Ask the Author: Carla Norton
Answered Questions (7)
Carla Norton
Alexis, thank you so much for writing! I always have trouble deciding on favorite authors, so I hope you don't mind if I give you a list of books. Since I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers, some of my favorites are pretty dark. At the risk of overlooking some great books, here's a start:
All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr
The Talented Mr. Ripley, by Patricia Highsmith
Gorky Park, by Martin Cruz Smith
Presumed Innocent, by Scott Turow
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Steig Larson
Silence of the Lambs, by Thomas Harris
Praying for Sleep, by Jeffery Deaver
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, by Ken Kesey
Liar's Club, by Mary Karr
When I was small, I loved the Trixie Belden mystery series. (But I think I would have loved The Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins, and The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak.)
Thanks again for writing. It's great to hear that I helped get you over your slump!
All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr
The Talented Mr. Ripley, by Patricia Highsmith
Gorky Park, by Martin Cruz Smith
Presumed Innocent, by Scott Turow
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Steig Larson
Silence of the Lambs, by Thomas Harris
Praying for Sleep, by Jeffery Deaver
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, by Ken Kesey
Liar's Club, by Mary Karr
When I was small, I loved the Trixie Belden mystery series. (But I think I would have loved The Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins, and The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak.)
Thanks again for writing. It's great to hear that I helped get you over your slump!
Carla Norton
Marilyn, what a nice note -- you just made my day! Right now, I’m trying to finish up a novel-in-progress so I can get back to Reeve. (I wish I could write faster.) In the meantime, please post a review and tell your friends. Readers’ responses have a huge impact, so if there’s strong demand my publisher will be much more interested in continuing the series. Thank you so much!
Carla Norton
I’m so glad you asked about this, because it’s something that’s often on my mind. You’re absolutely right that I coauthored Perfect Victim with the prosecutor of the case, Christine McGuire, and not with Colleen. At the time, Colleen’s attorney indicated that she would be writing a book of her own, but that never happened, and so Colleen’s amazing story of faith, survival, and healing remains to be told.
A few years ago, I was honored when Colleen asked me to write the introduction to her memoir. She shared a portion of her manuscript, and her writing was surprisingly good, but the manuscript was unfinished. I helped her with a portion of it, but she wanted to tell her story in her own words, without a coauthor. Her story is not only about surviving seven brutal years of captivity, but also about her unique religious journey. I think Colleen’s book would find many enthusiastic readers, especially among fans of Christian inspirational nonfiction.
Last year, after talking with Elizabeth Smart, Colleen said she might be open to working with a professional writer, and I’ve been trying to connect her with an insightful editor and/or skilled ghostwriter. (Please note: The book titled Colleen Stan: The Simple Gifts of Life is NOT Colleen’s book! She told me she receives none of the proceeds and she’s upset about Jim Green’s very misleading publication.)
Colleen is an extraordinary person who has had to deal with a life of hardship. I’m sure you’re busy preparing for the holidays, but if you have a moment, I hope you’ll check out “Help Colleen Raise Her Grandson” via GoFundMe.com. Even if you can’t make a donation, I hope you’ll kindly share the link: https://www.gofundme.com/pq9tms84
Thank you!
A few years ago, I was honored when Colleen asked me to write the introduction to her memoir. She shared a portion of her manuscript, and her writing was surprisingly good, but the manuscript was unfinished. I helped her with a portion of it, but she wanted to tell her story in her own words, without a coauthor. Her story is not only about surviving seven brutal years of captivity, but also about her unique religious journey. I think Colleen’s book would find many enthusiastic readers, especially among fans of Christian inspirational nonfiction.
Last year, after talking with Elizabeth Smart, Colleen said she might be open to working with a professional writer, and I’ve been trying to connect her with an insightful editor and/or skilled ghostwriter. (Please note: The book titled Colleen Stan: The Simple Gifts of Life is NOT Colleen’s book! She told me she receives none of the proceeds and she’s upset about Jim Green’s very misleading publication.)
Colleen is an extraordinary person who has had to deal with a life of hardship. I’m sure you’re busy preparing for the holidays, but if you have a moment, I hope you’ll check out “Help Colleen Raise Her Grandson” via GoFundMe.com. Even if you can’t make a donation, I hope you’ll kindly share the link: https://www.gofundme.com/pq9tms84
Thank you!
Carla Norton
You have to keep wrestling with it. For instance, you might try a new perspective, a different character’s point of view. It also helps to clarify questions before going to bed so that your subconscious can work on the problem overnight. No kidding. I sometimes wake up with an answer that suddenly seems obvious. Other times, I walk on the beach and talk to myself. Really, you have to be willing to be the crazy person who’s out there drawing diagrams in the sand.
Carla Norton
First, I want to thank you for your question and your kind words. One great thing about Reeve is that she’s so young in the first two books that she has a lot of potential for growth. I’m a bit superstitious, so I don’t want to give too much away, but what I envision for Reeve’s future will be logical yet also unexpected. Thanks again for writing--it’s wonderful to hear that Reeve has such avid fans!
Carla Norton
The inspiration for The Edge of Normal comes from a real case of kidnapping and prolonged captivity, which I wrote about in my first true crime book, Perfect Victim. That story haunts me. So it may be that writing fiction is a way to confront my own fears and overcome subconscious demons.
Carla Norton
I love this question. But when someone asks for advice, it’s tough to know the person’s level of expertise. So, I’ve written several articles on the subject that you might find helpful.
I write for AlgonquinRedux.com each month, so just go to the site and click on my name to search for items that might interest you. If you're a new writer, you might start with "Writing 101." If you’re more advanced, check out "Finding Your Tribe" and "A Tiny Pocket Guide for Writers."
Also, if you've been writing for many years, you might want to read a piece I wrote for WritersDigest.com, "The Pros and Cons of Getting an MFA in Creative Writing."
Meanwhile, you must find the time and space to write every day. Start educating yourself about the writing process, and read, read, read! Trust your appetite for books to lead you forward. You'll be inspired while you become more discerning. (Don’t despair when you later have to discard early work. That’s part of the process.) And enjoy the company of other writers at workshops, conferences, and book talks.
You're on your way. May the must be with you!
I write for AlgonquinRedux.com each month, so just go to the site and click on my name to search for items that might interest you. If you're a new writer, you might start with "Writing 101." If you’re more advanced, check out "Finding Your Tribe" and "A Tiny Pocket Guide for Writers."
Also, if you've been writing for many years, you might want to read a piece I wrote for WritersDigest.com, "The Pros and Cons of Getting an MFA in Creative Writing."
Meanwhile, you must find the time and space to write every day. Start educating yourself about the writing process, and read, read, read! Trust your appetite for books to lead you forward. You'll be inspired while you become more discerning. (Don’t despair when you later have to discard early work. That’s part of the process.) And enjoy the company of other writers at workshops, conferences, and book talks.
You're on your way. May the must be with you!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more