Interview with Carla Herrera

Published 2013-08-25.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in two places. Clearlake Highlands, California and Lodi, California. Both locations are reflected in many of my short stories. Clearlake more than Lodi, because I spend more time there, but if you're familiar with either place, you may recognize names of the beaches, or roads.
When did you first start writing?
Wow, that's a tough question, because I actually wrote my first book in third grade, in Mrs. Anderson's class. I think I was nine years old when I wrote 'Why I want to be a teacher.'
What's the story behind your latest book?
Taria of the Dead is inspired, though not yet published. I'm an occasional runner and one day while in a very low mood, I jogged through the cemetery and suddenly the idea hit me. The character was there, at the forefront of my mind. I ran home, as fast as I could and typed out the bones of the story. Should be finished late 2013 or early 2014.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I knew I was a decent writer, but didn't have the audience I needed for feedback necessary to improve. When I saw that Smashwords was online, I jumped at the opportunity.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I never would have published my work if I had not found Smashwords. To me, success means having my work out there for others to enjoy and provide feedback.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
When everything but the story falls away. The world could be crumbling and I wouldn't notice because I'm engaged with my characters. There's nothing else like it.
What do your fans mean to you?
I do have people who regularly read my work and provide feedback. I don't know that I could ever express my appreciation of the time they take to read my work, but I would love to have more communication with people who do have opinions what I've written.
What are you working on next?
Taria of the Dead - the novel I wrote about in an earlier question and several short stories.
Who are your favorite authors?
Margaret Atwood, Jose Saramago, Paulo Coehlo, Isabelle Allende, Richard Adams...
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My family.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I recently had to take a full-time position in food service, so much of my time is spent working. Any off time, I spend resting, trying to find the energy to write.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Through word of mouth and on Goodreads.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, 'Why I want to be a Teacher' was included in Mrs. Anderson's 3rd grade book making presentation.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Nexus
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 46,990. Language: English. Published: April 19, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
Alex is different. An introspective, nine-year old whose parents have a difficult time bonding with him. Dad thinks he's too small, Mom thinks he asks too many questions and his brother thinks he's a nerd. All that changes when he's abducted by aliens and wakes on a different planet. Xilam, a beautiful alien woman will train him for a particular task. But its going to take a long time...
Tesla's Secret
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,590. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Humor & comedy » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
A humorous short story about what might happen if Nikola Tesla had accidentally left a secret invention in a basement in small-town Arkansass. What if, two crazy characters found it, used it and through the machine were able to meet Nikola Tesla, Edgar Allen Poe and Elvis Presley?
Two
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 29,520. Language: English. Published: September 17, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
(3.00 from 1 review)
Time Keepers motivate the human population; or at least that's what they have been told. Two, the protagonist of this novella, learns, with the help of Four and One that the organization they work for is much more than any of them expected. A fantasy and fantastical, this short novel will take readers high and low, cause you to laugh and cry. A must read.
Blue Tent
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,460. Language: English. Published: July 18, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Utopias & dystopias
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
In the not too distant future, The United States has become the Corporate States of America. Half the population is homeless and live in tent cities or camps. In a new city, Tele hopes to put some of a painful past to rest. She's changed her name and her occupation and with some luck she'll disappear from the radar of corporate agents.
Day Gazing: Weird Shorts
Price: Free! Words: 16,720. Language: English. Published: May 30, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Horror » Weird fiction
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
In a changed world, people do strange things. Eight short stories of a world just a bit off kilter from our own. Eric and Devon answer a classified that will earn them fifty-thousand dollars. All they have to do is stay in a bunker for thirty days. What if you awoke one morning and all the bad in the world had disappeared? Is it really a good thing?
Pink Eye
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 51,990. Language: English. Published: January 16, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
Something is going on at Central Laboratories. Smart rats and a deadly virus do not mix well and when two of the infected animals escape to a nearby city, the good citizens of Gilbert, Indiana are suddenly in for a very bad time.