Interview

Hi Carlene and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

 

I am in the process of reading galleys for one of the three books I have coming out in January 2010! MIND ECHOES is a paranormal romance, the story of a house call veterinarian who communicates with animals telepathically to help a police detective solve crimes - published by Whiskey Creek Press. Next in line is FINDER! a humorous mystery about a woman in a small town who finds several women who have gone missing, with the help of her thrice-divorced, martini-drinking, Jaguar-driving aunt. That one is with Wild Child Publishing. Just about ready to go is a re-release of my non-fiction book, An Extra Pair of Eyes about my adventures as a volunteer at the San Diego Sheriff's Department. I have that one with Write Words Inc., who also published my romance, Call Sign: Love that was the number one best seller at Fictionwise for August 2009!

 

How do you begin your writing day?  How do you end it?

 

To begin, I stagger out to the family room, pour a cup of coffee and fire up my lap top. I check email messages, update my blog (www.carlenedater.com) with tips on writing, a Thought for the Day and anything writing-wise that wanders into my mind. If I've read or seen a good mystery, I blog about that at www.themysterystartshere.com. I also submit articles to www.ezine.com. Then I'll go to work on my latest project, which right now is getting contracted books ready for publication. I started my career as a journalist, so will frequently flip from project to project -that way I never run out of things to write.

 

To end, I check and answer emails. I have a file for ideas that I'll update - if I have any!

 

What is the easiest part of the writing process for you?  What is the hardest part, the one task you wish you could wave a magic wand and it would be done for you?

 

The easiest part is writing. I am lucky that I started my career as a journalist and have never had writer's block. If I'm stuck on one project, I just shift to another. Writing has always been a joy for me.

 

The hardest part is publicity! Yes, I wish I could just go on Oprah and let the money start flowing in! It takes time but it's necessary. I need a secretary!

 

With a successful career spanning over twenty-five years (does it seem that long?) what are some of the changes you’ve seen in the romance publishing world?

 

No, it doesn't seem that long at all! I would have to say the advent of e-publishing has really changed not only romance publishing but publishing in general. Also, in romance the shift toward erotica! I am surprised there are still so many erotic romances around but they obviously fill a need. I think it's great - something for everyone.

 

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

 

Gary Provost. He was my first creative writing teacher. He was a wonderful writer and teacher and he became a good friend. He taught me that if you are a writer, you can write anything! Because of Gary, I've published hard news, feature articles, short stories for the confession, romance, mystery, horror, and religious markets. My books are mysteries, romantic suspense, romance all laced with a bit of humor.

 

What kind of vehicle motors Carlene around to get all her errands done?  What kind of vehicle does Carlene wish would motor her around?

 

I have a 1999 Jaguar. It's a four-door sedan, burgundy! Yup, it's my dream car and I love it!

 

I wish for a purple Lamborghini! Hey, a girl can dream.

 

Humans tend to be creatures of habit. Which habits do you have that you like, and which ones would you like to change or get rid of?

 

I guess my email habit. I have email buddies all over the country and love keeping in touch with them but....it's also a form of procrastination. I'd love to get rid of that little chocolate habit of mine - it makes me break out in fat! However I do not see that happening.

 

When you have a spare moment, what is your favorite way to spend it?

 

Playing with my two dogs, Tara a purebred yellow Lab and Dukie a Lab mix who is a rescue dog. In the past year I've also taken up painting with watercolors and like to dabble in that.

 

How did you and your husband meet?  Did he fall for you first, or the other way around?

 

We lived three doors apart in an apartment building in Venice Beach, near L.A for two years until we finally met.

 

We met in July 1969. Our first date was the night the man walked on the moon - we married four months later so I guess you'd have to say it was mutual. I have to keep him - he still makes me laugh.

 

What is the best way to spend a quiet evening at home?

 

Either reading or watching television. On the weekend probably with a small group of friends.

 

How do you describe Carlene Dater?  How does Carlene Dater’s husband describe her?

 

Me:  A tall, average looking woman with short wavy hair and a ready smile.

 

My Husband:  A good life partner and an outgoing person who never met a stranger.

 

MORE FUN…

 

Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on your life?  Whom will you pass this “influence” on to?

 

My husband, Dennis. When ever I am afraid to try something new, he always tells me to "go for it." He's always been my biggest supporter.

I teach a monthly free Writing Workshop at a local library. I try to pass that enthusiasm on to my students.

 

At the moment, what is your favorite TV show?

 

Fringe - I love the cow.

 

Friends drop over unexpectedly right at dinnertime. Would you cook dinner for them or take them out to your favorite restaurant?

 

Take them out, definitely!

Thank you, Carlene, for spending time with us at RJ.  Continued success with your writing career!

By Brooke Wills

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

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