Author's Name: Carolyn Hughey
Website: www.carolynhughey.com

Carolyn writes contemporary romantic comedy and romantic suspense. Her debut novel is now available from Avalon Books.

New Release:
CUPID'S WEB
Avalon Books, October 2007

Cassie Pirelli has big problems! She has a Mama who suffers from Cupiditis; a boss she'd give her eye-tooth to date, but won't because he's the boss; and a colleague who wants more than a casual relationship. And, as if that isn't bad enough, Mama's choice of husbands refuses to take "no" for an answer.

Reviews:

Hughey has penned a brisk and entertaining romantic comedy, complete with a wise-cracking and endearing heroine. ~ Shelley Mosley of Booklist

Cupid's Web is light and frothy. Readers will laugh, they'll cry, and they'll fall in love with Cassie Pirelli and her misadventures in the big city. ~ Alesia Holliday, 2006 RITA winner

Read An Excerpt

On Writing

I started writing as a means of escapism from my busy culinary business. I'd been reading novels by Holly Jacobs and Janet Evanovich, whose characters were so reminiscent of my own crazy life, that we became kindred spirits. It helped me realize I shouldn't sweat the small stuff-definitely just what the doctor ordered, but more importantly, it was the key to taking that first step. But at that point, I was so busy, I only wrote on occasion, never thinking it would lead to anything.

A few years after that, I met a published author who was instrumental in pushing me to join RWA, and as they say, the rest is history. That was three years ago.

On Genre

I write in two genres: romantic comedy and romantic suspense. I love writing both. CUPID'S WEB, my debut novel is being released in October, is romantic comedy with overtones of Chicklitty-type heroine.

At one point, I was writing three stories, taking turns between RomCom and RomSus. It wasn't until my critique partner mentioned that my serious romantic suspense started sounding like Chick lit. That's when I realized its okay to switch back and forth within the same genre, but writing the more serious novel, needs to be by itself.

On the Writing Process

When I first come up with idea, I always know the beginning and the end. Instead of plotting the story right then, I have to write about five chapters before I can formulate the story line. Then, I'll write a synopsis, off the top of my head, and then I plot my story out. I know it sounds weird, but it works for me. :)

Where do you get most of your ideas from?

Everyone has a story to tell, whether it be from personal experience, from something you've heard about, overheard in conversations, or read about. It's easy to build a story from those by playing the "what if" game.

I always have a notebook on hand for those times when ideas pop into my head, and sometimes, I'll use several of those ideas in one story as part of the heroine's journey.

What's the hardest part of writing for you?

Hands down, it's letting go of the characters. I become so attached to them, it's hard to say goodbye. When I wrote Cupid's Web, I wasn't planning it as a series, but hey, I'm just like the reading audience, I want to know where her life is going to take her, hence, the second in the series is currently under consideration.

For me, that urge to keep the stories going is more prominent in the romantic comedies than the romantic suspense genres in which I write.

On Writing Schedule: Do you have a schedule/routine?

Absolutely. I sit down in front of my computer the first thing in the morning and check my email. Once exercise and chores are out of the way, I'm back at the computer for the rest of the day. I write about six hours per day.

On Writer's Block

Fortunately, I've never experienced writer's block. However, there are days I just don't feel like writing. In that case, I read the genre in which I'm writing.

On Conferences and Contests

I absolutely think conferences are imperative, not just for educational purposes, but it's a wonderful opportunity to network, and hobnob with some of the bestselling authors who share their experiences.

On Getting "The Call"

OMG, it was the most amazing feeling-as is the entire process. It never gets stale. Kelley St. John interviewed me on getting The Call". It was the most exciting thing to receive that call. I laughed, I cried, then I worried maybe I only dreamt it. :) Check out Kelley's site at www.kelleystjohn.com.

On Being a Published Author: What's the Best and Worst Thing?

Wow! The excitement of knowing you've been offered a contract-holding that book in your hands for the first time-seeing your name on the cover. That is especially exciting for me because Cupid's Web was my very first completed manuscript, and Avalon was the only publisher I sent it to. I'm very fortunate, and extremely grateful they liked what they read.

I haven't found anything I could consider to be the worst thing, but I'm here to tell you, the biggest challenge every author faces is once you're published, is staying published.

Best Advice Received

Always finish what you start, and never let anyone steal your dream.

On Promotion: How important do you think self-promotion is?

Absolutely the most important thing you can do for your career. I've just submitted an article to our FTH newsletter on this very subject.

Joining yahoo groups in the genres in which you write is extremely helpful. There are so many knowledgeable writers/authors out there just waiting for you to ask a question about the craft. I think this, more than anything, has been instrumental in developing my career. Continue to read books on the craft, learn everything you can about writing, take workshops, retreats, that's all part of being a writer. And, after you've made your mark, don't forget to 'pay it forward' to help others in need.

On Publishers

Avalon Books is a small New York publisher. They publish 60 books per year, and they love my work. What could be better than that? They're easy to work with, they respond to my emails in a timely manner, and Erin, the senior editor, is just amazing!!

On Agents

I don't have an agent as of yet, but I'm working on obtaining one for future publishing houses in which I'd like to become involved. Good agents are instrumental in placing your work in the right hands of the larger publishing houses.

I also think a good agent can take some of the pressure off the author by handling the submissions, etc.

On the Future

I'm working on a spicy romantic comedy entitled MAGNETIC ATTRACTION, and a romantic suspense entitled THE LAST WITNESS. In between all of this, I'm marketing my book [CUPID'S WEB].

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Never let anyone steal your dream, and never give up.

On FTHRW: What does belonging to FTHRW mean to you?

Wow! FTH is the first chapter I joined after becoming an RWA member. It is the best chapter on the universe!!!

FTH has been instrumental in helping to mold my career. These members are generous, caring people who never tire of sharing their knowledge, cheering you up when you're sad, patting you on the back when you've done good, and becoming a part of your family. Some of my dearest and most valued friendships are FTHers, and I just adore them.

FTH has provided a means of giving every member what they need. I've often said; belonging to an online chapter is far better than a land chapter. If you ask a question in a land chapter, you're going to get one answer, whereas with FTH, you're going to get several.

I'm a strong advocate of FTH and never fail to recruit new members.

The Last Word

If you believe strongly in your abilities, never give up. When I first started writing, I took a piece of paper on which I wrote "I will be a published author" and pasted it on my computer to read every day. It just goes to prove that anything is possible when you believe. You can do it!

Visit Carolyn online at http://www.carolynhughey.com

(Interviewed October, 2007)