Greetings from another planet: Author Interview with Louann Carroll

The first of two interviews this week is with Louann Carroll. Let us delve into the depths of some of my favourite genres-paranormal and sci-fi. But first get digging...

Hi Louann, before I start asking you about writing-what’s the most interesting fossil you’ve found? My son and I need to know.

Fossilized brain coral from a dry lake bed in Nevada. It is 45 million years old AND a fossilized turtle egg. I also have arrow heads and I have a fossilized knee bone from a miniature mammoth from the islands off California. I have grinding stones and paint pots plus tons of copper and other minerals.

Jealous! I'll take the knee bone, it's probably better than mine. OK down to the business of writing. I love the occult, paranormal and Sci-Fi, but for anyone new to those genres-what inspires you to write the books you do?

When you write in those genres it almost exclusively relies on imagination along with some pretty heady research into theoretical physics which is amazing in itself. Imagine a world where there are multiple dimensions taking place all at the same time. Then imagine you could visit any dimension you wanted. Then you can imagine a dimension that gets broken and accidentally gets mixed up in other dimensions. Or you can go further and imagine a place where heaven and hell are just lighter or darker (in mass) dimensions and you can visit them anytime you want. You just can’t take your regular body with you. Using that formula anything can happen anywhere at any time.

When did you first start writing and was being an author a lifelong ambition?

My lifelong ambition was to be a mother. Becoming an author was an afterthought and due to a hyperactive imagination I get brain constipation if I don’t write out my stories. I used to entertain my kids and nieces and nephews with what they called the Auntie Louann routine. Now they can read my thoughts instead of listening to them.

There is so much more to being an author than writing the book. Out of the entire process from concept to promotion-what do you enjoy the most?

When I am in the zone all becomes quiet and I write. I love that process. Everything flows perfectly. Problem is, people have to really jolt me out of the process if they need me and that can be stressful for them and for me. It is like all is right with the world and then BAM reality bites.

I had to learn how to market the hard way. I had a horrible time outing myself. I just wanted people to find my books, but that doesn’t work. You have to keep yourself in the public eye. You have to market and then you have to discover what works for you. Eventually, I joined everything and guess what I discovered? That on pinterest you can redo your kitchen, on Goodreads you can find great books to read, on Amazon you meet new friends and other reviewers, and on Facebook you can reconnect with old friends. Oh, and on Twitter you gain a bunch of new friends who know friends who know friends and you can keep up with current events while they are happening. Super cool.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

If you love writing, never give up. Continue to read and to write and if you get stuck, blog your journey. Have fun and most of all remember, if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life.

Tell us where you write. Do you have a dedicated space or are you able to write anywhere?

I write anywhere I have a computer. I have a writing room at home, but prefer the couch next to my husband.

Do you have a process or any habits you have to do before you can start writing?

I do like to have everything done like my domestics or unfinished things like redoing my kitchen. Other than that, no habits or rituals.

Name a place fictional or real that you’d like to visit.

I would love to visit Egypt and the Middle East. Too bad things are so upsetting right now or I would go. I have always been fascinated with the Egypt.

I on the other hand have been the Egypt and didn't even see the pyramids! Who are your favourite authors and what are you reading at the moment?

Danielle DeVor’s Sorrow’s series. It’s about an ex-priest who continues to exorcise demons and the like. He hangs out with his girlfriend who is a witch and a young girl named Lucy who haunts them both. Actually, she’s more like their daughter. It is such a great series. So perfect for a lazy weekend.

What music do you like? Who is on your current play list?

I don’t have a play list. I like music, but I’m hooked on the 60s. Nothing makes me happier. When I write, I enjoy the quiet. Actually, I kind of go away so anything that makes me present is a distraction.

Spill the beans-what are you currently working on?

Gemini Rising, The Word, the 3rd book in the trilogy is almost done. However, I have had a new book pop into my mind today about Kate’s husband Jason and his journey on Earth. I have to think about this one.

Finally, if you weren’t a writer and you could choose to do anything else with your life what would you do?

I would be an archaeologist, a geologist, a paleontologist or just a researcher. I like being in my head as much as possible and I love being outside. However, I am getting too old to be any of those things now so writing is my game.