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Q: Your books are often described as modern-day fairy tales. What drew you to that genre? Had you always had an interest in fairy tales?
Carrie: Growing up, my mom read aloud to my sister and me from a beautifully illustrated book of classic fairy tales. That was probably the start of my love for the genre. I’ve also always loved the idea of elves and fairies that might secretly inhabit the woods and gardens of our ordinary world—adding just a hint of magic. And honestly, I’m a sucker for a happy-ever-after!
Q: What is the inspiration behind your latest novel, Gretchen and the Bear?
Carrie: I wanted to write something that expanded on the idea of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. There’s also a dash of Cinderella
in the story. At first, I set it in the 1800s, but after a while I thought it would be more fun to set it in the future and throw in some science fiction elements. I’m a lifelong Star Wars fan, so I had such a good time melding futuristic stuff with fantasy.
Q: You have had a unique publication journey, beginning with your win in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for YA and publication by an Amazon imprint. What was that journey like from there? How did you find your next publisher?
Carrie: It has been an unusual journey, for sure! Skyscape (Amazon’s traditional-publishing, YA imprint) published The Mermaid’s Sister and The Gold-Son and it was wonderful working with them. They’re a very professional, New York-style publishing house, with top-notch editors and a fast-paced approach. Unfortunately, Skyscape decided not to publish any more fantasy books for the time being. So, for Gretchen and the Bear, I took a friend’s recommendation and submitted to a small publishing company, WordCrafts Press. They were also great to work with, but have a much different, more laid-back, friendly approach—something quite comforting in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, and just what I needed. Gretchen and the Bear turned out beautifully in every way.
As for my next book, we’ll see what happens! I’d still love to sign with a great agent and see where that might lead.
Q: Had you always planned to become a novelist someday?
Carrie: My primary plan was always to become a mom (Goal accomplished!), but I did start writing little make-believe newspapers and comics pretty young. My first attempt at writing a novel was when I was about 12. It was a portal fantasy with nitrogen-breathing aliens—and I wrote about three chapters before setting it aside. I wish I could find those chapters and have a good laugh!
Q: What are some challenges you have faced in your writing life and how have you overcome them?
Carrie: I think it’s hard to judge the quality of your own work. Even when I work for a long time on something and do my very best, I usually doubt that it’s any good. Having a few trustworthy, capable writer friends who give me honest feedback helps so much. I highly recommend finding a good critique group—one made up of people who enjoy seeing one another succeed and grow.
Q: What are you working on now?
Carrie: I’m currently working on a YA fantasy romance about an 1800s coal mine town girl who grows antlers (much to her parents’ horror). She meets a mysterious group of young people with similar strange attributes and must join their fight against a villain who wants to destroy them all.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Carrie: Read everything in sight and write whenever you can. It’s been said that you have to write a million words before you’ll write well enough to create a good novel, and I think that’s probably at least close to true! Once you think you’re getting good, find a writers’ group and be open to advice from more experienced writers. Most importantly, always keep learning (through reading, classes, or conferences), and don’t forget to have fun as you write!
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