Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live on the Eastern Shore with my husband and our sweet, goofy dog. I mostly write full-time and in my downtime I enjoy reading and catching on my favorite TV shows. I write mainly Young Adult books and I currently have three self-published novellas on Amazon for purchase. Having people read my work means the world to me and I appreciate every single person who takes the time to look at my books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ocean Breeze Cottage is my latest release. It’s the third in my Heron’s Point Novella series and I’m proud of it. It was a struggle to write it, some days the words did not want to come out. The story started with a name and slowly progressed from there. To be completely honest, I had no idea what this story was going to become when I started.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve never liked planning my stories and, I’m not sure if this is unusual or not, but I often start writing a book and have no idea what it’s going to be about. The characters and the first few paragraphs come first and then a plot comes into my mind and I go from there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence is author Sarah Dessen. In my opinion, she’s the Goddess of the Young Adult genre. YA can be a broad genre, in the same way of saying a book is fiction. I love the characters she develops and the major life lessons to be learned from all of her characters. I aspire to be as great a writer as she is! My favorite book of hers is ‘Just Listen’ and I’ve read three times now.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the fourth book of my Heron’s Point Novella series called ‘Hermit Crab Cottage.’ It’s a story inspired by a real Twitter thread I read about women who were essentially dumped there their friends in middle school or high school. It hit me right in the feels and I immediately set to work on a general outline of the story. It’s slow going, but I’m enjoying my main character (Cara) and can’t wait to see what she does!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been using Amazon and Twitter to promote my books and now I’m looking to branch out and reach a wider audience of readers. I think people will like my novella length summer beach reads!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. I’m fairly new to this, too, and it takes time, work, and lots and lots (and LOTS) of patience. Don’t give up! If one person doesn’t like your book, it’s not the end of the world. Keep writing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To write every single day. Even if you have writers block and don’t know where to go with your story, write anyway. Write in a journal or try writing a short story. But keep yourself in the habit of writing everyday.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading ‘The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy!’ I’ve somehow never read this series, but I remember it being a big deal to some of my classmates in high school. My husband highly encouraged me to read it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
In about a year I should finish my project of releasing a new novella every two months. I plan on having eight total books in the Heron’s Point series! After that, I want to try writing some full-length novels and I have a super exciting idea for a fantasy. I’ve never written fantasy so I’m looking forward to it!
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?
Sarah Dessen’s ‘Just Listen,’ Stephen King’s ‘Lissey’s Story,’ and probably one of my husbands books so I can remember him. Unless he’s with me and then I’d probably bring a Harry Potter book. The fourth one is my favorite.
Author Websites and Profiles
Carrie Baker Amazon Profile
Carrie Baker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account