Author Interview – Cary Anne
Author of the steamy romance novel, Seductive Sands.
I am very pleased to welcome Cary Anne to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about her steamy romance series Unveiling Desires, and the first book, Seductive Sands.
Helen: Welcome Cary Anne. Let’s dive straight in, tell us about your book, Seductive Sands.
Cary Anne: Seductive Sands is the first book in the series, Unveiling Desires. The main character is Devon Cartwright, a career oriented financial planner whose main goal was to obtain the role of partner in the firm she worked for. After accomplishing this, she had a terrible loss of both her parents within a few months of each other. Her friend and client, Margarette, has a villa in the Dominican Republic and offers it to Devon for six months, if she wants it. Devon has not had a vacation in years and takes her up on it.
Helen: Who wouldn’t want a six month vacation in the Dominican Republic? Sounds like bliss! Especially if there are characters like Amadeus available. Tell us why you chose this cover design.
Cary Anne: I have always loved the Dominican Republic, the ocean and the people. So, I decided that I wanted my book to take place there and what a great cover a picture of the ocean would be. Of course, I had to use the male model Amadeus on the front, to entice the ladies to want to read my book.
Helen: I love finding out the authors thoughts behind their cover. How did you come up with the title, and is there any special meaning behind it?
Cary Anne: I write steamy romance and I needed the title to suggest the genre and I think it gets right to the point, by the title and subtitle. Seductive Sands, Unveiling Desires Series.
Helen: The title sounds perfect. What made you choose to write spicy romance, and why this particular book?
Cary Anne: I was still working at the time I put this into draft. I was working at a financial institution, and this is where my character Devon evolved. It was from the perspective of a young single woman trying to make it in a male dominated financial industry. It was difficult for a woman to get to become partner in a firm, especially being under 30 when she started and also that she was single. Often the management style was older married men, who were not going to take time off to have babies and sick kids who needed to be looked after. It evolved into a romance novel.
I had this book written before Fifty Shades was released. I put it on the back burner after reading Fifty Shades. I wondered if my book was actually good enough to be published. So, I waited.
Several of my friends read it and kept telling me it was better than Fifty Shades in my writing style and I should publish it.
Helen: It is so great to have supportive friends. Who inspired you to start writing?
Cary Anne: I began writing years ago, initially just for myself. It was therapeutic when I felt stressed or needed to vent. While working full-time, I wrote speeches and presentations for my team. I’ve always enjoyed putting pen to paper; it feels natural. I remember my mom saying I should write stories because I told so many. I think she meant I talked too much and made things up as I went along.
Helen: A natural story teller is a great place to start. Do you find you plan your books, or are you a pantser and write free form?
Cary Anne: This is a great question. I was a pantser with my first book. Then I didn’t know how to publish it, and that’s when I enrolled in the course. I have learned so much in the past year about how to plan out each book so that I make sure it flows and I wasn’t missing anything. I realize how important it is in order to get the right outcome for my book. So now I am definitely a planner. I start with a plot board and work my way through how I want each chapter to accomplish. Once I have the book laid out I start writing each chapter.
Helen: I think the more you write, the more your writing style evolves. It’s great you are writing a series, what comes next?
Cary Anne: I am currently in the editing process of the second book in the series, Urban Seductive, which takes place when Devon gets back home and tries to keep a long distance relationship with Amadeus going. It was fun writing this one because I put obstacles in the way of Amadeus coming to see Devon.
Helen: Authors are so mean to their characters. As if a long distance relationship wasn’t difficult enough! Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?
Cary Anne: Imposter syndrome. That’s when I rely on others to read what I have written and ask for feedback. I ask other authors, too. As you said, every writer experiences self-doubt. You need to try new things and be open to what other people say.
Helen: What is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and by whom?
Cary Anne: The most valuable writing advice I received from my coach was to keep writing, do your research, make your characters relatable, and ensure fact-checking. Additionally, remember reviews are for readers, not writers. Not everyone will like your book.
Helen: Great advice. Is there any advice you would like to share with aspiriing writers?
Cary Anne: Everyone has a story within them. Write it and discover where it leads. Keep honing your craft. Take courses if needed. It’s never too late to begin.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. It has been lovely meeting you. Last question, what is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Cary Anne: I didn’t know anything about writing a book, so I enrolled in a self publishing course and I have learned so much this past year and I am really enjoying working with the coaches and my fellow authors/students. I have a whole new group of friends who started the writing process just a new as I did. We are all learning and sharing and helping each other. It is a fantastic community.
Cary AnneGreetings, lovely readers! I’m Cary Anne, your passionate guide into the world of steamy romance fiction. Proudly hailing from the charming landscapes of Canada, I currently call the suburban bliss near Toronto, Ontario, my home sweet home, where I share my days with my wonderful husband. Our nest is empty now, as our two grown children navigate their own paths through the intricate dance of life.
After bidding adieu to the corporate world, I’ve finally embraced my call to writing. The allure of crafting tales of passion and love proved irresistible, and I’ve found immense joy in weaving stories that transport readers into the realms of desire and romance.
When I’m not engrossed in the world of my characters, you’ll find me relishing moments with my family. Whether I’m holed up in my writing haven or hitting the road, shuttling between my cozy spot in Whitby and my daughter’s farm in Delta, Ontario, each journey is a wellspring of inspiration.
Beyond the written word, I find solace in the laughter of my grandkids and the amusing antics of their feathered companions in the form of quirky chickens. A true lover of all animals, especially dogs, I cherish the unconditional love and companionship they bring into our lives.
But that’s not all—I also harbor a deep passion for breathing new life into old furniture, turning forgotten pieces into vibrant works of art. And, of course, no writing session is complete without the company of black licorice, my sweet companion in this delightful journey of storytelling.
So, dear reader, join me in exploring the realms of desire, love, and the magic that unfolds between the pages of my steamy romance novels. Let the journey begin, and may it be filled with the warmth of love and the joy of delightful companions, furry or otherwise!
Purchase Cary Anne’s book, Seductive Sands (Available on Kindle Unlimited at time of posting.)
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
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