Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer, poet, artist and nature freak and have a diploma in Wildlife/Forestry Conservation to prove it. I’ve been writing stories and poetry since I could write, which is a very long time considering I have survived the 60’s twice. I just published my first book of poetry and have another one in the works. I am also working on my second novel, a fantasy, the first one gathering dust in a box somewhere in my studio. There are also many handmade books in my past that were given as gifts which are probably also gathering dust somewhere. When I’m not writing or creating in some way you can find me in the woods with my dog, Raven or hanging out in my garden or with my 20 chickens or my seven grandchildren that keep me way too busy. I’m also a voracious reader and will usually have a book with me when I’m doing all those things listed above.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book of poetry is titled “Of Passion and Restraint – Poems of Love, Lust and Loss”. It is filled with poetry written over the course of many years and was inspired by, well, life! The poems are very personal but also capture the common experiences of being in and out of love and all it encompasses with a healthy dose of nature thrown in.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most of my inspiration hits me at night while I’m trying to fall asleep. Rather annoying but I’ve gotten used to it so, I keep a pen and pad next to my bed. The light goes out then the light comes back on so I can write a line or two then it goes out again…Then it comes on again…You get the picture.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite poets who have influenced me the most are Erica Jong, Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Christina Rossetti, W.B. Yeats, E.E. Cummings, (I could fill a few pages with them all). When I read fiction, I prefer Alice Hoffman, Edgar Allan Poe and Jim Butcher all of whom have influenced my writing.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m putting together my second book of poetry which will be lighter than the first one and deal with the nature of non-reality and fantasy. I’m also working on a fantasy novel which is about 3/4 finished.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do most of my promoting on Face Book and on my website where I also share stories and poems.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I could give to new authors is to just keep going and don’t get discouraged. When you start to feel like giving up or that your work is not worthy just take a break for a few days from all writing. Then go back and read your own stuff as if it was someone else’s. Every time I do this I get blown away at my own talent. I end up saying, “Wow, did I really write this?” It’s quite an eye opener.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love is all there is.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Book of Magic” by Alice Hoffman. I have one of Erica Jong’s poetry books on my nightstand and just started reading “The Absinthe Earl” by Sharon Lyn Fisher.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep plunking away at the novel while sorting through and typing up the poetry for the next book.
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?
“Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman, “Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats” and “Edgar Allan Poe Complete Tales and Poems”.
Author Websites and Profiles
Carrie Skinner Website
Carrie Skinner Amazon Profile
Carrie Skinner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile