Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Kimelene Carr. I am 32 years of age. I was born on the island of Trinidad and currently live there also. I am married with three kids. I homeschool my kids as well as give after school tutoring. For my ‘down time’ I go out in my backyard, sit under our looming bougainvillea tree and sip coffee whilst reading Byron. Other days, I would play, quite loud, Bon Jovi, old and new, and just clean the heck out of the house! I recently published my first novel, Sans Espoir and I’m currently working on three other books: Surreal, Wolfe and The Strange Happenings.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sans Espoir was actually first thought up by my husband. He had a habit of waking up at any hour of the night and recite a poem that came to him whilst he was asleep. So, one Sunday afternoon, he woke up from a nap and began telling me a story which he insisted I wrote down. I had always loved writing but had never really pursued it. My husband, knowing of the dream I once had to be a writer , encouraged me to use his story idea and start a novel. So I began! As I was putting together a setting and giving the characters names and personalities, a very dear friend of mine was killed, quite tragically, so I used his life and death as inspiration for one of the main characters as a sort of tribute to his memory. Then, it all came together.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I absolutely cannot type my drafts. The only time I sit behind a computer to type is when the story is completed and ready to be formatted so it’s all pencil and paper. I use encyclopedias for research and many times ideas for dialogues or setting would come to mind after I have fallen asleep. Very often, I wake up at 2am or so and jot down storylines.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books such as Miguel Street and A Cow Called Boy influenced me to use a West Indian background for Sans Espoir. Reading those books helped build my appreciation for Caribbean settings and of course the language. (My upcoming novels however, does not have the West Indian setting as Sans Espoir.)
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a Sci Fi called Surreal which I previewed at the end of Sans Espoir. It’s going to be everything it’s titled to be!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Having a facebook page has proven to be a great way of reaching people but I must say, Goodreads has helped me widen out in the world of writing and publishing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on writing. Don’t doubt yourself and accept honest criticism, it’s what’s going to help you develop your skills as an author.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Heidi. It’s my 3rd book on my Goodreads Challenge of 40 books for 2017
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am in the process of pulling everything together so I could start publishing Surreal. Along with Wolfe and The Strange Happenings, I hope to also publish a book of poems and after that, I endeavor to start working on a Writer’s Dictionary.
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?
Definitely: The Count of Monte Cristo, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Miguel Street and To Kill A Mocking Bird
Author Websites and Profiles
Kimelene Carr Amazon Profile
Kimelene Carr’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile