Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve only been reading romance since I became an adult. Once I was hooked, my future was clear. I had to try my hand at writing so I could have a place to get the voices out of my head. It did take a while for life to settle down so I had time to pen my stories, but it finally happened. I first published in 2013 with a contemporary novel, Code of Honor. In writing this story, I realized the theme of my stories was family, something I care greatly about, and I know you do, too. My Historicals tell the beginning of two or three families getting started in 1875 Texas, and the series will follow them through the generations to present day.
My husband and I are both 6th generation Texans, where we still live. Our 2 children and 3 grandchildren live here, too. I guess Texas is in our bones. Besides writing, I play Bridge with a set of friends I’ve known since the 80’s, crochet, and do genealogy research.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Faith and the Texas Lawyer, The Texas Brides Series is book 4 in the series, and my latest release. It begins the second generation of Benning family. This one turned out to be the time travel romance I’ve had in my head for years. Joe Benning made his appearance in Book 1 as a newborn, and as a 2 year old in Book 2. When he told me the age he’d be in his story, it just so happened it was the time of the greatest natural disaster in Texas history, the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. The story took off from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have unusual writing habits. The hubs may give a different answer, but we won’t ask him. =) When I worked full-time, I stayed up most of the night to get words on the page. The last year, though, I can’t stay awake at night and the words come easier, early in the day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My fave authors are Linda Lael Miller, Jayne Ann Krentz and all her pseudonyms, Sandra Brown, the early years, Nora Roberts, Bella Andre, Marie Force, and so many others I can’t name them all.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Book 5 in the Brides of Texas Code Series, Alice and the Texas Cavalryman (this is a working title and may change to Alice and the Texas Marshal, due to where the story seems to be leading). It tells the story of Donal McTiernan, the 2nd generation of McTiernans. Donal first made his appearance in Book 2, when he was 6 months old. The story will take place in Brady, Texas.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best promotion to date has been on Facebook., in general, and through a Facebook grpoup called, Pioneer Hearts.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to first get the words on the page. Join local writer’s groups that are specific to your type of writing, like romance, mystery, or another genre you write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve been given is to get the words on the page. You can’t edit what hasn’t been written.
What are you reading now?
A new best seller, by Caroline Fiffe, Whispers on the Wind.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next, I’ll finish the current book, and then I want to start the 2nd time travel that’s a sequel to Faith and the Texas Lawyer. It will be Stella and the Texas Architect. Oh, and I want to finish the 2nd contemporary, Code of Conscience, and oh – squirrel!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would want to pack, Always a Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller, Tempt Fortune by Hebby Roman, A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. Are you sure I can’t bring 10 or 15?
Author Websites and Profiles
Carra Copelin Website
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