1.
When
did you know you wanted to be a writer? What were some of your first steps
toward making your dream a reality? How would you say most of your stories are
conceived? Dreams? Research? Experience?
I
don’t think I ever knew I wanted to be a writer. It just happened. I wrote a
sci-fi story when I was 8 but that was understandable as both my parents were
sci-fi fans. From then on, I continued to write. But somewhere along the line,
I went into horror. However, I was also reading Daphne du Maurier and the
Brontes.
The
first adult books I read were Rebecca, Jane Eyre and later a string of Gothic
Romance novels by authors such as Victoria Holt and Dorothy Eden.
I
liked them in particular because there was, along with the romance, mystery and
something dark; especially with Dorothy Eden.
As
much as I loved those books, I wanted them to be darker. I didn’t want things
to be implied but spelled out. I wanted to know more about Rebecca and Mrs.
Danvers. What was with those two? I
found there to be implied lesbianism, well—heck! If that was the case, I wanted
it spelled out. Of course, at the time there were constraints on such themes,
but not anymore! That’s why I can write what I like!
As
for making dreams a reality, that happened after I returned to writing. Life
got in the way as it does. I went back to it though and began to submit stories
which were rejected. Hey! But I was learning what to do and how to do it. I was
learning my craft.
At
one point my husband said to go for it, to write full time and see what
happened. It was difficult for us financially, but I did. This was in 2009.
By
late 2010 my first novel, The House on
Blackstone Moor was published. I went on to write three more novels in The Blackstone Vampires Series.
I’m
currently finishing up my eighth book. My publisher is Creativia by the way.
How
are my stories conceived? I get ideas from everywhere. Any experience can
stimulate a writer to be inspired. Also, I love history and write historically
based horror. But as I am a byproduct of all that has gone before in my life,
my love of Gothic Romance also lurks. So what I produce in my fiction is horror
and Gothic/Paranormal Romance combined!
I
also feel what I write. I become my character. Well, having studied acting many
years ago and The Method, that’s understandable. It certainly helped me to
write my first novel, and I’m so used to becoming the people I write about, I
rarely think about it!
2.
Your
books sound right up my alley, Carole. I’ll have to get my hands on them soon. What
3 things would you like readers to know about you?
I’d like them to know my books come from my heart.
I want readers to know I want to take them away from
their reality and transport them into my fiction. Leave the world behind, my friends and come with me!
Also, I want them to take something away with them. I
remember reading books that changed the way I thought or opened up other worlds
for me. I think that can be done even with supernatural themes and beings.
3.
I
feel the same way. I read to escape, and I want to offer that to my readers. What
are you doing when you’re not writing? Day job? Health concerns or caring for
family?
First
of all, I write six days a week when I am seriously into a book. When I get
crazy from that (usually takes a few months) my husband takes me away with
doggies for a break. J We do this a few times a year.
I
don’t have a day job. In the past few years my walking has become very limited
so I don’t walk much at all. I have pain but never at the laptop! I don’t mind
really, I am used to this limitation and escape into my fiction.
I’d
like to say though, that I have the best, most considerate husband in the
world. With his support and my little doggies watching my moods and looking
worried if they think I’m upset, well—what else do I need?
I
have wonderful grown stepchildren and grandchildren. My granddaughter, Charlie
gave me the most wonderful book about vampires for Christmas. She introduced me
to some great kids shows on tv about vampires, too. I have thought of writing
YA because of this, but will see.
4.
Don’t
get me started on the wonders and blessings of having the love of our pets. In
my opinion, they are some of God’s greatest gifts. How would you describe your
writing style, process, and space? I’d love to see a snapshot of your space if
you have one, but if not, don’t let that stop you from answering the question
;-)
As
for work space, my husband fixed up a great office for me which I don’t use! I
prefer to write in the kitchen. Everything’s there—the living room is close by
and so are coffee and food! J
Writing
style varies. That is, I write one way for dark horror and another for my dark
paranormal romantic fiction. It is just how I write. It’s natural too, for me.
I think of my writing always as the narrative.
That is, the voice. The voice for a horror novel about cannibalistic clowns (Circus of Horrors) is going to be
different from a vampire recalling her living life and her undead existence (Justine: Into the Blood).
The
writing process happens with regularity. A discipline evolves and that is how
it all happens. Muses are thoroughly undependable and love to goof off. They
cannot be counted on, ever. The writer must do all the work, from inspiration
to character development to tying it all in until it’s finished.
Somerset
Maugham said there were three secrets to writing but unfortunately no one knows
what they are. I’d say that’s about the size of it.
5.
LOL.
So true. I think that’s one reason so many writers refer to this as a “journey.”
Tell us more about your books. Genre, titles, any favorite characters? What can
we look forward to from you in the near future? WIP’s, upcoming releases?
I
write dark paranormal romance and dark horror. I have one finished 4-novel
series out now. The Blackstone Vampires
consists of:
The House on
Blackstone Moor
Unholy Testament
– The Beginnings
Unholy Testament
– Full Circle
The Fourth Bride
(of Dracula)
Justine: Into
the Blood
is Book 1 in the Blood and Passion Series.
Carole Gill’s House of Horrors and Circus of Horrors are also available.
UPCOMING
RELEASE: is a novel of The Blood Countess, Erzsebat Bathory. Title:
I Bathory, Queen
of Blood.
Aside
from doing extensive research about her, I have read novels about her in which
she is almost always watered down. Not so in my novel. She is the monster she
was in life.
When
I began the novel, I found it a challenge to write about someone so horrible,
but I found a way in. In becoming her, I give her the motivation for what she
did. She was a sexual sadist, I think we can all agree on that. I just give her
reasons for being that way.
The
novel spans centuries as she is raised from death by a vampire who cannot
fathom her evil and falls in love with her. She, now in undeath, eventually
accepts that love and responds. If she and her lover, Anton have hopes that she
will be less of a monster now, they are wrong. Rages set her off based on
jealousy (as they always have).
Her
story carries on into present day when she and Anton operate blood clubs.
Vampirism has been made legal, post-World War 2. But sadly, Bathory slides back
into rages every so often. Anton will either accept this or he won’t.
Her
character is complex there are so many facets to Erzebat Bathory. I believe
there always were.
As
far as favorite characters go, my favorite character has always been Eco, the
demon spawn, featured in Unholy Testament
– The Beginnings and Unholy Testament Full Circle, Books 2 and 3 of the Blackstone Vampires Series.
He
is an intelligent demon, driven mad by this knowledge that he backs a losing
side basically. His obsession with Eve Darton, mistress of Blackstone House is
a study in twisted love as is his self-confessed love of Rose Baines, Blackstone
Series heroine. She is the reason he has compiled a journal confessing all his
sins (his unholy testament).
I
will say though that now, having finished (doing final draft) I Bathory, Queen of Blood, Bathory is
fast becoming my favorite character. I know her so well because I am her. I won’t go out and kill anyone,
but I know the way she thinks.
My
next book will be Book 2 in the Blood and
Passion Series, Anat, Blood Princess. This book tells of an Ancient
Egyptian Princess who committed the worst sin by falling in love with a slave.
His punishment is castration. She will not live without him and commits
suicide, only to be raised up by an evil sorcerer.
6.
Is
there a common thread in your books? How do your values show up in your
writing? Jungian philosophy? What do you want readers to take from your
writing?
Common
thread? I’d say our ability to deal with fate and whatever consequences befall
human beings and vampires, is my common thread at least in my series, and in
Bathory. Vampires are complex beings. I seek to give them pasts and futures. I
want readers to know them completely. They are monsters, but they are sad
monsters.
Jung
is interesting to consider as motivation is crucial in my writing. It always
has been. Carefully consider a character’s motivation will give you the story.
As
for psychic energy--that is the force in all of us that motivates us to do what
we do. It works (as I see it) in humans and non-humans. And basically, I want
readers to take away something newly discovered from my fiction. I want them to
appreciate all beings, even supernatural ones have feelings, just as we do.
7.
What
are some of your favorite writing tools and resources?
My
laptop and the internet. The internet for information and also to order books I
need for my research.
8.
What
are some things you know now about writing and being an author that you wish someone
had told you at the very beginning?
How
tough marketing is. The aspect that I like in fact love, is blogging. I used to
just blog, I still do—about publishing, writing—film reviews—but then I started
to blog about my own fiction. I announce when my books are on offer. I publish
excerpts very often, generous ones, too on my blog.
I
just enjoy engaging readers through my blog. I get a lot of hits so I know
people are reading what I post. I get over 22k hits a month (most months). I
sometimes, will put up an entire short story from a collection too, usually
holiday time.
My
author page on Facebook is a great source for finding out what’s going on with
my writing. Links to blog posts are up there and I blog a few times a week.
I
think I rambled. Sorry—but I will tie it all up and make it relevant to the
question by saying, marketing is tough. If I had been warned of this—in truth,
I don’t think it would have changed anything. I love to write. It is a big part
of my life. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t write. So heck, I’d write no matter
what I had been told.
9.
Actually,
I think everything you just said is relevant, Carole, and yes, marketing is
indeed hard. What lifts your spirits when you’re discouraged?
My
dogs. They pull me right up. They watch my expressions to see how I look if
they sense I’m upset. My dog, Indy is even worse—he gets very upset if I raise
my voice an octave. I might be talking about how happy I am or how funny
something was and he tries to comfort me. He’s like my mother! Yes, my dogs
lift me up all the time. And as far as good, sound advice, my husband is there
for that.
10.
Sounds
like a wonderfully supportive husband J
My dogs provided comfort me as well. I haven’t had one since the passing of my
14 year old Dobie-Coonhound last October, but I plan to find another one soon. Other
than writing, what’s your passion?
Animals.
I love them. I am very caught up right now in the movement to ban trophy
hunting. I hate it. For one thing, it has nothing to do with hunting. It is
just about killing and collecting a body part. If that isn’t creepy and weird,
I’d like to know what is. It’s got to stop.
Let
me say, I am not only concerned about animals but all the vulnerable beings in
the world. Life is difficult for the vulnerable and it shouldn’t be.
11.
We
are of the same mind on that subject, Carole. Most of my charity donations go
to animal rights campaigns, i.e., banning the murders of trusting, loving
horses for their meat as they jump and scream in shocked terror, and hunting,
IMO, is NOT a sport; how can it be a sport when one’s opponent doesn’t have a
fighting chance? I could go on and on but, back to the interview…Not limited to
writing, what do you believe are some of your greatest accomplishments so far?
My
first marriage was a nightmare. When it was over, I cared for my totally
disabled mother until her death 12 years later. She had become gradually
disabled following the untimely death of my father many years before. Still,
she functioned and was amazing and optimistic.
When
she needed help, a nursing home was out. She wouldn’t have wanted it and
neither would I have. Her last years were as pleasant as I could have made
them. We lived near the seaside and she enjoyed getting out. It was very
difficult for me over time as she had gained a great deal of weight. We never
had a motorized chair.
When
she died, I felt lost. I had put my own life on hold for so long, I didn’t know
what to do. However, between working full-time then and joining an amazing
writer’s workshop, I turned back to writing. I met my husband two years later.
Life
is about change and accepting along with the good, a lot of obstacles. We
either learn to deal with everything or we suffer. I try to keep to that. As
for caring for my mother, I do consider that I did the right thing, the only
thing I could have done. So that is an accomplishment.
12.
You
have me in tears now, but I’m also smiling. That is one of the most meaningful
accomplishments I can imagine, Carole. What tips can you offer towards building
and maintaining a strong support system as a writer?
Okay.
Let’s see. It’s like friendship. You have to be willing to give support to
others in your craft. Even if you just message someone in order to be in touch,
it’s important. Writing is a pretty solitary, isolating existence sometimes.
You cannot do it alone. You need to know other writers, others like yourself.
You have to discuss things. Sometimes a good rant is helpful.
I
find my online friends who write are the most helpful. People who become part
of your support system will just come along. When they do, be grateful as you
support them back.
13.
Again,
very true J For the
adventurous, write a descriptive 4-line poem. Here are the guidelines
(guidelines are for inspirational purposes only. You’re welcome to freestyle):
Carole
Writes,
Worries, Daydreams
Seeks
World Change
Author
Stalk Carole. She likes it!
Carole
Gill lives in Yorkshire with her husband and two lunatic Parson Russell
Terriers. She turned back to writing
some years ago. She writes paranormal romance and horror combined. Her
acclaimed 4-novel series, The Blackstone Vampires is a case in point.
AWARDS:
eBook
Festival of Words 2014:
Best
Horror: The House on Blackstone Moor and
Best
Villain: Eco
Top 10
Books - 2013 –
The
House on Blackstone Moor
Aoife
Marie Sheridan - ALL THINGS FANTASY
Publisher,
Ultimate Fantasy Books
92
Horror authors you need to read right now!
Carole
Gill - The Blackstone Vampires Series. ~Charlotte Books Examiner,
Justine: Into The Blood is Book One, Blood and Passion
Series is on sale at Amazon.
Book
Two, Anat: Blood Princess follows.
I, Bathory, Queen of Blood, a novel about the Blood Countess
Erzsebat Bathory is due to be released in the summer.
For
dark horror fans there is Carole Gill's
House of Horrors and the novel, Circus
of Horrors.
In
2000 she was selected by Northwest Playwrights of England for further
development. Short stories and novels were what she preferred to write.
Her
short story, The Devil's Work is being broadcast web and television in the
Fragments of Fear Program in 2015.
Thirsty for more? Come party with us as we celebrate the release of "Tease To Please" and you'll have a chance to chat with Carole and ask her questions!
Comments
Loved it.
xxx
I am too. :)
It's so hard. Just know from your dog's point of view, feeling the love is everything to them. <3 xx