MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR CHARITY B.

MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR CHARITY B.

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?

My name is Charity B. and my current books fall into the dark romantic suspense category.

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

My upcoming novel is called Anointed and is coming this November. It’s a standalone set in a radical religious cult. I have always had a fascination with cults and wanted to give a different take on the subject. I’m a pantster so all my stories unfold as I write them, but I took a lot of inspiration from true events as well (Jonestown, Mount Carmel etc.) While this book touches some sensitive subjects, I always try to put some kind of positive message in my stories and this was no different.

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

I actually dabbled in fantasy until I read the Dark Duet by C.J. Roberts. After that, I was addicted to dark romance and knew that’s where my place was artistically. I love the mix of sexy, disturbing, darkness, and light. It’s perfect for me on all levels. I don’t see myself straying very far from the dark romance genre in the future.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I watched a lot of interviews and read a lot about the simple life. I also researched many religions such as Amish, Mennonite, Mormon, ect. as well as groups classified as ‘cults’. I read many stories of people on both sides, some were still very devout while others saw it as deception. Then there was quite a bit of research on little things, like how to drive a horse and buggy, 1900’s medical supplies, clothing, things like that.

Can you tell me about your Series?

My Sweet Treats series also deals with a lot of dark issues and definitely not for the faint of heart. I really wanted to have a unique take on dark romance. I knew I wanted a female with an extremely dark past who was kind of a mess and a male who had it all together. From there it just snowballed. I wanted to show how quickly we judge and how wrong we can be. This series has almost every trigger from drug use to extreme child abuse. Though I did try to write it in such a way that would make the reader as comfortable as possible while reading such horrible topics. They must be read in order or you will be lost.

Do you have a favorite book out of this series?

Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons is the last book in the series and my absolute favorite. While it’s technically a prequel, to enjoy the story to the fullest, it must be read last. This was the most intense and emotionally difficult book to write, but I created such a strong bond with the characters through the process. For most of the people that were able to finish this book, because it is very heart wrenching, it seemed to be the favorite as well.

Where did you get the inspiration/idea for your series?

I took a lot of inspiration from actual events for this as well. The final product of this series is quite different from the original, but I knew I wanted the hero to think the heroin was one way, when in reality there are so many levels and layers to her history, leading him to learn she’s so much more than he realized. I also wanted the female to have the sexual oddities as opposed to the male. I knew they were opposites, but I didn’t realize quite how opposite until I wrote the book.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I did a ton of research on heroin use. I know there is more misconception than truth on the subject in media and I strive to have realism in all my stories. I watched videos, read posts, and journals about those in withdrawal as well as the process of using. Lots of drug research. The heroin has Tourette’s syndrome, so I did quite a bit of research on that. The hero owns a theatre so I watched interviews of theatre owners and read what I could on that as well. There was so much research that went into this series, from laws to medical knowledge. I quite enjoy research, I learn a lot.

Was it always meant to become a series?

Well I didn’t plan on a trilogy. Originally, it was a duet, but I quickly knew I needed to tell the beginning to finish the story and I was right. The final book really is the final piece that locks everything into place.

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

My life is kind of wonky and I’m working on being more organized and making a schedule, but right now I write every single chance I get. In fact, I’m really bad about not getting other things done that I’m supposed to because I get lost in writing! I’m a stay at home mom, and my son is in pre-school, so I always write during that time and at night when my husband gets home. It’s not ideal, but usually I write in my living room on my couch. I’m really good at tuning things out. Unless there’s that rare time that I’m alone, then I use my desk. I used to have a writey-hole room, but I don’t have that currently.

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

Oh, very important. I usually have what they look like in my head before I start writing, so sometimes I’ll use ethnicity to inspire their names. I also want them to match the tone of the book. More likely than not though, especially with main characters, the names just kind of appear. It’s kind of magical actually.

Where do your ideas come from?

Oh man, I can get inspiration from literally anything. The biggest ones are music, paintings, photography, and film. It’s crazy how any little thing can spark something. I get ideas just from watching real people in the grocery store. People watching is a great way to learn different mannerisms and body language.

Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?

Yes! I have a concept for a dark romantic comedy, but as far as I can tell there is nothing like what I’m talking about out there, so the genre doesn’t actually exist. I really want to write something that has the comedic relief with the dark, disturbing subject matter that I love. I just want to get a few more books under my belt before I take that risk.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Marketing! There are so many books out there, it’s so hard to get people to give you a chance. You never know if a certain avenue will be beneficial and what works with one book, won’t work with another. Then the blurbs. I HATE them. It’s so hard to condense the entire book into roughly a couple hundred words while not giving away spoilers AND make it intriguing.

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I love book trailers! I intend to have them for all my books.

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

Well I want to say my son, but he’s not really an ‘accomplishment’ he’s simply the best thing that ever happened to me. So, I would have to say publishing my books. It was so terrifying sending those books out into the world for anyone to say whatever they want about them. I have a real love for my stories and characters and it would have been so easy to keep them to myself, but I also felt like the story was one that might actually affect people in a positive way, so I went for it. There were times it seemed impossible, but I set my mind to something, worked my ass off and creating something beautiful with nothing more than my mind and keyboard. I’m pretty proud of myself for that.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

Knowing that there are people out there that not only are reading my stories, but are being touched by them. I can’t accurately express how that makes me feel. Also, holding the physical copies of the books is pretty amazing.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Honestly writing is all I ever wanted, so my only hope is that I can continue to put out beautiful stories and an expand my audience. I want to do more signings and I would like to attempt being published through a major publishing house, just to see if I could do it.

Have you always liked to write?

Yes! It started off as just storytelling, rearranging them in my head, but I eventually began to write them down. Though, I didn’t get serious about publishing until about four years ago.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Listen to your characters. First drafts are crap. Don’t be afraid to rewrite. Editing is your friend. Be open to feedback and let it enhance your writing, but follow your gut and always remember this is YOUR story.

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

Something in the Psychology field dealing with mental disorders. Specifically, violent ones. The mind is a miraculous and intriguing thing and if I ever go back to school it would be for this.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I do, even if I probably shouldn’t. I think things can be learned from reviews, especially the bad ones, though of course, it stings. It also feels amazing to read the incredible things people say in the positive reviews and can really give me a boost when I need it.

What is your least favourite part of the writing / publishing process?

Actually, writing is the best part. That first draft is the most magical part of the process for me. I hate a love/hate relationship with covers. I have a very clear vision for most of my covers, but unfortunately, they aren’t always what appeals to readers.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a dark romance set in a traveling freak show. It’s still very new and so it’s not yet titled and not much is finished on it, so all I really know is it will be out in 2019 sometime. Whether it will be a standalone or more has yet to be seen.

Can you give us a few tasty morsels from your work-in-progress?

It’s still very new, so it has not had any editing yet, but this is from the prologue:

“Wh-what’s wrong with her?!” Charlotte shrieks in horror. “No! Get it away from me! It’s one of them! Get rid of it!” She crawls further up the couch to escape the infant in her husband’s arms.

“What am I supposed to do with her?” Kenneth whispers as he looks at his brand-new child.

Charlotte jumps off the couch, her umbilical chord and afterbirth dragging the ground. “I don’t care! We will be a laughing stock! We’ll be outcasts! Now get that evil thing out of here!”

Shaking, Kenneth turns to his son. “Here, boy!”

Kendal scrambles down the stairs and runs to his father holding the red-smeared, crying baby.

“Get it out! Get it out!”

Her shrill screams set both Kenneth and Kendal on edge. The boy’s father hands him his sister. “Take a trash bag from the kitchen, put her in it and take her down to the river. The water’s frozen, so she shouldn’t suffer long.”

Kendal takes the slippery child. Everything about her is paler than snow. The wisps of hair across her head and eyelids are nearly translucent. Her skin is so white it makes his own skin seem so dark in comparison. The only color she has is the subtle pink tint around her lips, eyes, and fingernails. His mother was right. She’s one of them.

Where did your love of books come from?

I think it started because I was read to a lot as a child. Some of my earliest memories are being read to before bed. My dad would keep lemon candies under his pillow for me and my sister to eat while he read to us.

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

Melissa Marr gave me my first major book hangover with the Wicked Lovely series. That will forever be a favorite. C.J. Roberts’ Dark Duet had an enormous impact on my writing and will always have a place as a favorite. K. Webster has a fabulous mind and I loved her whispers and the ROARS book. Yolanda Olson’s books are insane in the best way. I really could just keep going, I have SO many favorite books and authors.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

Toben from the Sweet Treats books really crawled his way into my heart, deep. I feel such a connection with him. He was almost an easy character to write because he felt so loud in my head. I see him in a lot of things and he is such an emotionally layered character.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Writing is my sanity pill. When I write I’m able to put everything stressful in my life in a cage. I’m able to forget about it to go live in another world for a bit. So, it definitely energizes me, mentally and emotionally.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Punctuation, honestly. Commas kill me. I know that’s terrible, so thank goodness for my editor!

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I definitely strive for originality. I write because I love to tell the stories in my head and I hope that other people can get something positive from them as well. As soon as I start trying to please the masses, half of what I love would be gone. I write what’s me and hope people enjoy it.

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I have met some incredible authors, some of which have been a huge support and helped me in any way they can. I don’t want to name them because I’m worried I’ll leave someone out, but I feel like their support just makes such a difference. Every author has their strong and weak points in their writing and I can learn from both to improve my own writing.

If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

“The Misfit Princess”

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

I don’t know! Maybe, if I would ever want my books to be made into a movie? I’m torn on this because I know what adaptations do to books, and it’s usually destroying them, but to be able to physically watch it like that, would be overwhelmingly incredib