Author Interview: Carol Wyer - Little Girl Lost
The woman behind Little Girl Lost is no other than Carol Wyer. If you follow me on social media anywhere, you'll know how I've raved about her book, Little Girl Lost. Check out my 5 star review!
Carol was nice enough to take time out of her busy schedule with her book releasing just a couple days ago, to do a Q&A with me. For those who have already read this book, you'll be thrilled to know that Book 2 will be out in a couple of months and she's currently working on Book 3 - I, for one, cannot wait to continue this series!
For those who haven't read her book yet - go get it! NOW!
Scroll down and take a peep 👀 at the person behind the book and well, just look how cute she is! 💖
What does your writing process look like?
It's a long process that begins in my head. There, I go through possibly scenarios and characters as if I'm watching them in a film. I suffer from insomnia, so I spend hours and hours a night, entertaining myself in this fashion. Once I have a plot that makes me squirm with delight, I begin writing - in longhand. Yes, I know. I commit everything into notebooks before I begin typing. I can't help it. I was brought up to write everything down (lengthy essays at university etc.) and I can't get out of the habit. I also find it easier on my eyes that are really getting bad as I age. Next, I type. I am the world's slowest typist so 1000 words and hour is all I can manage, plus a gazillion typos. After that, it gets easier. once I have gone through six times to find the aforementioned typos, I send it to my editor and Bookouture take over, hold me by my hand, and make the rest of the process a lot of fun.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process? Your writing Kryptonite?
Editing! It's not that I can't spell, or that I can't use correct grammar but I can't seem to see very well when using a laptop, even though I magnify everything to 168%. Those pesky errors keep getting into my work.
How many hours a day do you write?
My husband would say far too many. When I am typing up the story, I spend ten to fourteen hours, or more if I am running close to a deadline. When I am plotting, I spend about three hours writing ideas down and twenty in a daze, thinking about my characters when I should be cooking or watching television.
Do you have any strange writing habits?
I always straighten all my pens and pencils and put them in neat rows, and clear my desk of everything before I type. I also consume hundreds of bags of chewy sweets while I write. However, this year I shall not be chewing my way through my bodyweight in Haribo sweets, as I promised my dentist I would cut them out. So far, I have managed to eat none.
What is your least favorite part of the writing / publishing process? Favorite part?
I love it all. I suppose by the time we get to proof reading the book I am sick to death of seeing it. I absolutely hated Little Girl Lost by the end of the process. I must have read at least thirty times.
I adore the big reveal, although it's always with mixed emotion. What if people hate my book? When I get my first good review, I have a little dance. Nothing makes me happier than to know a reader has enjoyed my work.
Is there one particular subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?
I'm one of those dreadful authors who will write about anything, even if it it's a little controversial, provided it is not just slung in for sensationalism. There are taboo subjects, but I was the first author to write a humorous book about the menopause, and one on male menopause or 'Irritable Male Syndrome', so not many subjects are off limits to me. I must add here, I would want to make sure I had all my facts straight before writing.
Is there a type of scene that's harder for you to write than others?
I actually struggled big time, with the first scene in Little Girl Lost. I had real problems committing to it, yet I needed it for the story. It dragged up some pretty nasty stuff from the past that I wanted to leave buried but now, when I read it, I think what a gripping opening it is.
Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
I don't think big egos are ever a good thing. A writer is no more special than anyone else. Besides, successful writers owe their success to bloggers, reviewers, publishers and a whole host of other people. It's a team effort in the end.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I have always adored language. I was a talker as a child and studied languages. It might surprise you to know I spoke and taught several languages including Japanese (although I have now forgotten too much).
I guess my earliest experience was when a stern-faced English teacher, who rarely gave praise to anyone, and who terrified us all, read out a humorous story I had written. Now, to put that into perspective, you need to know that I was a jolly unpopular child at that point. I was plain, wore glasses, outdated shoes, my hair in plaits and had just joined the school having been to several others. My parents were in the army, so I had been sent from one school to another. At that stage, I hadn't made any friends. Reading out that story was a turning point. The class laughed. They loved it and when she actually revealed it was me who had written it, it changed how people viewed me. I still owe that teacher for making my life a whole lot better.
How many unpublished/half-finished books do you have?
I'm writing book three of the DI Carter series. I would like to say it was half-finished but that would be an exaggeration. Book two in the series should be out in a couple of months and there is another humorous book lurking in Bookouture's vaults. The answer is two unpublished, but in the system, and one being written.
How long does it usually take you to write a book?
From conception to completion takes about a year but I have three or four books on the go all the time. Now, for instance, I am writing book three, brewing up ideas for book four in the DI carter series, doing structural edits for book two in the series and wondering if my brain will explode.
Little Lost Girl is getting rave reviews! What made you decide to change genres from light, funny and romantic to psychological thrillers?
Very long story but I'll say, the time was right. I was writing in more and more twists into my humorous books and decided they'd be better suited to thrillers. Also, I wrote a collection of short stories in 2014, Love Hurts, some of which were dark. I was invited to read them out to a live audience at BBC Radio Derby and they preferred the very dark stories. I have always read thrillers and thought I'd change genre. There's only so many funny stories you can write yet there are endless thrillers!
Is there anything that was edited out that you wish had been kept?
No. Not in this book. My editor suggested I add lots of sections and I'm really glad she did. The book is a whole lot better than the first draft.
How many books do you foresee in this series?
I have ideas for eight at the moment, but it will all depend on the publisher and how popular DI Robyn Carter becomes. I can keep them coming if folk like them.
If you could cast the characters of Little Girl Lost for a movie, who would play your characters?
This is too tough for me to answer as I don't get the chance to watch movies or television. I do know I'd like Robyn Carter played by Jennifer Carpenter who played Debra Morgan, Dexter's sister in the series Dexter.
Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Any advice on how to deal with the bad?
I try to read all my reviews and choke back sobs when I get a lousy one. When I first began writing, I put up my first few chapters of my precious book onto a website YouWriteOn. There, in exchange for reading other's works and offering advice as to how it might be improved, you get reviews on your work. Some of the ones I received were brutal and I cried genuine tears. Once I got over it and read what they were saying, picked out the helpful advice and changed my book, I had learned how to deal with criticism. It is never good to get a horrible review, but you have to accept not everyone is going to love your books. Personally, I would rather not write a review on a book I didn't enjoy than systematically pull it apart, because it can really hurt a writer's feelings. I say to all writers - take a deep breath and remember the good reviews.
If you didn't like writing books, what would you do for a living?
Not like writing books? That'd ever happen. I'd like to be a presenter on television, or an actress - I am such a media whore.
What's the best money you ever spent as a writer?
On editing. It has to be perfect. Choose an editor with a good reputation though.
Have you ever gotten reader's block? How did you get out of it?
The simple answer is no. Never. I am waiting for that day. When it happens, I'll go and do something else for a few days until my mind has cleared.
Do you google yourself?
Yes. I have Google alerts set up. How sad am I? Actually, it's so I can thank people if they do a post on me or my books. I would hate to miss them.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
My old teddy bear. He reminds me of being a child and enjoying life. As long as I am enjoying what I do, I'll always write.
What are you working on now? What is your next project?
I'm on book three in the DI Robyn Carter series and scared myself witless with the prologue to it. I have had to put it down to do edits but I'll be back to it by the end of the week.
What literary character is most like you?
Tigger in Winnie The Pooh. I'm nearly always cheerful, mostly bounce about, am irrepressible and jolly annoying.
What authors have inspired you?
Please don't judge me on this but I studied Literature at university so Chaucer and Voltaire have been my inspiration with regards to humour. I was brought up on a diet of Agatha Christie and Dennis Wheatley so I have to blame them for my love of thrillers, twists and surprises.
What's one piece of advice you have received that has always resonated with you?
Carpe Diem. Seize the day. There have been many lows in my life with regards to health but I have always grabbed every opportunity. I recommend everyone tries to do the same.
You can stalk her here 😀:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolwyer/
Website: http://www.carolewyer.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@carolewyer
Big big thank you to Carol for taking the time to speak with me. She is an absolute delight and I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about her.
This is wonderful! If she wants Jennifer Carpenter to play her lead character then I know I will love it. Your glowing review had already sealed the deal so this is just icing. Fun interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks lady! I knew you'd like that part of the interview ;). Always appreciate your comments - means the world <3
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