Interview with Carrigan Richards
Published 2014-03-06.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I wanted my books to reach an audience and I wanted to see what I could do for myself. I'm a very independent person and this way it gives me the freedom to publish whenever and whatever I want.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Being able to create people, places, and situations. I love putting myself in their shoes, with their personalities and seeing what they would do in any given situation.
What do your fans mean to you?
They mean a lot! I wouldn't have my dream if it weren't for them and I am very grateful for them.
What are you working on next?
The second book in my Elemental Enchanters series.
Who are your favorite authors?
Nicholas Sparks, Becca Fitzpatrick, Lauren Kate, J.K. Rowling, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edgar Allan Poe
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Spending time with my fiance, family, and friends. Listening to music, reading, or watching my Braves.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Amazon.com or word of mouth.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes. It was a screenplay but written in the form of an R.L. Stine novel. It was really cheesy and filled with drama! But it was fun to write.
What is your writing process?
Usually, a scene or a character pops into my head and I start writing whatever that character is telling me or how I picture the scene. If I like it, I'll keep writing (sometimes the characters won't stop talking to me), until I've written a whole story. A lot of times it's just a bunch of scenes thrown together and then later I organize them and make it into a fluid story.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Edgar Allan Poe. He didn't write books, but his stories were always my favorites. I loved how dark they were and how even today they are still creepy to read.
The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks. This was the first book that ever made me cry. I love Sparks's writing style and the stories and characters he creates.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. While I loved this entire series, this one was my favorite because of the emotion. It was amazing to me to see how much the characters grew and how they dealt with loss at such a young age. The imagery and description still stay with me.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I know this might make people wonder, but it's my favorite book for several reasons. Because of how popular it had gotten, it coaxed me to get back into writing. I hadn't been able to write much during college and as soon as I graduated, my life became stressful, emotional, and I was weary. Reading the book gave me the inspiration to pick up my writing and actually do it. I said to myself, if this unknown person can write a book and get published, then so can I.
The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald. I absolutely love this story. I love the time period and the romance, the angst, the loneliness, all of it. The writing to me was amazing and it still is a popular book.
What do you read for pleasure?
Young adult contemporary romance, YA paranormal fantasy, horror, romance
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle
Describe your desk
It's filled with notes, notebooks, and pictures. And lots and lots of pens.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Alabama and I like my stories to take place in my hometown. It helps with my characters and I want people to know more about my hometown and how it isn't like how it's usually portrayed.
When did you first start writing?
When I was 11.
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