Learn the tricks of the trade and 'tried and true' methods of writing success from seasoned writers!
Sister Site to Writer Gazette and EbooksCafe
Today's Date:

Writers Manual welcomes you!
Learn how to create a successful writing career!

An Interview With Carrie White

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

I moved to London, Uk in the year 2000 and since then have slowly built up an online presence as an Erotic Writer. Working with Eva Almeida for 6 years reviewing e-books at the same time as writing, has helped me start up my own reviewing service at www.sexography.co.uk a few years down the line. I have now been published both online and off and have self published 5 e-books altogether.

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

I'm currently living in London with my fiancé, professional photographer, Chris J Ball. We have 4 goldfish and one cat, named Turner. I'm currently working on building up my reviewing service, writing more short stories for another erotic anthology and my first ever erotic novel, The Dreamer (title may change!)

What is your favourite food?

My favourite foods are salads & chinese and I love trying out natural foods to improve my health. I'm also a lover of savoury and salty foods. One thing I don't have is a sweet tooth ;)

What is your favourite colour?

I love red and I'm also into black especially to wear. Red is a very vibrant and passionate colour to me and black generally reflects my moods.

What is your favourite sound?

The sound of waves crashing on a beach. The sound of birds singing. Any sounds that remind me of spring.

Who is your favourite person?

My favourite person is my fiance, Chris. He's supported me through some very difficult times and he also encouraged me to write.

What is your favourite place?

That can only be my bed. The place where I sleep, think and play video games. My bed is a multi-purpose place where so much of my time is spent.

What is your favourite memory?

My dad. Unfortunately, he died when I was 16 years of age but I think of him daily and I have never got over his death. My memories and photographs of him are so rare that I cherish everyone of them. I believe he would be very proud of my achievements and very disappointed with how the rest of the family has behaved in relation to me.

What is your favourite article of clothing?

Unlike most women I'm not a follower of fashion and I don't spend hours or loads of money, clothes shopping. My favourite items, though, has to be anything that I feel comfortable in.

What is your favourite word?

Mmmm, that's a tricky one because nothing springs to mind. But if I have to say one, it would have to be Brekkie. Not really a proper word but it's cute :)

What is your favourite writers' quote and why?

'Authors like cats because they are such quiet, lovable, wise creatures, and cats like authors for the same reasons. ' Robertson Davies.

It's just so me and so true.

What is your most favourite quality about yourself?

I'm very open minded and I'm a great listener. I don't judge people for who they are, their sexuality or what they do.

What is the least favourite quality about yourself?

I'm a procrastinator. I'm terrible for this. I could have been so much more by now (published novelist, maybe!) but I've wasted a lot of time just umming and ahhhing.

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

So strange but it would have to be Heaven (and yes, I believe it exists), just so I could talk to my Dad once again and get his advice on how to deal with some elements of my past.

What inspires you to write and why?

To me, inspiration comes from reading very poor and bad quality erotica. Just so that I could show everyone that not everything written about sex is bad.

What is your favourite book and why?

Audrey Rose by Frank De Felitta. This is a book I've re-read over and over again and it never bores me. It fascinates and scares me at the same time. It's a book that has now fallen apart through over use and I'm desperate to find another copy. I would also like to own a copy of the film but it's rare and not readily available.

What is your favourite genre and why?

It has to be Horror. I love to feel scared but have yet to find anything that comes close to Audrey Rose. Most horror films leave me wanting.

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

Dean Koontz: He has a talent for coming up with good plots and has a very readable style.

James Herbert: I just love this novels. Scary and strangely believable, too.

Michael Crichton: The creator of Jurassic Park. Excellent books you can really get your teeth into.

What do you think makes a writer successful?

Determination and a belief that you can succeed. Don't ever give up.

Whta is it that makes you successful as a writer?

Support from my fiance and a determination to get myself 'out there.'

What are your goals as a writer?

To achieve my dream of publication with Black Lace and to be well known and successful in my career.

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

Write every day and submit to as many publications (free or paid) as you can especially when you first start out.

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

I hope to provide enjoyment and inspiration as well as a sense of fun. I would like to be remembered for the unique style I have for writing.

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

Sexography: The review site I run for authors and webmasters. I offer a very friendly service with an extensive review promotion programme for a very small fee. It resides at www.sexography.co.uk

Absolute Write: Excellent resource for writers and freelancers with columns and articles galore. It also runs a very large community forum where you can ask for advice. www.absolutewrite.com

Lulu: A free self publishing site which enables anyone to be published and their work available for sale. There is no charge for this. It also provides packages you can purchase if you wish for marketing etc. Each account offers a blog and storefront to showcase your work.
www.lulu.com

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

Not only have I self published several other e-books including an erotic short story anthology, my recent addition to my bibliography is an e-book of articles about sex and relationships, called Inner Sins. It's available at Lulu for sale & download: www.lulu.com/content/430816 or if you buy direct from me at a lower price, you will also receive a FREE erotic quickie (short story) valued at $20. The link for more information is: www.hentracks.co.uk/innersins.htm

As I'm self published, I've had to learn quickly about marketing etc and how much work you have to put into it to achieve any success at sales. Marketing for my short story anthology seemed easier as it was definitely more interesting to buy!

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

It was written over a longer period of time as the articles had been previously featured on Voracitybeat.com

I added additional information and extra articles to increase the value of the book. So, all in all, it took me several months to complete. I worked solidly for the remaining last weeks to tighten up the articles, set the book out and to finally publish it.

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

I would possibly set up a marketing programme to follow to make the whole process easier and less disorganised and I would also start marketing a lot earlier.

What have you learned about the publishing world?

That self published books are not widely accepted for listing as very often they do not have ISBN numbers. Also, you don't have the backing of any publishers or cover image artists to help to improve the look and marketing value of your book.

Basically, you are an unknown quantity if you self publish and you haven't built up some sort of reputation or presence online.

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

Just to keep an eye out for Carrie White because this writer is determined to go places.

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

That I don't follow trends and I always write honestly and from the heart. Many stories of mine will contain a lot of personal experiences in them.

Use of this web site is an indication of your agreement with our Terms of Service. Copyright 2001, 2002 Writers Manual and Topzone Systems Inc. All contents and graphics copyrighted - Do not copy! Contact us at: editor@writersmanual.com Web Design by Krista Barrett.