1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
As a young girl, I realized that I was fascinated with people and stories about them. My mother used to tell me stories all the time about our family, and our ancestors. I found a picture of myself at about 13 years old, and when I look at myself in the picture, I think that I was already a writer then. I knew I was called to be a writer as an adult, but I wouldn’t write anything down for many years. I love to write because I feel that I have something to say. The most frustrating part is that I have to do other things which take time away from my writing.
2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
My books are short stories about places that I’ve traveled and people that I’ve encountered during my lifetime. Readers can find out more about me on my website: CarolinaMoonProductions.com, and Instagram @Cdawsonbooks . I am a parent, a former English Teacher, and Play Wright.
3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
My stories usually come from places that I’ve traveled to or fascinating people that I have met in one way or another.
4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?
I don’t have a schedule, but I do write whenever I can, I mostly write at the library. It took me a couple of years to write these stories. I recently finished writing an essay about REPARATIONS and I am currently working on a screenplay.
5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?
The first book that I ever read that moved me emotionally was Devil in A Blue Dress by Walter Mosley. Walter Mosley is one of my favorite authors. I’m currently reading the 1619 Project written by Nikole Hannah Jones.
6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
My most significant achievement as a writer thus far has been publishing my second book. In the next five years, I plan to bring some of my stories to life on screen.
7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
Yes, I have dealt with rejection during my writing career. My advice would be to write the best book that you can possibly write. I once applied for a writer’s fellowship with the hopes of becoming a published author. I moved to a new city and was not accepted. I was disappointed, but I kept writing and now I have published my second book.
8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
I enjoy the creative side of being a writer much more than the business side. I am still working on my platform.
9) What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
My goal is always to share information and entertain my audience. I am a former Educator. I’m also very creative. I always have been. I don’t care for perfect symmetry, and I don’t follow crowds. I hope that this is what makes me authentic.
10) How can readers find you and your books?
Website Carolinamoonprodutions.com and on Instgram@CDawsonbooks
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