Interview with Author Carolyn Maund
Writing under the alias of ‘CEE CEE EVANS’, a tribute to her father who christened her Carolyn Elizabeth Evans in 1960, her debut novel NO EXAGGERATION is based on her own life story. After she had finished this work, she quickly had some other ideas and THE FIREWORK FILES plus CHRISSY’S QUESTS are firmly in the pipeline. She currently works for a major UK retailer and lives quietly with her second husband and a 13-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, dreaming of the day that she can retire to write for a living.
Tell me more about your latest book
NO EXAGGERATION tells the story of Catrin Thomas, who has lived her life on the edge of chaos until she meets her true soul mate and realises her own worth. The story starts in October 2014 and ends a year later. As that year turns and she recounts the events within it, she relives her past whilst sleeping. NO EXAGGERATION contains themes of a very adult nature and has no holds barred in the telling.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
Probably finding the time to concentrate on my writing, hence it took literally years in the making.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
As a debut would be author I had no idea, many submissions were made to publishers and agents alike, every one containing a little bit of my heart and a lot of hope that it would be well received. Sadly, many didn’t even bother to acknowledge me, however THE GILBERT PARNELL LITERARY AGENCY of New Zealand gave me my break with a fine contract in 2018, this was followed by a publishing offer by PHAROS BOOKS in India, in September 2021, the rest is history, and I will happily stay loyal to both my agent and publisher in the future.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
All are hugely crucial; the words should paint pictures that are so realistic that the reader can see the faces and places in their minds eye.
How many books have you written so far?
As stated above, NO EXAGGERATION has gone to press, THE FIREWORK FILES is having a final proofread before sending to my agent who has already confirmed that PHAROS BOOKS will take it on. CHRISSY’S QUESTS is written but needs several more edits before I will be happy with it. There is a 4th idea being formulated.
What’s the best way to market your books?
My publisher has done a sterling job of marketing and placed me on AMAZON plus BARNES & NOBLE. They are also going to feature NO EXAGGERATION at the WORLD BOOK FAIR in New Dehli between 25/2 & 5/3, which is wildly exciting! I have also placed it with PR FOR BOOKS in the UK who have done 2 press releases with a 3rd to follow. I had it reviewed by the ONlinevbookclub.org, where it was received very favourably. It has also been placed for review with REEDSY DISCOVERY and last year was promoted by AUTHOR AD NETWORK who made sure it was available on several other sites such as TOPLESS COWBOY, EROTICA EVERYDAY and PRETTY-HOT.COM to name a few.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead?
As NO EXAGGERATION is the story of my life, it was already written in the stars, I just had to find the words. THE FIREWORK FILES and CHRISSY’S QUESTS were born of ideas for characters and storylines that were perfected countless times with many edits. I write when I can!!
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
I’ll find out soon I hope!
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Follow your dream, there’s an impossibly high mountain to climb but never stop believing you can do it!
Visit Author Carolyn Maund book links:-
FB – CEE CEE EVANS
INSTAGRAM – CAROLYNMAUND_CEECEE
AMAZON, BARNES& NOBLE to name a few.
GOOGLE – NO EXAGGERATION BY CEE CEE EVANS links to many sites.
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