Literary Spotlight: Carla Neggers

Carla Neggers has written more than 50 novels – a dozen of them New York Times bestsellers. Her books blend chilling suspense and daring romance. Her romantic thriller The Angel, due out in paperback in June, is a finalist for a RITA – romance publishing’s Oscar.

Q: How do you respond to the charge that romance novels are “chick lit?” Have you seen an increase in the number of men who write romance? Any personal favorites?

A When I climbed a tree with a pad and pen as a kid, I just wanted to write the story that was in my head. That’s as true for me today as it was then. I love a mix of romance, suspense, action, adventure, but I try not to get bogged down in genre definitions and instead focus on the story. I’ve always known men who write romance, and men who include a strong romantic element in their books. Are there more today? Honestly, I don’t know, but I wish them well.

Q: You have said that “you never know what sparks an idea,” and have cited trips as one source. Can you give a couple of other examples (places, events, people, etc.) that have inspired you to write a book?

A: It’s actually rare that I can trace a story back to the original spark. I guess I’m more likely to remember the spark that happened while standing in a windswept Irish ruin than on a trip to the grocery store! In the case of the ruin, it was being there, captivated by my surroundings, that started The Angel, and later The Mist (due out in July) simmering. In the cast of the grocery store … well, it’s just a good place to let my mind wander.

Q: How important is “what if?” thinking when it comes to exploring/brainstorming ideas/possible scenarios for a book? How important is studying other writers in the genre in which one writes?

A: “What if” is a great way to push back all the “dos and don’ts” and “shoulds and shouldn’ts” and turn loose our creative minds. Doubts and constraints fall away. It’s also fun, because you’re not locking yourself into anything. You’re just asking, “Okay, what if …?” As for “studying” other writers – I love to read, and most writers I’ve met do, too. I prefer to turn off the writer in me and just enjoy the story as a reader.

Q: You’ve written so many books. Which is your favorite and why?

A: No fair! Truly, I can’t name a favorite. I just know that I did my best at the time with every book I’ve written. I’ve been fortunate to have started publishing at a young age and stayed at it - and I’m as excited about he books I’m writing today as I was when I first climbed a tree as a kid, dreaming of being a published author. Every book is an adventure. I loved diving into the story that became The Mist, which is due out this summer, and Cold River, which I’m finishing now. Writing for me is as fun, challenging and engaging as ever – I couldn’t’ ask for more than that!

Q: Some writers maintain the most important aspect of writing a saleable novel is character development. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? Any hints for new writers looking to flesh out their characters?

A: A story doesn’t take off for me until the characters are “there.” I don’t think of myself constructing characters so much as figuring out ways to get them to reveal themselves to me. I usually have to throw them into scenes and let them talk, do things, before I can even attempt anything as left-brained as a character sketch. For new writers looking for solid advice on this subject, I highly recommend Elizabeth George’s Write Away, especially the sections on how she approaches characterization. She’s a gifted teacher as well as a gifted writer.

Q: The Internet is moving more into the realm of publishing with Kindle, etc. What is your vision for the future of the printed novel?

A: That’s not up to me – I just focus on writing! I’m thrilled that readers will be able to download The Widow on Amazon for free from June 8 to 12, 2009. The Widow is the first book in my Boston-Maine-Ireland series. I love having books available in a variety of formats … hard, soft, e-book, large print, audio … it’s amazing.

Carlotta Holton is the author of Salem Pact, Touching The Dead and Vampire Resurrection, and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association.