Author Interview with Cara Addison
I’m hosting an interview with Cara Addison, author of contemporary erotic romance “Passion, Power and Privilege”. Welcome to my blog, Cara, and thanks for answering my interview questions.
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to write numerous reports and create extensive documents, but until recently, I hadn’t taken the time to write a work of fiction. For years, I’d considered the idea of writing a book, but didn’t take the notion seriously until the summer of 2013. On a whim, I decided to write about the characters and stories that were in my mind. With the encouragement of a few friends who read as I wrote, I continued down the path until Passion, Power, and Privilege was complete.
Honestly, I consider myself to be the ‘Accidental Author’, mostly because I didn’t set out to write a manuscript for submission to a publisher. I set out to express my thoughts and ideas in an experience that I found invigorating and cathartic.
Editing is an ongoing experience for me. Each day, I start off with writing new material. Then, as a thought or a conversation or a chapter is completed, I begin the first edit by going back to re-read that section. I’ll edit for grammar and spelling and then for content.
There are days as a writer, that new material is sparse, and I’ll take the time to review large sections of the manuscript. During this second edit, I often add detail, or trim paragraphs that don’t flow the way I’d like.
I’m fortunate to have a few close friend that read each chapter, as I write. Their input and suggestions contribute to another series of edits. Sometimes these are subtle changes to add clarity, and sometimes they are significant edits to further develop a topic or scene.
Once a manuscript feels like it’s complete, I print it out and sit down with a pen to read through the entire document. It’s amazing how even after reviewing several times, errors can be found. When those fixes have been made, the document is prepared and sent off to the publisher. If the manuscript is accepted, the editing REALLY begins. The publisher assigns a professional editor who thoroughly scans the document for content, punctuation, and typographic suggestions. Twice.
As a writer, I’m not entirely sure that the editing process is ever complete. I think that every time I read my own writing, a new adjective or replacement verb comes to mind.
2014 has me very busy on a number of projects in both my personal and professional life. While those tasks are keeping me very busy, I would like to complete two separate manuscripts.
The first work is partially complete, but has been set aside while I wait for inspiration on how to resolve a conflict the characters are experiencing and bring the story to a happily ever after ending.
The second manuscript is currently taking shape in my mind. The characters are becoming real, and a love story is taking shape. I just need to find the time to transcribe what’s in my imagination and bring it to life.
My writing priorities right now, are the promotion of my recently released novels. Passion, Power, and Privilege was released in February 2014 and Going the Distance was released in March of this year. I’m focused on promoting and marketing each novel, while still remembering to take time to celebrate the experience of becoming a published author.
About Passion, Power and Privilege
Title: Passion, Power and Privilege
Author: Cara Addison
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
When her tumultuous marriage ends suddenly, Katharine “Kate” Callahan is forced to decide if she should return to her job as a corporate lawyer, or proceed with the campaign to become the Mayor of the City of Lowden.
Difficult decisions become a lot easier when Kate meets Brad Taylor, a handsome and successful business owner. Brad’s attraction to Kate is instant, and life finally starts falling into place as Kate realizes that the right man can bring out a passion that she had forgotten existed.
Can Kate and Brad overcome their stormy and complicated pasts to find each other, love each other, and use their power and privilege to change the city they call home?
Author Bio
I consider myself to be an accidental author. That’s right, becoming a published author happened, by chance.
For years, I’ve worked in the corporate world. Essentially, I’m a problem solver for corporations and government. So, you can imagine how much of a shift it was for me to sit down and write.
During the summer of 2013, I put pen to paper. I let my sexy imagination loose and before I knew it I’d filled a more than a few pages. The characters came to life and the story began to take shape.
I’m blessed with incredible friends who were willing to read as I wrote. They offered insight and suggestions, but most importantly they offered unconditional support and encouragement to keep writing.
And so began, the greatest chapter of my life.
My first manuscript took just over a month to write. With just over 64,000 words, I’d taken the main characters, Kate Callahan and Bradley Taylor on a journey. I had my friends read Passion, Power, and Privilege and then made several edits in response to their suggestions. In October of 2013, I sent my little baby off to a select group of publishers. And waited.
I was hooked. While I waited, I started writing another novel. An entirely new set of characters, a new setting, and a new plot began to take shape. By the end of October, I’d put the finishing touches on Going the Distance, the story of Austin Campbell and Brett Tanner.
Writing has been cathartic. Becoming published has been exhilarating.
This journey isn’t over. I continue to write, as time permits. A third manuscript is in the works.
Visit my website at: www.caraaddison.com
Links
http://bookstrand.com/cara-adison/