Interview With Author Carolina Hughes
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I enjoy writing dark, fun, action-packed fantasy for all ages. As a single mother, I started writing to create wholesome stories to share with my son. He inspires me to write novels full of magic and wonder that excite young readers. My characters are down to earth, clever, and fearless. They are ordinary heroes with kindred flaws, the women are stronger than they appear, and the men are gentlemen, as I’m teaching my son to be.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Heline Curse: Geraldine’s Story is my new book coming out in December 2023. It was inspired by my love for Brazilian soaps. I have always watched them growing up and they are filled with drama, mystery, and dark humor. Behind each of the villians there is always someone else pulling the strings, and just when you think you know what’s going to happen, something blindsides you. They are absolutely thrilling and keep you on the edge until the end. That is exactly how I want my readers to feel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I only write after midnight and before 5AM.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mortal Instrument series, Harry Potter series, Twilight series, School for Good and Evil series, Shadow and Bone triology, Twitches series, John Grisham’s The Brethren, Kindred by Octavia Butler, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally, George Orwell’s 1984, Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell, Magic Treehouse series, and many more.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up The Last Royal: Merla’s Story the final installment of the series and prequel to The Art of Dream Walking: Verena’s Story.
I have also started on a new series with Blades that Burn as the first book. It will feature the enchanting world of Varastria, where magic and love intertwine. Follow the thrilling adventures of Adelina, a young warrior princess with a unique gift, and Lewis, a mysterious prince with a tragic past. As dark forces threaten to tear their world apart, Adelina and Lewis must embark on a dangerous quest to save their kingdom and discover the true power of love.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring this out as I am new to self publishing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Read, read, read. Read everything – trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out. If it’s not, throw it out of the window.”
–William Faulkner
Quotes by Anne Rice:
“If you want to be a writer, write. Write and write and write. If you stop, start again. Save everything that you write. If you feel blocked, write through it until you feel your creative juices flowing again. Write. Writing is what makes a writer, nothing more and nothing less.”
“Treat writing like it’s your job until it actually is your job. At a more traditional job, you wouldn’t say “I’m not feeling my work today, I’ll do it tomorrow.” You’d lose your job. That’s the mindset you need to have about your writing. Write and write and write until you start feeling like writing. It’s the only way to finish.”
What are you reading now?
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman, Saving Nora by Josh Williams , The Return by Josh Williams, The Outsiders (I’m re-reading this one), and also re-reading Grisham’s The Brethren.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on a new series called “The Kingdom of Etaria”. I have enough conent for two books in this series so that will keep me busy for a while. As I am also learning to navigate social media and different ways to promote my books.
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?
The Truth about You, A Child’s Garden of Verses, The Hutchinson Treasury of Children’s Poetry, and Kindred.
Author Websites and Profiles
Carolina Hughes Amazon Profile
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