Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have four books on Amazon and I am working on a fifth novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Behind the Fan; the back story takes place in the ’30s and in a burlesque club called The Honey Bee. The character is a woman who has dementia when her family comes to her aid and begin to move her into a nursing home. When they discover a box of aged photos, the family unearth Dottie’s secret. Burlesque dancers, mobsters, and blues singers; Dottie falls back into her memories, taking her loved ones along as she unravels her past. The title also hints that there is much more to Dottie and her dancer friends behind those lovely feathered fans.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My summers are generally hectic. I live in the country and have a horse I show in Quarter Horse shows; in short, I seldom get to sit down! I write more in the winter to produce a book every two years. I love writing; however, I need quiet and solitude for focus.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The stories that inspire me are tales like Gone With the Wind. I loved Scarlett O’Hara; I applauded her tenacity and spunk. Margaret Mitchell was a trailblazer when you consider when she published this book.
What are you working on now?
My short story; In Hiding won in a writing competition in 2017. The feedback I received was overwhelming; this encouraged me to consider expanding on the story. I am now working on the first edits of the book. I hope the fans of the short story like the development.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I seek out sites like Awesome Gang; I love connecting with readers. Success to me is hearing that a reader understood my character, and felt the connection with their plight. This is what storytelling is all about!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
New writers endeavor to do it all; create the book cover, edit your own work, do your own promotion. Most cannot carry the full weight of all these activities, cover artists are easy to find, and are affordable. No one can edit their work; it’s is akin to trying to find a flaw in your child. As far as promotion goes; there are only so many hours in a day, and you have to eat and sleep sometime!
In short, hire what you can; cover art and editing are your best investments. For promo work, there are sites out there that offer affordable campaigns. In short; invest in your dream, free your time up for writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write it.
Get the idea in motion; you can always tweak it, improve it, or shorten it, and keep it as a novella.
Someone will love it too.
What are you reading now?
I just finished The Fine Owl Solution by C. Ryan Carlson. It was fantastic!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be finishing In Hiding this year with the goal of publishing it in 2020. I also enter short story competitions and have a few of these that will be concluding this year. In general, I will continue to let my imagination take me where it pleases.
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?
My faves, Gone with the Wind, Black Beauty, and Christine.
I know, I think it is an odd mix too but what can I say?
Author Websites and Profiles
Caroline Walken Website
Caroline Walken Amazon Profile
Caroline Walken’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
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