Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Sweden and came to Canada when I was still very young. I have a degree in screenwriting, but I’ve also danced, worked in the beauty and fashion industries, insurance and the automotive industry, real estate development, and even owned a Pilates studio that was frequented by pro athletes, celebrities, and everyone in between. I’m now a full-time writer and blogger. I have written two books with a third one that is in the works. One is a family memoir that is being queried to agents and the other was recently published. It’s a journal called, “Tell Me What You See, visual writing prompts for the wandering writer.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Tell Me What You See, visual writing prompts for the wandering writer,” was inspired by a big move. I recently returned to Canada after living in Europe for 4 1/2 years and I was struggling with a bad case of writer’s block. It suddenly occurred to me that I am a visual learner, as over 60% of the population is, and that maybe if I used photographs to inspire me I could overcome the block. It worked. I was suddenly able to write freely again. That’s when I realized that others might need some help too and the book just came about.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if they are unusual, but I do tend to start new stories by looking at photographs which I’ve taken. There are hundreds of photographs on my phone and each one could be an inspiration at any time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love any author who allows me to disappear into the world they’ve created. Some of my favourite books are, L’Etranger by Camus, Metamorphosis by Kafka and Dance, Dance, Dance by Murakami.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a collection of short stories inspired by my travels in Europe.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my website, www.carolinetopperman.com but also my blog, www.styleontheside.com as well as social media, mainly Instagram, where I can be found under the handle, @styleontheside
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up and understand that writing is a solitary endeavor. It will be hard but it’s extremely rewarding if you don’t give up. Make a point of writing every single day, even if if it’s only for a few minutes. Also, don’t stop reading. Read everything you can get your hands on, it will only help in the long run.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You need to know a little bit about everything.” This piece of advice was given to me by a very well known theater director but I believe that it applies to writers as well.
What are you reading now?
I am just finishing, “Killing Commendatore” by Murakami and “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to finish my book of short stories in the next few months and I’m also excited to be holding workshops on visual writing. I’ll be traveling throughout the United States and Canada meeting and working with writers in all stages of their careers.
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 read fast so they would have to be really thick. I would definitely bring “War and Peace” which is a book I’ve started many times but never finished so this would be the perfect time to do that. Also, a classic like “Gone With The Wind,” which I first read in grade 7 but always loved and occasionally reread. “Once A Dancer,” Allegra Kent’s biography and “2666” by Roberto Bolaño.
Author Websites and Profiles
Caroline Topperman Website
Caroline Topperman Amazon Profile
Caroline Topperman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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