This was the blog of an Eloise wannabe and her 2 roustabout kitties as they work on a book deal in the City of Lights, giggling all the way. Now it's the blog of an Eloise wannabe planning her next escape (California, Canadia?) with 2 other kitties--still working, still giggling.
Last week, 2010 GH finalist (YA category) Carey Corp, released THE GUARDIAN, her first published novel and the first of THE HALO CHRONICLES. Because her e-mail sig file (WRITE! LIVE! LOVE!) always makes me happy, I spoke with her about the things that make her happy when it comes to writing.
We all know that writing is rewarding or we wouldn’t do it, but it can be just a little painful at times. What brings you joy in your writing?
What brings me the most joy in my writing is connecting with teen readers. My neighbor and a few other amazing teens always get an early copy of my manuscript. When they connect to the characters and are moved by the story—there’s no greater feeling in the world. I can’t wait until the day when my own little girl is old enough to read what I create. She’s seven, now.
What are the fun things that you can get away with in the name of research?
I haven’t done anything really fun in the name of research. My most current book is co-written with Lorie Langdon. It’s set in Scotland and we keep saying we need to go on a research trip. :) (My note: Yes. You do!)
You’ve gone the indie route with the release of THE GUARDIAN—and that sounds like a lot of work. Did you discover something you enjoyed in the process?
The whole process was enjoyable. I liked being the one making decisions and being responsible for the end result. You so right about it being hard work. I did tons of research and used my inner circle (and their kids) for feedback. They were especially helpful with my cover. The thing I liked best about going indie was being in control of moving my career forward. I’ve been on the bubble for so long, stuck in agent/editor swirl. It’s nice to get beyond that. Trish Millburn talks about being multi-pronged, an author who can leverage the growing indie opportunities as well as trying traditional routes has more options and a better chance at having sustained career momentum. That makes perfect sense to me.
Coolest writer’s tool?
I don’t really have any. Does my pink breast cancer awareness coffee mug count?
Ally Carter, Carey and Meg Cabot
Coolest writer’s toy?
No time for toys—seriously. I have a laptop. But I do have writer souvenirs. My favorite is a picture with me between Meg Cabot and Ally Carter at RWA in Orlando. Of course, I look frightful. I got sunburned at the pool earlier in the day and my smoky makeup looks more powdery Barbie blue—but I love the picture anyways. My second favorite souvenir is my 2010 GH finalist certificate. At the National conference my name was misspelled, so I got the new certificate in the mail a few weeks ago and it has my book THE HALO CHRONICLES: THE GUARDIAN and the author: Shelley Coriell. I laughed so hard when I saw that!!! I loved it so much that I haven’t asked for a corrected version. Besides Shelley’s career is starting to take off.
Any tips for writers going through the blahs on rediscovering the joy?
Write every day. Make it a personal journey. Write for yourself and those you love…the story will follow. For a while I was writing for my agent, for others, and forgetting that the story is my own. Jackson Pearce shared some sage advice about taking the story back and it made all the difference. Telling the stories of my heart keeps me passionate and excited about writing.
Thanks for stopping by, Shelley Carey, and here's to a career that brings you much joy! Dear Reader, I've got my copy of THE GUARDIAN all lined up on my Kindle. Here's how to get yours:
Buy THE HALO CHRONICLES: THE GUARDIAN (a 2010 RWA Golden Heart® finalist for young adult fiction) at Amazon, Barnes & Noble & Smashwords. Coming soon to iBookstore.
Turn your computer into a free eReader: Kindle for PC; NOOK for PC.
More information at www.careycorp.com
