You’ve written over 100 novels, but what inspired you to write that first novel?
I never imagined I could write a novel but I suffered with postpartum depression after the birth of my second son. I had this gorgeous, fat baby I adored, but I could hardly get out of bed. My mom came to visit, ripped me out of bed as only a Mom can do and told me, “I’ve got the boys, get downstairs and … write me a book.” I shrugged, and being the obedient daughter I am, I went downstairs and wrote a book. It cured my postpartum and I haven’t had time for a nap since!
How many books did it take for you to realize this could be your full-time career?
I never imagined I could write a novel but I suffered with postpartum depression after the birth of my second son. I had this gorgeous, fat baby I adored, but I could hardly get out of bed. My mom came to visit, ripped me out of bed as only a Mom can do and told me, “I’ve got the boys, get downstairs and … write me a book.” I shrugged, and being the obedient daughter I am, I went downstairs and wrote a book. It cured my postpartum and I haven’t had time for a nap since!
How many books did it take for you to realize this could be your full-time career?
I can’t remember how many books, but it was about twelve years after I started that first book. I’d had books published and was making some money, but not enough to justify the time I spent on writing.
My Billionaire Bride Pact Romances that came out in 2014 were the books that really launched my career and made me realize that writing wasn’t just my passion, but I could be successful at it.
Did you start with the idea of doing a series? Or did that come later?
My first two books are stand-alones but most of my books are series. It’s a lot of fun to have overlapping characters and it actually makes it easier to crank out books when you at least know the characters in the next one.
My first two books are stand-alones but most of my books are series. It’s a lot of fun to have overlapping characters and it actually makes it easier to crank out books when you at least know the characters in the next one.
Three of your series have billionaires as your lead protagonists. What makes that such a popular sub-genre?
I wonder if the billionaire draw is that it’s so far removed from real life. It definitely is fun to not have to worry about money or any kind of budget when I write with a billionaire protagonist. It opens up a lot of fun adventures that most of us will never be able to afford. My editors keep me in line about how a billionaire would act. I would have them scrubbing toilets. I love men that will scrub toilets ;).
Your books are independently published. What do you personally handle and what do you hire out?
The formatting is easy with Vellum. I have an awesome cover designer and amazing editors. I also hire out my social media so I don’t have to spend any time away from writing and I have a fabulous ad agency that does all my marketing. The hardest part for me is managing everything and staying on top of deadlines while still being a fun wife and mom.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
The setting is definitely the hardest. I love dialogue, action, and relationships, but my editors are always calling me out for ignoring the setting.
Your books are independently published. What do you personally handle and what do you hire out?
The formatting is easy with Vellum. I have an awesome cover designer and amazing editors. I also hire out my social media so I don’t have to spend any time away from writing and I have a fabulous ad agency that does all my marketing. The hardest part for me is managing everything and staying on top of deadlines while still being a fun wife and mom.
The setting is definitely the hardest. I love dialogue, action, and relationships, but my editors are always calling me out for ignoring the setting.
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
Not to take it all too seriously. I love writing and I love my characters and books, but sometimes I’ve gotten too invested and thought it was the end of the world if I didn’t get my words in for the day or if I got a lackluster review. Now I just roll with it, but that might be just being old and not caring as much ;).
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Don’t give up. If you love writing keep on putting those words down, believing in yourself, praying hard, and it will all work out.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Find incredible author friends. My writing friends lift me and understand me and I would never be where I am without their help and support.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Loving the Rancher. It’s so good! A tough rancher and a woman with amnesia. When her past catches up with her, will their love be strong enough to overcome the evil chasing her?
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Cami's writing, and maybe even get a book, start with these links.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Don’t give up. If you love writing keep on putting those words down, believing in yourself, praying hard, and it will all work out.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Find incredible author friends. My writing friends lift me and understand me and I would never be where I am without their help and support.
Loving the Rancher. It’s so good! A tough rancher and a woman with amnesia. When her past catches up with her, will their love be strong enough to overcome the evil chasing her?
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Cami's writing, and maybe even get a book, start with these links.
Website: https://www.camichecketts.com/
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