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One Book at a Time by Carolyn Hart
May 30, 2013
I agree with the Zen tenet of being in the moment. We can't change the past or
foresee the future. What we have is now. For me, now is 2013, a year marked by
the publication of my 50th novel DEAD, WHITE, AND BLUE, my
51st novel GHOST GONE
WILD, the first print publication of a suspense novel CRY IN THE NIGHT, and,
serendipitiously, the reappearance of seven previously published suspense or
mystery novels. The rush of books has left me amazed and delighted and led me to a rare backward
look. When I wrote DEATH ON
DEMAND, the first in the bookstore series, I was a failed author who had
written seven books in seven years and not sold any of them. I decided I'd try
one more time and I'd write the kind of book I liked to read, about a young
couple that understands the reality of love caught up in solving a crime about
ordinary people. I'm still writing about that couple in their 23rd adventure. I've been asked if
I get bored with Annie and Max and their sea island and the mystery bookstore
that celebrates the kind of books I love. No. I like them. I have fun with them.
I want to know what they will encounter and, most importantly, who they will
encounter in their next mystery. In every book, including the other series and standalones, I write about
individuals. Each person is singular. When next at a meeting or at church or at
a cocktail party, look around the room at the people attending. Each one is
asolutely individual. If you knew the real story of that man with the myopic
gaze and the nervous laugh or the woman who is talking too loud and too much,
they would be fascinating. Every person has a story and that story is compelling
and real and often heartbreaking. It is this great wealth of individuality that makes it possible for writers to
write and write and write. You see, we write one book at a time and we are
immersed in the passions and despair and hopes of the characters in that
particular book. When I wrote DEAD, WHITE,
AND BLUE, I wanted to understand how a man who loves his wife can make a
huge mistake and how much that mistake will cost him and his family. I wanted to
figure out how a woman could walk into the pines and never be seen again. I
wanted to know whether a teenager's desperate gamble would pay off. I found out. And I hope you will want to find out as well. And now I'm working on another book about love beyond the grave and duty and
greed . . . For an update on all the books, please visit my website www.CarolynHart.com One lucky commenter will win DEAD, WHITE, AND BLUE, WHAT THE CAT SAW, and SKULDUGGERY from Carolyn,
so what do you think keeps a relationship in books so fresh?
Comments
46 comments posted.
Re: One Book at a Time by Carolyn Hart
I like there to be a combination of predictability and surprises, i.e. I like to be sure that a couple deeply cares for each other even as they manage to retain their individuality and unexpected reactions or past history. I am glad that you persevered and have achieved such success and I do enjoy the fascinating characters you create. Good luck with the new release and thank you for the giveaway.
(E Felder 1:18am May 30, 2013)
Like in real life the characters have to work to keep a relationship fresh and never take advantage of one another!
(Tracie Travis 1:54am May 30, 2013)
I love to read and I know what I like and don't like. Keeping a character fresh, especially after 50 books cannot be easy. I really respect authors that can do it but I don't know what the key to doing that is.
(Kathleen Yohanna 3:57am May 30, 2013)
Characters should change and grow and keep things fresh...just like we do
(Bonnie Capuano 8:11am May 30, 2013)
I'm delighted that you have sustained a series for so many books. And you show us that perseverance is everything. I'm sure your earlier books were good too, just not what was marketable at the time, or not even read by agents. E-books have opened up so many chances for reissues and getting early books published, it's fantastic.
(Clare O'Beara 8:54am May 30, 2013)
So what do you think keeps a relationship in books so fresh?
Personality. Everyone is different, so they each bring their
own personality to the relationship, and that makes each
relationship unique. :-)
(Roswita Hildebrandt 9:05am May 30, 2013)
I think that the story line keeps the relationship fresh in books. You get to know the characters, so they become like a part of the family, but when the story changes, there's a newness about them, that puts them in a new light. I feel bad that I have been out of the loop as far as reading goes. There were so many things swirling around in my personal life, that picking up a book to read was the last thing I had time for, which should have been the first thing I should have done for a respite. Anyway, it looks like I have a few books to catch up on, since you've written so many!! Your characters sound charming, and the story lines sound terrific!! I can't wait to read them all!! Congratulations on your latest book!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:32am May 30, 2013)
Individuals whose personalities and characters evolve and
develop are interesting and important within the storyline.
(Sharon Berger 9:35am May 30, 2013)
Growth. I like to see the characters grow in their feelings and ideals.
When you say "I was a failed author", I do not see that. In all my trainings (I am a travel professional) all cruise lines, tour companies, etc said there is never "a dumb question" and when I read what you wrote, I thought of that phrase.
Your books sound like there are real people in the books and real occasions.
Appreciate the giveaway.
(Leona Olson 9:44am May 30, 2013)
Congratulations on writing so many successful books. Some writers have a unique style no matter what they are writing and makes you want to keep coming back.
(Susan Clickner 9:50am May 30, 2013)
Characters grow and change... just like real people! And great writer write interesting characters!
(May Pau 10:03am May 30, 2013)
not familiar with your writings but this sounds very interesting.
(Mal Kaplan 10:16am May 30, 2013)
They need to change and grow just like real people.
(Wilma Frana 10:26am May 30, 2013)
charectors or people change as they become older and more
wiser. the world around us makes us all we are all different
from 10 years ago then we are today. i hope i am better today
then i was then
(Denise Smith 10:38am May 30, 2013)
I think that characters need some form of exciting event and or location to keep a book interesting, but you seem to do really well with that. I like feisty women characters in books personally. Thank you for the giveaway; would love to have the books. Keep up the great writing, Carolyn.
(Cynthia Blain 10:39am May 30, 2013)
Thank you for the reminder about living in the NOW. I needed that this morning. Also, congrats on your 51st book! That's amazing. I'm still struggling to get through #1 so it's inspiring.
I've never read your books but I now can't wait to. I am intrigued. I love the idea of being immersed in ones characters. I can't wait to get immersed myself :)
Wishing you all a beautiful day.
(Christina Keach 11:07am May 30, 2013)
I think things are kept fresh because you add new personalities and new adventures. The characters are doing different things and moving through life and encountering real life adventures
(Anne Pichette 11:09am May 30, 2013)
I have read all the Death on Demand books. You really found the combination of characters and incidents plus believability (sp?) that makes a book fun to read. Annie and Max are friends, I feel, and I like them! That's why I love the books. I look forward to reading lots more of their adventures.
(Clydia DeFreese 11:12am May 30, 2013)
I know I have changed during the years, so I believe characters do the same. Also, each adventure is different and other characters are introduced.
(Anna Speed 11:34am May 30, 2013)
I believe that it's a lot of hard work, second chances and true love. It doesn't always mean they will survive the duration of their union unscathed, but they make the effort to keep on trying and reinventing themselves.
(Sandie White 11:37am May 30, 2013)
I loved your comments about life being so interesting because of the individuals in the worlds - and their storylines. I think that's what keeps the world fresh, in our daily encounters, and I think that's what keeps books fresh - if the author can capture the essence of individuality. Thanks for all your wonderful books.
(Nancy Reynolds 11:52am May 30, 2013)
I think what keeps relationships in books interesting is the mystery each of us has, while we continue to grow as individuals. Thank you for writing such great books!
(C Culp 12:01pm May 30, 2013)
I think your ability to see that every single person has a unique story keeps things fresh for your books. You are pretty amazing!
(Elaine Klingbeil 12:03pm May 30, 2013)
Relationships stay fresh when the participants work at them. I love to see they way that works in the books that I read.
(Betty Hamilton 12:18pm May 30, 2013)
I've always loved your books and this one sounds as good as the others.
(Penny Mettert 1:39pm May 30, 2013)
Wow - this sounds great!!
(Carla Carlson 1:50pm May 30, 2013)
An author who cares about the characters
(Elizabeth Dodd 2:08pm May 30, 2013)
WOW This would be a great win. You're a new author to me. These sound very good.
(Cathy Thomas 2:33pm May 30, 2013)
I want to be Annie Darling and marry Max Darling. I love the characters.
(Shannon Scott 2:50pm May 30, 2013)
I like characters to grow and change.
(Sandy Giden 3:47pm May 30, 2013)
People who actually care for one another is always good.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 4:45pm May 30, 2013)
The characters adventures and unexpected events that take place, and the relationships between them always keeps books fresh. Your books sound amazing!
(Linda Luinstra 6:25pm May 30, 2013)
The characters' growth and change.
(Mary C 6:50pm May 30, 2013)
The relationship in books needs to be realistic no matter if it is a good or a questionable combination. I like a variety and not the predictable stories all the time!
(LeAnn Knott 7:14pm May 30, 2013)
I love your books! The characters are always evolving. I enjoy the complexity of the characters because they have so much depth. And "Dead, White and Blue" is fabulous. Keep them coming!
(Nancy L Gessner 7:36pm May 30, 2013)
The characters growth and the way they react to situations and
other characters, especially in a series.
(Ivy Truitt 8:51pm May 30, 2013)
So what do you think keeps a relationship in books so fresh?
I love where the characters grow and evolve together with
loads of romance, danger, excitement, adventures and mystery
and other great things that keep you on the edge of your
seat reading on and on. Congrats on writing over 50 books
and what a blessing from GOD to become such a great writer.
I would love to write some books too. Thanks for the great
contest and I would love to read and win these great books
that you have written. God Bless You with loads of success!
Thanks, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 9:40pm May 30, 2013)
I love the surprise factor when I think I know and them boom I don't it is so exciting!
(Darci Paice 10:01pm May 30, 2013)
i think you have to work really hard to keep a relationship fresh..i think it is even harder in a book..love to win and read your books..they sound so good...love the covers
(Kimberly Hoefs 11:23pm May 30, 2013)
Keeping a character interesting is knowing the character but still being surprised by the character. It's kind of like if you ask 50 people about 1 person you'll get 50 different shades of an answer.
(Laura Gullickson 3:17pm May 31, 2013)
New situations and characters keep the story and relationships fresh.
(Michelle Fidler 3:40pm May 31, 2013)
A character remaining fresh in the mind of the reader is what is important: the good, the bad and the ugly. It is the author that fosters our imaginations, keeps us surprised, confused, happy, sad. Then they make the movie!
(Marguerite Beal 5:18pm May 31, 2013)
I think what keeps a relationship fresh in books is the same
thing that keeps relationships fresh in life, new situations,
shared memories, surprise.
(Karen Hansen 5:42pm May 31, 2013)
I think the characters stay fresh if they grow and mature just like real life---and have real life relationship problems.
(Sue Farrell 11:15pm May 31, 2013)
The characters have to have growth in their relationship. They have to learn a crucial lesson about themselves and that they are better people than when we are first introduced to them.
(Kai Wong 12:48pm June 1, 2013)
Watching the characters figure out their place in the world.
(Mary Preston 11:43pm June 1, 2013)
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