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An Interview With Carrie Keaton

Tell us a bit about yourself. What would you like us to know about you?

My name is Carrie James-Keaton and I live in Holly Grove, a very small rural community in the state of Arkansas. I am the eldest of five children and have three brothers and one sister. My husband Terry and I have been married for just over two years have a twenty-one year old son. Even though I have always lived near my parents, my recent marriage will not change my desire to reside nearby, just in case my parents need me. Presently, I work as an operator/technician at a major air-conditioner manufacturer. Also, I am a college student majoring in Business Administration, but I really love writing. This is my first novel --- though a short one --- but hopes to have many more entertaining books to follow this one.

What are you doing now? (Career? Married? Single? Children? Pets?)

Presently, I am working on my second book, which is a romance novel also. I also plan on getting a two-year degree in Business Administration in maybe another year. I am married and have a grown son. My pets are five goldfish which I haved named, Petey, Pokey, Pennie, Polly, Pauley.

What is your favourite food?

I love mexican, chinese, and good old all-American soulfood.

What is your favourite colour?

My favorite color is black.

What is your favourite sound?

My favorite sound is hearing the work bell go off so that I can go home. I stand on my feet for eight hours and are always eager to leave ast the end of my shift.

Who is your favourite person?

I love Oprah Winfrey. She is my mentor.

What is your favourite place?

My favorite place would be Florida if I had to choose a favorite place. Maybe one day I will have a chance to go.

What is your favourite memory?

My favorite memory would be when I hit a progressive jackpot on the slot machine for $10,000 and the machine was going, ding-ding-ding-ding-ding. That's a wonderful sound.

What is your favourite article of clothing?

I love large roomy tees.

What is your favourite word?

My favorite word would have to be a phrase and that would be, "I know that's right".

What is your favourite writers' quote and why?

I don't have a favorite.

What is your most favourite quality about yourself?

I'm a hopeless romantic.

What is the least favourite quality about yourself?

I am too sensitive.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

I would like to go to Montego Bay beacause from what I've seen in the travel brochures, it's a beautiful place.

What inspires you to write and why?

I am inspired to write by dreams of places I've never been, but would like to go. In my writing, I can travel any place I may want to go in my mind.

What is your favourite book and why?

My favorite book is any romance novel. I love love and being in love. When you look at love, I think that you're looking into the face of appreciation. Love is an emotion, a feeling, a wanting, and a “being” and we know that it feels good. When someone says they are "in love" with another, their appreciation is so enormous for this person that it consumes their every thought.
This type of feeling is what helps me to write.

What is your favourite genre and why?

My favorite genre is female because most females are more sensitive, emotional, and expressive in their sexuality. It seems harder for some men to express themselves in this way.

List your three favourite authors (any genre) and why?

Brenda Jackson, Danielle Steel, Kayla Perrin. These three women are very strong writers. They are all very popular authors and have many best sellers under their belts.

What do you think makes a writer successful?

I think that if you're determined to succeed as a writer, and have the will and the mindset to do it, then you'll succeed at it. You have to be determined enough to do what it takes. To make the necessary sacrifices. You need to actually do the work know setbacks will happen and obstacles will appear and learn to take them in stride.

Whta is it that makes you successful as a writer?

I think that it is my determination and will mostly, but talent is a part of it too. Also, I believe that you have to enjoy writing to become good at it.

What are your goals as a writer?

My goals are to continue writing and improving in storytelling abilities.

What is the best tip you can give to fellow writers?

You should never give up on your writing goals, stay away from negativity and surround yourslef with positive uplifting people who will encourage and support your endeavors.

What do you hope to provide your readers with through your writing?

At some point in our lives, many people have gone through ordeals in relationships ---- some worst than others. We have all had them and we never forget them. Everyone has heard the songs about how much love can hurt. Healthy relationships involve respect, trust, and consideration for the other person. Physical abuse, threats, intimidation, putdowns, and betrayal are all harmful forms of abuse that can really hurt — not just during the time it's happening, but long after too. I believe that readers will be able to relate to the trials and ups and downs of the characters in my book. I think that my book targets everyone who has lived, loved and gone through heartbreak, trials, and tribulations. Maybe people who been involved in abusive controlling and often violent relationships can relate to the things that my characters go through. Tina Turner is one good example of just how awful a very bad marriage can get. My book also targets how one’s life can be pulled back from the brinks of devastation and despair if you have the desire to help yourself.

List your three favourite online writer-resource sites and why (include URLS).

These are the online resources that have helped me in my writing:

www.indranet.com/writinginfo.html
www.drgrammar.org/onlineresources.shtml
dmoz.org/Arts/Writers_Resources

These resources helped me greatly with grammar, writing styles, and formatting, and helped me in fine tuning my work.

If you have published a book, tell us about your publishing success (title, publishing date and company, where it is available to purcahse).

The title of my book is Two Loves, One Heart and it was published July 2006 by authorhouse. My book is available for purchase at the publishers' website: www.authorhouse.com and at retail bookstores such as Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Waldenbooks, and Borders.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

This book took much longer time to write than it should have because I initially let negative people discourage me from writing. So with that said, it took me about eight years to write this book.

What would you do differently if you could repeat the same publishing experience?

I had a memorable experience with authorhose and will use them a gain to publish my books.

What have you learned about the publishing world?

Publishing does take time, but the end result is worth it to me. Once you get through the galley proofs, cover proofs, and get you marketing plan decided, things seem to just roll downhill. I also learned the meaning of a few terms that I have never heard of until I got a book published.

This is your chance to 'Talk Back' to your readers. What would you like to say to them?

I believe that you all will thoroughly enjoy my book. This was my first book and it is more personal because I drew from my own personal experiences. I do believe that this book will be entertaining and hold your attention.

What's the one thing that you want them to know about your writing?

I tried to create my charcters to be true-to-life so that you will be able to relate to the attitudes, values, and ethics that they possess.

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