Waves to everyone because it’s been a while since I’ve had an author interview, and I’m really excited that CM Corett decided to stop by today. CM has a new release for you, too, so after we talk a bit, take a look at the cover and blurb for Amending Plans, then hit that buy link, lol. You won’t regret it. 🙂
So now, let’s get started.
First question is about a reader habit. When I was a kid, I felt as though I had to finish every book I started. That is a habit I have since kicked to the curb. How about you? Do you finish what you start, or have you decided life is too short to read what you don’t like?
It’s rare for me to abandon a book part-way through. I think I persevere because I’m holding onto the hope that the story will redeem itself. However, the one thing guaranteed to make me stop reading is bad (and I mean really bad) spelling and editing. I can ignore quite a few mistakes, but I’ve come across some ebooks containing so many errors that I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. Of course, I didn’t. I clicked ‘Delete book’ instead.
Well, hell, smashing a kindle to smithereens is so much more dramatic, lol. I share your pain about the poor editing though. I’m fairly accepting of a few errors because I realize it’s costly to pay for multiple passes with a profession, but there’s a difference between a few flubs your writer brain just refuses to see and a book that looks like you never gave it a second glance. Writing is really hard, but it doesn’t end at the story. Speaking of hard stuff—names. Not quite as hard as titles, but I absolutely have to have the right names before I can connect to my characters. Do character names come to you magically, from people you know, from baby name books or sites, or some other method?
A few of my character names have just ‘magically’ revealed themselves. It was as if my character had named themselves–the names just fit. For my historical stories, I search websites to ensure I choose names from the relevant time period. One thing I can’t do is name a main character after someone I know personally. It just seems wrong.
I like to vary names from book to book, no names too similar, and as I said, I can’t get into the story if the names aren’t right. Of course, that’s not the same as being completely stuck. Do you believe in the dreaded writer’s block?
Unfortunately, yes. I recently experienced a few months (or five) in which I couldn’t write a single word. The ‘writers block’ coincided with a period of stressful changes and uncertainty at my day job. It pretty much killed my creativity and the desire to write, and I began to wonder if my writing days were over. Thankfully, as the stress at work eased, the ideas and words began to return.
I know that some people believe outlines are the cure to writer’s block. I will admit that when I pants it, I’m more inclined to run aground. What about your process?Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Both. It totally depends on my mood. I’ve written some stories by planning each plot point and scene in minute detail, and I’ve written others by just writing and seeing where the story takes me. So far it’s probably 50/50, but perhaps over time one style will emerge as the winner.
Okay, CM, thanks for coming by! I wish it could have been longer, but this is the life of busy writers. Best of luck with Amending Plans, it sounds fantastic. 🙂
Everybody else, please keep reading, and don’t forget to click on the buy link!
Amending Plans Blurb
Can these two opposites work together to make a new plan?
Luc Weston is employed by his uncle as a cartographer. He’s an office dwelling creator of maps and plans, but as his uncle’s heir, he must learn all aspects of the company. Specifically, surveying. The upside—spending time with the gorgeous surveyor, Rick Masters, in a cozy cabin. The downside—the cabin is in the woods. Luc hates nature, and nature hates him. He’s got the injuries and bites to prove it. How can he impress Rick in such a foreign and hostile environment?
Rick Masters can’t believe he has to babysit the boss’s privileged nephew for two weeks. Come on, the man turned up for a mountain survey wearing skinny jeans and toting a suitcase on wheels. But Luc’s attitude and self-deprecating humor has surprised him. Perhaps he’s misjudged him? He’s nothing like the robust outdoorsmen Rick is usually attracted to, and yet…those skinny jeans sure hug him in all the right places. But Rick has a plan for his life, and a man like Luc Weston could never be part of it. No way!
Author Bio
CM Corett is lucky enough to have two careers she loves—cartography and writing. She has lived in the USA and traveled the world gathering inspiration for her stories, but the beautiful beaches of Western Australia will always be her home. She is an avid reader and writer of love between men, and also loves movies, superheroes, and video games with awesome graphics. She hates housework and anyone who expects her to notice (or care about) the dust on top of the fridge. CM does not limit herself to one sub-genre. She writes contemporary, historical, sci-fi, and time travel… and she may have a few paranormal ideas awaiting her attention.
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