors is face-to-face, for example, at book readings. Thanks to my "crazy writer friend", who shall remain anonymous like myself, I have been introduced to so many wonderful writers in person. I love to talk to them about their books but also about just everyday things as well. : )
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I haven't read any of these yet but will be adding them all to my TBR list! Thanks for having the author and book on the blog.
ReplyDeleteI like to interact with authors on twitter because it is quick and easy. Plus I get directed to lots of different blogs like this one.
Congrats to Carly on the new release. I'm not on Facebook, so I interact with authors on their blogs or I might email them about a book I enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release!
ReplyDeleteI like to interact with authors at blogs or by email.
chey127 at hotmail dot com
Facebook is good for keeping us abreast of what is going on. Best wishes on the new release; cannot wait to read it.
ReplyDeletepatoct@yahoo.com
Facebook is good for keeping us abreast of what is going on. Best wishes on the new release; cannot wait to read it.
ReplyDeletepatoct@yahoo.com
Hi Carly,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your upcoming release of Karma! I've always kept up with authors through newsletters (I've been receiving your newsletters for a few years now), I emailed when I wanted to contact someone. I recently broke down around Christmas and joined Facebook for the main reason of spreading news to friends about the authors I read. I have noticed that I still email, but now I also have more contact through social media and I'm finding blogs like this one to have some contact and learn more wonderful things about all of you.
purpleunicorn19(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love Facebook! !!! Carly and other authors are always posting about writing or life events it's great!"!!!!!
ReplyDeletePoohbear6302@gmail.com
I really like a brief monthly newsletter. That way I know about contests, tours, new books, signings etc. I connect with authors via Yahoo groups, Facebook, Twitter etc. I think my favorite is author website blog with RSS feed or email update. I also enjoy the multi-author blogs that update via RSS feed or email. jepebATverizonDOTnet
ReplyDelete