Author Interview with Clarissa Cartharn

I've recently spoken to Clarissa Cartharn, author of Dynasty O' Shea, about the ups and downs of being a writer. You can read the interview in full below and find links to her other books.

The Kingdom of Gammalon is taken siege by evil Lord Dravidor of Dark Vale. Its army has been driven out of the kingdom and now seeking refuge in the caves of Mount Kiznon. Their only hope lies in a man that lives in a different world- the present.

Jack O'Shea, the crown prince of Gammalon takes refuge in the present world upon directions by the General of the Gammalonian Army as they seek to reinforce soldiers and weapons after a gruesome battle with the Dark Vale army. Stuck in the present world for eighteen years, he has never spoken of his heritage to his children. So when he is recalled to save Gammalon, he least expects that his four children will be journeying with him to the World of Spassenia. As they cross the gates of dimensions, they enter a world unlike they've ever known-one where magic and power prevail over all who live in it. With perils at every turn they take, they must seek the alliance of the mythical shadow warriors of the Tsez Xian to win the war against Dravidor.

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Crystal: Please tell us about your latest book (include genre)
Clarissa: My latest book is a contemporary romance titled "Winter's End".  
It's  about a young widow, Emma Winston who leaves her life in London with her two children for the quieter Breakish in the Isle of Skye. She seeks a more humble and simple life until she meets the mysterious Mrs. Kinnaird who is feared amongst much of the locals. Mrs Kinnaird believes that Emma might make an ideal bride for her wealthy playboy grandson, Chris Cameron- a man who carries his own demons. Further still, Emma's brother-in-law, Richard Winston follows Emma to London to tell her he loves her. However Mrs Kinnaird has other plans for Richard. It's a romance with twists and turns you wouldn't be expecting and can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/Winters-End-ebook/dp/B00D1HSUE2/ref=sr_1_16?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369738747&sr=1-16

Crystal: How do we find out about you and your books?
Clarissa: You can catch me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/clarissa.cartharn.1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6575851.Clarissa_CartharnDynasty O'Shea:
http://www.amazon.com/Dynasty-OShea-Throne-Gammalon-ebook/dp/B009VWXWQ2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top


Crystal: When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
Clarissa: I've always wanted to write, even as a child. But then life takes over and I set on a course of finding the proper "profession" for myself. It was my kids, then 6 and 9, who encouraged me to finish my shelf-baking fantasy ms "Dynasty O'Shea". Thanks to them, I am now writing my third novel.

Crystal: What is your writing routine once you start a book?
Clarissa: I get too engrossed in my writing. When my house starts getting messy and the washing starts piling, my kids know that their mother is on to something.

Crystal: What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Clarissa: Have a laugh. I think that's important. Watch a sitcom, read a book, get to the park with the kids. 

Crystal: What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
Clarissa: In general, life motivates me. I look forward to the future, good or bad, they're all good. It is our responsibility to carry on the fight for a good and happy life. To be honest, there is so much I have to see, to discover, to learn.

In writing, what motivates me is my genuine love to just dream and fantasise. 

Crystal: Where do your ideas come from?
Clarissa: Everywhere. I'll be sitting on a train or car and the idea will just...pop...into me.

Crystal: Do you feel humour is important in __put your genre here____ and why?
Clarissa: I found humour to be an important aspect in my fantasy action adventure novel, "Dynasty O'Shea". But then the novel was intended to be a fun-filled light-hearted fantasy, to be enjoyed without the seriousness of any theme. That's why I call it a Gangnam novel after PSY's song, Gangnam Style. Majority of PSY's international audience hadn't a hoot of what he was singing about but they loved it because it brought a smile to their faces by its beat and its video. It's the same with Dynasty O'Shea. But you will have to read it to find out what I mean.

Crystal: Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
Clarissa: I am certainly a very eclectic author. My next book is also a romance but with more serious undertones than "Winter's End".

Crystal: Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
Clarissa: I have two children and if there is anything special about us, it is that we all are Simian Liners. We have a singular palmar crease which is reportedly less common in the human population. Other than that, we are the every day joe next door.

Crystal: Season? 
Clarissa: I love winters. I can''t explain it but I just do. Although spring is quite beautiful as well. The only thing I like about autumn are when leaves turn to that beautiful amber and begin to fall. And summer? Let's not talk about summer.

Crystal: Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
Clarissa: I think each is important in its own way. How can one do without the other? Unless of course this was a non-fiction, example a travel book does not characters. Or do they?

Crystal: Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Clarissa: Do I experience writer's block? All the time. 
But I deal with it by moving on to my next project or just divert altogether. Rest the ms and get back to it later.

Crystal: What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Clarissa: Just knowing that I have made someone happy or joyful or inspired them even for a little while. I see it as my small contribution into this great big world.

Crystal: If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
Clarissa: I think I was doing everything else before I started writing. Teaching, blood pathologist, lawyer. Nothing's given me such contentment as writing has.

Crystal: Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Clarissa: Don't give up on that dream. Strive and strive again.