Today, I’m delighted to present to you a truly terrific lady. Carmen de Sousa is one of the gems of eNovel Authors at Work that’s worth looking into. Not only has she published a delightful array of fantasy gems, but she’s one of the most helpful, giving people I know. Through her sites, she supports and promotes fellow indies during their promos and is always helpful and keen to offer advice. Her latest release, Eidolon, is book 4 in her Creatus series and as you’ll see below, its cover is awesome. Makes me want to grab it and dig right in!
Before we get to our online chat, make sure to browse through Carmen’s titles below. You’ll be pleased to see one of her books is permanently FREE!
Book 4 in the Creatus Series.
Not all phantoms are myths…
For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Now, one rogue faction wants the world to know they exist.
Meghan only wants to be normal, and for the first time in her life, she feels she might have a chance to be herself. As she finds herself between creatus families with different ideals and their roles within the human race, she struggles to find her way. Only, her path leads her right into the arms of a wanted man.
Not only will she have to fight for the man she loves, she’ll have to fight for her very life.
The Creatus Series is not your typical paranormal story…it’s a realistic romantic mystery based on the myths you’ve heard your entire life. Prepare to believe…
Find it now on Amazon
Book 1 in the Creatus Series.
In every myth, there’s a modicum of truth
For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Unwittingly, one creatus will endanger them all…
As with most of his family, Derrick Ashton knows his future and what position he’s destined to fill within his unique society. Everything changes, however, when he breaks one of his family’s strictest laws and falls in love–with a human. In his quest to protect the woman he can never have, a twist of faith propels him into a new role that will cause dissension among his family and endanger the anonymity that they’ve strived for thousands of years to protect. Now, he will risk everything to save the girl from humans and his own kind. The one thing he can’t save her from, however…is herself.
The Creatus Series is not your normal paranormal story…it’s a realistic romantic mystery based on the myths you’ve heard your entire life. Prepare to believe.
Note: The events in Creatus (They Exist) start fourteen years prior to the events in Creatus. I highly recommend you read this novella before Creatus so you can get a look into the characters’ lives leading up to the full story. Only the last chapter and first chapter overlap, and they are from a different point of view. Prepare yourself for a cliffhanger ending, though.
Find it now on Amazon
The Library (Where Life Checks Out) is a Murder Mystery with a hint of paranormal and a dab of romance.
When Mark Waters decided to be a detective, he didn’t plan to investigate ghosts. But as he sifts through evidence of a supposed suicide by train, he learns a murder that took place eighty years ago may directly affect his case. Six months after the strange occurrences at The Depot, there’s another murder. This time, The Library holds secrets of several murders, and the dead won’t rest until the murderer checks out too.
Find it now on Amazon
FREE!
(The Depot is permafree, but check price before downloading).
The Depot (When Life and Death Cross Tracks) is a thirteen-thousand-word mini mystery with a ghostly edge by bestselling romantic-suspense author Carmen DeSousa. If you are looking for her full-length novels, please check out her Amazon author page.
They say The Depot is haunted. But in all the years homicide detective Mark Waters has visited the ancient train station turned restaurant, he’s never seen proof. Until now. As he investigates a supposed suicide by train, he learns secrets of a murder that took place eighty years ago may directly affect his case.
The Depot was originally published January 2013. While there have been a few updates, this is the original story. Happy reading!
Find it now on Amazon FREE!
Hello Carmen and welcome to my blog!
Thank you for the invitation, Fros.
Tell us a little about The Library and the Depot that I’m showcasing today. What has inspired you to write them?
Funny story… The Library (Where Life Checks Out) came about per readers’ demands. I’d decided to write a series of short stories on my website with reader interaction. I published the first one, then readers demanded I bring back one of the supporting characters, Mark Waters, so I did. Then, after that, my avid-reading friends fell in love with Mark and wanted him to get a full novel. So, since I always listen to my readers, I wrote it. After all, what kind of a writer would I be if I didn’t listen to my readers? Both stories are included in The Library, which as mentioned above is on sale today, or readers can download just the short story, The Depot, free.
What was the first thing you ever wrote and how old were you then?
Try not to laugh… I think I was eight, and I wrote a story about giant fleas. It was actually pretty imaginative now that I look back, but who would ever want to read a story about giant fleas? I wrote several other stories I can’t remember clearly, but then when I was in college, I wrote my first novella, and my professor cheered—right after he cried. He wanted something clever and funny; I write modern-day fairy tales, and if you remember the fairy tales growing up as a kid, they actually weren’t mild, so imagine that for grown-ups.
I love fairy tales. And did you see? I didn’t laugh about the giant flees…much! (giggles) What other writing have you done? Anything else published?
Thirteen published right now, and three in the oven. I tend to stay pregnant. LOL! As soon as I finish one and send it off to my beta readers, I’m usually already busy on the next story. I’m obsessed!
I envy your rhythm! Well done, Carmen. Any hobbies or interests that you enjoy in your spare time?
My favorite, of course, is reading. Thankfully, hubby is an avid reader too, so when the weather is nice, we’ll often spend our day at the pool or beach reading. If the weather isn’t nice, a coffee shop works perfectly. We also love to mountain bike, hike, and kayak.
Do you see yourself in any of your characters, or do any of them have traits you wish you had?
Ummm…yes. But, I’ll never tell which character it is. I will say this, my hubby is a retired police detective, and I’ve been through a lot in my life, so I will NEVER run out of stories.
Well, you know what they say about writers and their hardships in life. It’s material! So I bet you’ll reap the benefits to the full. What are you working on at the moment? Tell us a little about your current project(s).
I have four series working…and I know it sounds unusual, but I work on all of them at the same time. I write and write and write until I can’t write anymore, then if the words still don’t come, I walk away and work on another project. My characters are very needy, and yet, they’re controlling. Before I know it, they’ll come back, demanding that I continue their story. It may sound like a dysfunctional relationship, but we have an understanding.
Wow, you’re like the Duracell bunny of writing! How fortunate for you. What genres do you read mostly, and what are you reading now?
I love just about anything that isn’t too graphic in any manner. I have a great imagination; that’s why I read and write, so I don’t need every murder or sex scene spelled out to me specifically. The only thing I don’t write is chick lit, so I find I enjoy those more, as I’m not always thinking how I’d write the scene. Right now, I’m reading Hold on my Heart by Tracy Brogan. I just finished two other books by her in the last couple of months. I’m very loyal. If I like an author’s book, I’ll read everything they write.
Do you have any advice for other indie authors?
If you love writing, never give up; never surrender! If you decide to write a book because you thought it was a way to make money, and you don’t live and breathe it, give up! Writing isn’t a 9-5 job. You have to live it, breathe it, eat it, and sleep it. It will demand everything that is inside of you. But in the end, if you love it, and stick with it, you’ll never be happier when you receive feedback from readers how you touched their soul.
Great advice and so true… Tell us about your website/blog. What will readers find there?
I, of course, share new releases, excerpts, and giveaways on my books, but…I love to share posts on writing, marketing, and sometimes just life. I write about everything I’ve experienced on my journey as a writer, and if there’s something I haven’t written about, ask me. I will do my best to answer you, and I might even write a blog post in your honor. Here’s the list of my most popular posts: http://www.carmendesousa.com/p/popular-posts-on-writingmarketing.html
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
Is wisdom a superpower?
Heck, why not?
Well, I hope so, because that is what I’d wish for the most. I’ve made many mistakes in my life, and if I had that one power, I’m sure I could have avoided them. But then again, I might not have as many situations to write about. So, I think I’d choose strength. Not like Superman strength with bulging muscles and the ability to fly without the body mechanics required to do so, but more like one of my favorite characters in the Creatus Series, Tori. She’s like Wonder Woman in the flesh, but more believable. It’d be nice to walk down the street, never having to fear anyone.
Great choice, Carmen! If you could choose another profession, what would that be?
I did that… I went for the money and spent fifteen years in a career I hated because I was making six figures. You know what…it wasn’t worth it. I’d do anything to get back those years and just write.
I hear you…I spent twenty years doing office work too. I could have spent them writing and nurturing my spirit instead of feeling cleustrophobic. But you know, there were no tools and no outlets for indies back then. I choose not to have regrets and I am sure you can see it too that it all happened for a reason. To paraphrase the words of the great Steve Jobs, “when you go back and join the dots, it all starts to make sense”.
Yes, I’ll agree to that!
Well, Carmen, it’s been wonderful having you here! Thank you so much for your visit.
It’s been a pleasure, Fros. Thank you so much for the invitation.
BIO
As most authors, I blame my leap into a full-time career as a professional writer on my love of reading. Reading has always been an escape for me. When life was rough as a child, I could always disappear into a book. But I found something else… I discovered that writing out my thoughts was healing. Not only could I create hope for my protagonists, but I could do away with the antagonists–legally.
When I penned my first novel, She Belongs to Me, I allowed only my cousin and best friend to read it. They are the reason I write. They pushed me to publish, as they felt my stories would give others, who’ve experienced tragedies, hope. So now, even though I still write for me, I mainly write for my readers who continually encourage me that my words touched their soul.
Although some of my stories dance on a paranormal edge, they all share a common thread or romance, mystery, suspense, and hope.
CONNECT WITH CARMEN
Website: http://www.carmendesousa.com/
You can find all my social media links on my Amazon page.
Copy and paste this universal link to your browser to get there: viewAuthor.at/CarmenDeSousa
Thank you so much for having me today, Fros! I look forward to meeting some of your avid-reading friends/writers. And I hope anyone who likes a mystery dipped in a little paranormal will take advantage or my free short story, The Depot, or the full story, The Library, while it’s only $0.99.
Chat with you soon, my friend! 🙂
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Dear Carmen, it’s been a great pleasure to have you. Although you have Portuguese blood in you, you came to my blog like a Greek; i.e. bearing gifts, LOL. Thank you so much 🙂 I’m sure my readers will take advantage of these awesome offers; I know I have!
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LOL, Fros! I guess that’s true. I drive my hubby crazy when we are going to someone’s house, because even if we are running late, even if they said not to bring something, I simply have to. And like my grammie, if you come to my house, the first thing I’m going to do is offer you food and drink. And that’s exactly what a permafree book is, in my opinion, a cup of coffee, so we can see if we want to sit down to a full meal. 😀
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OMG Carmen, are you sure you’re not Greek? LOL I do the same. My guests will have barely taken off their coats to sit down and I’m already like, can I get you this and that? LOL. Maybe this is what we do all over the Med 🙂
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What a wonderful and interesting interview. Thanks.
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Thank you so much for your visit Kerry 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for your comment, Kerry! Fros made it easy, that’s for sure. She had some great questions! 🙂
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Lovely interview! I also work a 40 hour week NOT writing. But luckily, I do love my job. Though counting beans has become less fun and I’d rather just write. But I can’t afford to quit…. Yet. 🙂 Never give up, never surrender. Great writing advice, Carmen!
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It’s such an empowering quote, isn’t it? I think Carmen inspired us all in just this little sentence. Thank you for dropping by Julie 🙂
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Great interview! I loved fairy tales…love Carmen’s books too!
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Thank you very much for your visit here Jerri 🙂
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Thank you, Jerri! I think fairy tales get a bad rap…those poor heroines had to go through a lot to find their happily ever after. And I like to step it up a notch. My protagonists don’t always like me so much. 😀
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Thank you, Julie! I wish you success in making writing your full-time job. Yes, the money may be less, but it is definitely worth it, as you know, when a reader goes out of their way to review or share your book with their friends. Other than the wonderful family stuff, there’s no better feeling. ❤
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Carmen, your commitment to writing is phenomenal! No wonder you are so successful – a combination of a great love for what you do and, it seems, boundless energy! Loved getting to know more about you in this interview. 😀
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Thank you, Dianne! And probably a lot of OCD…I’m obsessed, and I will just keep writing and writing and writing until I get the outcome I’d like. Ummm…a movie deal would be that great. I rarely go to the movies, but I went yesterday, and I couldn’t help but say to hubby, “Creatus (They Exist)…someday…” LOL!
Thank you for stopping by, Dianne! I appreciate your lovely words. 🙂
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You mean you only mentioned a movie deal to your hubbie once? My hubby and I have the whole cast down, including director and production company, LOL
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Thank you for visiting Dianne! Yes, Carmen is amazing in that score too, isn’t she? It seems the rest of us are in awe of such a high production rate! Carmen, maybe you can get a book out (or a blogpost at least!) and tell us your secrets! What fuels this productivity? What facilitates it? Some tips would be welcome for the rest of us struggling to put the words out there 🙂
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LOL, Fros! Well, maybe a few times. 😀
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This interview is the first thing I’ve read this morning and it’s set me up for a positive day. Thanks, Fros & Carmen. Now I’m going to chisel out some words–they’re not flowing as smoothly as yours right now, Carmen..
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Hi Pete and thank you for stopping by. Will it cheer you up a little if I tell you I think your writing comes across as utterly intelligent and effortless? It’s superb! I am reading Nanostrike at bedtime and holding you responsible for sleeping less these days 😉
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Thanks, Pete! I hope the words flowed for you yesterday…and will again today. I spend days, sometimes, just thinking about what I write. I still can’t write an outline, but I write lots of questions. 🙂
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Great interview. I’m in total awe of your productivity. More books for my kindle tbr pile as well!
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Thank you for your lovely comment, Mary! Aren’t we all, honey? Carmen’s writing gusto is phenomenal! Let’s hope it rubs off on us all over time 😉
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Thank you, Mary! I’m obsessed and a workaholic. Those two attributes aren’t always great qualities, but they work well for an author. When I’m nearing the end of a book, I literally go dark for days on end. I only come up for coffee and a protein bar. 😀
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Excellent interview!
Giant flees, huh? Eek! 😀
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Just goes to show what amazing imaginations kids have, LOL. Thank you for stopping by, Nicholas 🙂
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I know, right? The start of the story was a father shoving the fleas off his socks, into the toilet, and the chemicals caused the fleas to grow.
I might add that drive-thru movie theatres were still the only theatre in our area, and my parents had just taken us to a triple feature of Food of the Gods, The Squirm, and Empire of the Ants. My step-siblings and I were supposed to be sleeping in the back of the station wagon, but of course we peeked. Am I showing my age yet? LOL!
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Gosh, I watched Empire of the Ants with my dad ages ago. I guess I’m now showing *my* age! 😀
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Aha- now it makes sense, LOL. And no, don’t worry. Your age won’t show, not until you start mentioning things like David Cassidy, or God forbid, Demis Roussos 🙂
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Thanks, Fros and Carmen, for the interview. It’s always fun–and inspiring–to learn about my successful colleagues.
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Thank you for your kind comment, Mike. I’m so pleased you could stop by 🙂
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Thanks, Mike! I don’t know about ‘successful’ yet, but I’m working on it, so I appreciate all the love y’all are showing me by visiting and sharing. 🙂
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Great interview, Fros and Carmen. Love the ‘Never give up, never surrender’ quote. Terrific advice no matter what anyone wants to do or does. 🙂
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Indeed! It’s a very empowering quote. Thank you for your visit honey 🙂
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Thank you, Dale! And I agree… No matter what you do…if you aren’t willing to go at it full-speed ahead, why bother? If we were all passionate about what we did, I think all companies would run smoother. In my previous line of work, I had all ages working for me. Some of my favorite employees were retirees, even though many didn’t want to hire retirees. What I found was that they were never late, never complained, and always did their job with a smile. My theory…they didn’t have to work; they wanted to work. I think that’s the difference. I can’t remember if I said it in this interview or not, but I learned something years ago that has always stuck with me.
“If you don’t like what you do for a living, ‘WORK’ is a four-letter word.”
:{
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Oops…that was supposed to be a 🙂 not a 😦 LOL!
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Aw honey, don’t remind me. Been there, done that, and even bought the T-shirt. You know, something tells me subconsciously you meant to put the unhappy face. I am guessing you didn’t love it half as much as what you’re doing now 🙂
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Wonderful interview. Glad to know more about Carmen, too!
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Aren’t we all? It’s truly inspiring to hear more from someone as successful and prolific as Carmen is. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Rebecca! I know how busy you must be 🙂
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Thank you, Rebecca. I thought you already knew everything about me. LOL!
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Wow, Carmen…you are one amazing woman! You have touched many “readers’ souls,” and you’re a blessing to other authors, too. Write it, live it, breathe it–love it. Our mantra!
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You’re so right, Linda. It has to be the one mantra for any writer out there who’s commited to their dream and is serious about their craft. We’re not accountants or desk clerks and you can’t switch it off, can you? It’s there nagging at you day and night. You live with your characters in your head which makes you a writer 24/7. Thank you so much for your visit, honey 🙂
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Oh, my dear friend, as I said the other day, you are so sweet. I appreciate your words and your unwavering support and commitment to other authors. Thank you for all you do. And I love that mantra. I think it could be our ‘battle cry’, even. 😀
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Fascinating interview, thank you! Full speed ahead!
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Than you for stopping by, Laurie! I really appreciate it 🙂
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Thank you, Laurie! Sorry for the late response. I’ve had jury duty for the last two weeks, and I ended up being jury foreman. Who would have guessed. In a murder trial, none the less. But, it’s over now, as we came to a unanimous verdict. My skills of deduction of murder scenes definitely came in handy.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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I am grateful for all the reblogs, Viv! You’re amazing 🙂
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Thank you! As soon as I catch up, I’ll head that way. I really appreciate it. 🙂
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Great interview, Carmen and Fros! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and secrets with us…
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Thank tou for stopping by, Jenny. I’m glad you enjoyed out little chat. It was definitely fun on my end. 🙂
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How lovely of you to visit, Jenny! Thank you for taking the time to comment too 🙂
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Great interview Fros. And thanks to you Carmen, you’ve enticed me!
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Thank you for your visit, David 🙂
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Smashing interview!
As for giant fleas…I wouldn’t want to meet the cats and dogs they lived on.
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lol! True. That’d be scary. Worse, would be the rats that they’d feed on. Yikes!
Thanks for stopping by, Rosie!
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Extrapolating further…you might get a fun ride off a flea if you could get a harness and saddle on them.
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Haha, very funny Rosie, just imagine, yikes 😀
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