Carol Wyer interview
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
When did your love of books begin?
My parents were big readers. (We would all read in the same room every evening, instead of watching television.) Every Friday evening, my mum and I would all head to the local library to choose our week's reading. I recall sitting in the children's section of the library reading, while she browsed the shelves, head in a book. I think I'd have been about 5 year's old at the time. I was an only child, and quite a lonely one, so books were my friends, and I was always lost in one.
When did you start to have the wish to become an author?
I have always loved writing. Having spent years writing simply for my own amusement, in my thirties I wrote a series of short stories that taught French to very young children. At the time, I was running a language company so didn't have time to write. It wasn't until I made out a bucket list some years later, and top of the list was to write a novel for the adult market, that I sat down and wrote a comedy, Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines. My intention was to write only one book, but things escalated and after seven comedies, I moved to the dark side where I established myself as a crime writer. This week I finished writing my 28th novel!
How have you found the process for becoming an author?
At times, frustrating, demanding, and soul-destroying. It has also been uplifting, thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling. I absolutely love writing. I wouldn't want to do anything else. I have had lows: an early publishing house who signed me went bust and all my books suddenly became out of print. However, I also had several lucky breaks that helped me hugely. One of my comedies, Grumpy Old Menopause saw me interviewed on BBC Breakfast television and then on numerous radio shows. The book then won an award and so on the back of it, I was picked up by Bookouture (who are part of Hachette.) They launched my career as a crime writer and my first crime novel with them soared into the top 10 charts to take up #2. Again, thanks to that success, I was approached by a New York agent who asked to represent me and who has since signed me to Thomas & Mercer. My first novel with them., An Eye for an Eye, grabbed the elusive #1 spot for almost an entire month and I have since been signed for more books with them.
What would you say to those wanting to become an author?
- Be patient. Getting a publisher is a very long process. Once you submit, you will have to wait for months to see if you are accepted and you will face rejections.
- Never give up. While you wait, write something else. Build your audience on social media.
- Believe in yourself.
- Don't expect to suddenly become rich as an author. The hours are very long. The rewards not huge. Keep your day job until you are established and can expect a steady stream of income.
Tell us about your book/books:
What do you love about the writing/reading community?
If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?
A very sincere thank you. I often write that in my books, but I mean it. If it weren't for you, i wouldn't write.
Where can people connect with you?
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolEWyer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/carolewyer
Blog - https://carolwyer.com
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