Sometimes It Takes a Second Book To Find Your Writer's Voice: Author Interview with Audrey Carnes

You’ve now published several books, but what inspired you to write that first one? What made you choose contemporary romance? How long did it take you to write your first book that was published?
My first book that I self-published was actually a cozy mystery! I had no clue what I was doing, knew nothing about marketing, and once I put it out in the world, I just had massive writer's block. I was lucky enough to later be paired with a wonderful writer's circle and one of the published writers in there gave me a challenge to write a novella based on a prompt. I love reading romance, so once I got writing, that's just where the story went, and the rest is history! It only took me a couple weeks to finish because the story just flew out!  

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
 I've been fortunate to have a lot of encouragement in my writing, from my writing circle, readers, and even Victorine Lieske! Victorine was so kind, she bought and read my latest book and sent me detailed feedback. I was stunned at her generosity. The biggest encouragement from her was that she could totally see me being a bestselling author one day!

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
 Hands-down, the Zoebub ("Stuff Your Kindle") has been the best source of money - not so much for sales because books are free, but my KENP for that one book has been higher than for any other book ever since the Zoebub ran. My newsletter is probably also a good source for sales.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
To refrain from buying a bunch of premade covers until I had firmly established my niche. I love premades so much, though--it's almost an addiction! =)

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
 Don't be afraid to experiment with different genres and different lengths. I am writing longer now and I will probably go back to cozy mystery at some point in addition to sweet romance, but if I hadn't received that initial push from my writing circle, I probably would still be slowly whittling away at the same novel and feeling stuck.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I am a firm believer that there are readers for every writer. The number might be bigger or smaller, and some reader groups might be harder to find, but they're out there. Also, find your own writing circle--it's been absolutely pivotal for me.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next book, A Second Chance in Half Moon Bay, is coming out Sept 30! It's a follow-up to The Billionaire Innkeeper of Half Moon Bay, which has been my bestseller to date. The tagline is ... He’s her brother’s best friend that she’s always been in love with. He's always been out of reach. Until now. 

The story follows Derrick, the black sheep of the Bellamie family, and Sammi, who has had an unrequited crush on him since she was a teenager. Just when she all but gives up on him and resolves to move away to try to start a life of her own, Derrick finally opens his eyes to see the kind, talented, and beautiful woman in front of him. But is he too late? Find out in A Second Chance in Half Moon Bay!

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about her writing and funny snippets from her family life, follow her on Facebook and have an opportunity to get some of her sweet romance books for free! Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087533051316

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive an eBook copy of  Stuck with Santa, short Christmas sweet/clean rom com. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Friday!