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An Interview With Carol Ann Culbert Johnson

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

I am forty-four years old and I live in a suburb of Chicago, Oak Lawn. I love reading and writing romance. "I Confess" is my debut novel about romance, in short story confession style. "Rejection" is a novella about finding love in all the right places.

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

I am divorced, with a grown daughter, and two grandchildren. I work full-time at a clinic and attend school. I just finished my associate degree in paralegal science, and will continue with my BA for English/Professional Writing. After this, my Masters in Creative Writing.

I have a column for Myshelf.com, and I am also a reviewer.

What is your favourite food?

I like pizza, chicken, and mostly everything, but I'm not into Chinese food that much. I can eat beef fried rice. I have no limit.

What is your favourite colour?

Green, all shades of green.

What is your favourite sound?

Quiet and serenity.

Who is your favourite person?

My mother, who passed away in 1995.

What is your favourite place?

A beach, or any place romantic.

What is your favourite memory?

The death of my mother.

What is your favourite article of clothing?

Long skirts.

What is your favourite word?

passion.

What is your favourite writers' quote and why?

"Persistence pays off, and keep writing until you achieve your goals," by many successful writers.

What is your most favourite quality about yourself?

I am sensitive to the needs of others.

What is the least favourite quality about yourself?

Depression at times.

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

I would go to New York City and then Las Vegas. These two places have fascinated me for a long time.

What inspires you to write and why?

Other writers/authors and the gift of writing. It's something you just love to do, and there's no stress involved. Writing is therapuetic for me.

What is your favourite book and why?

I have a lot of favorite books, by a lot of favorite authors, but the book that is very spiritual to me is "The Bible."

What is your favourite genre and why?

Romance, of course.

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

Jackie Collins,
Donna Hill,
Victoria Christopher Murray

What do you think makes a writer successful?

What makes a writer successful is the faith in belief in her book.

Whta is it that makes you successful as a writer?

I love writing, and I feel successful when I finish a novel, short story, or novella. It makes me feel absolutely special. Success isn't built on how many novels you sell, but the fact that you created one.

What are your goals as a writer?

I want to write on a full-time basis; continue to write many romances and have readers read my books and send me their comments. I wish to travel all over the world to promote my books. If I make one reader happy with my book, then my job is done.

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

Believe in your writing, and let no traditioner publisher tell you it's not good. Attend writing classes, and read other works. Join clubs and groups, and promote. Self-publish is you believe highly in your book.

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

That romance is an evolution and it can happen to all of us; patience is the key. Age and color doesn't matter. Romance is for everyone.

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

writers.digest.com
sormag.com
writerclasses.com

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

I published "I Confess" with Publishamerica. It was my debut novel, and it made my dreams come true. I published nineteen (19) short stories with Black Romance Magazines, so this was absolutely wonderful for me. My publishing dreams came true on December 18, 2004 when "I Confess" was released.

Since then I published "Rejection" and "Articles for the Soul" with www.lulu.com and "Everything and More" will be released soon from Publishamerica.

I will puslish more books, "I Confess 2," I Confess 3, I Confess 4, "Journal of Dreams" The Ultimate Sins," and "Don't Shoot the Messenger."

I am also working on "Mini Confessions" shorter confession stories.

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

Three months, and less for some.

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

I had a very good publishing experience with Publishamerica. They don't market, so this is something that I would like the company to do. Of course I would promote my own books, but with another publisher this comes hand in hand.

I would wish that new authors would have more availability with traditioner publishers and they will have the opportunity to make their writing dreams come true, instead of countless rejection letters. I believe good books should be read.

What have you learned about the publishing world?

With lulu.com, it educated me on the process of the technical background and the mechanics of publishing. My first book, "I Confess" I just waited until the book was published. Now I know every detail about publishing a book until the book is in your hand.

It makes the process easier for me because I know once my book is created, another process awaits me.

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

I love reading romance, and I love writing them too. I started reading romance when I was 14 years old with Harelquin Romances, and the Black Romance magazines. I am not an expert, but I feel that I have the skills to write romances. I believe in romance, and I want others to also take a ride with me.

I would love for readers to purchase my books and enjoy reading them. The feedback will be appreciated, also. There are so many talented writers, and we just want our books to be read and talked about.

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

My writing is a gift to me, and I love sharing it with the world.

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