Today we welcome Darcy Carson as we travel to Renton, Washington USA and we learn how library books, Jerry Springer, and a dragon play a role in the writing life of Darcy. Put on your lipstick and let’s go …
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in rainy Renton, Washington. The weather gives me lots of time to stay indoors and write.
In which genre do you write?
The Dragons Return series is in fantasy romance. I love getting lost in a whole new world. Ohhhh, and I just signed a contract for an Irish historical romance. I get to create the past.
How many published books do you have?
I have three different books currently available. A romantic comedy written in the dark ages (The Trouble With Mother through Hardshell), a self-published paranormal about the magic police where a coven of witches track illegal magic users (Magic in the Air), and The Wild Rose Press fantasy romance (He Walks In Dreams), which is the first in a series about the return of dragons. Oh, and I used to publish a lot of fan fiction in KindleWorlds, but Amazon folded KindleWorlds. A shame.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?
Does age 12 count? My mother was a librarian and she brought me any book I requested. Claimed she didn’t see my face until I was 18 and discovered boys.
What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?
Hmmmm. Well, I used to write while listening to Jerry Springer shows. I know. I know. How could I do that? Believe me, I felt a whole lot better after listening to all the screaming.
What would you choose as your mascot, spirit animal, or avatar and why?
Probably a dragon. I had an invisible friend as a kid—Pepper-Piper. My very own dragon.
What does your ideal writing space look like?
A friggin’ mess. I moved by office downstairs and found dozens of old manuscripts that now need to be keyed into computer. One of my goals is to clear off my desk.
What are you currently reading?
I usually read several books at once. One of them is by an English author, Catherine Steadman—Something in the Water. Also, Nora Roberts—Year One. I heard there are three in the series and can hardly wait to get my hands on them. Oh, I also like James Rollins whenever he has a new book out.
What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?
I do a lot of retail therapy and trips to local casinos.
If you could have a fantasy tea or coffee date with an author or famous person from the past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Don’t know. Too many to pick.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
I’m Queen of Denial. Stubborn. I hate going deep into my characters. My critique group keeps me on the straight and narrow.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve done or experienced to help create a scene or plot or to help you remember something if writing a memoir?
Aren’t I strange enough?
Do you journal write or keep a personal diary? Has this helped with your published writings? If so, how?
No. And I’m a panser when it comes to writing. I go around in circles waaay too often.
What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you?
One time I took drugs (legal, of course) to knock me out on a late night flight. One didn’t work fast enough, so I took a second pill. I do remember riding the luggage cart into the hotel lobby. Does that count?
You are about to speak publicly to a group and read from your latest book. What song do you listen to before speaking? Or, what do you do to prepare yourself?
No hype needed. As a kid I took a public speaking class to beat my fear. Plus, I used to host a radio show called Romance Review back in those dark ages. Speaking out and speaking my mind aren’t a concern for me.
What do you miss about being a kid?
Not having wrinkles.
If you were trapped in a cartoon world from your childhood, which one would you choose and why?
Not my favorite place. Too flat and one dimensional. I’d escape.
If you could turn into one of your characters for a day, which one would it be and why, what would you do? If you write non-fiction or memories, what fictional character would you invite into your story and why?
The dragon, Naurd. Then I’d fly all over the world.
What’s the last movie you watched and why did you choose to watch it?
That super hero one—The Avengers, End Game. I didn’t like it. Should have watched the previous ones first. It wasn’t a stand alone, like it should have been.
A penguin knocks on your door and is wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?
Ole. Which way is South?
Do you believe things happen for a reason? Do you have an example from your own life to share why you believe this?
I just go with the flow. I’ve always had hunches and they have stood me in good stead.
If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?
Depends upon the individual.
Which of your personality traits has been most useful and why?
Being tenacious like a pit bull with lipstick. The answer is pretty self-explanatory.
What’s your favorite place to visit in your country and why?
Home… After a long trip. Nothing beats my own bed.
Describe the perfect solo date you’d take yourself on … where, time of day, weather, place, etc.
Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places. Sunshine aplenty, cool nights, beautiful scenery and casinos.
Tell us about your most recent book and where we can find it.
He Walks In Dreams is a fantasy romance that takes place on an earth-like world. You’ll find an evil sorceress, a very arrogant dragon and two people desperately trying to deny their love…when that’s exactly what it will take to save them the fastest. It’s currently available on Amazon.
He Walks In Dreams went live on 5/22/19. The second in the series, A Woman in the Woods, is with my editor at the Wild Rose Press as I type.
Dragon by day, man by night. Prince Duran must break the evil spell or remain a dragon forevermore.
Princess Marina Hersher is on her way to marry the prince of Brenalin when her caravan is attacked. Dressed as her servant, she is knocked unconscious and is rescued by the dragon, Narud. He is a creature not seen on Feldsvelt for thousands of years. During the days that follow, Marina learns more about the dragon and finds companionship. Duran Abass is the high prince of Brenalin and is under a sorceress’ evil spell. Dragon by day, man night, he too keeps the princess company. He has a year and day to break the spell or remain a dragon forevermore. The princess knows nothing of this struggle, but learns to love them both. Together, Marina and Duran and even Narud, join forces to battle against the sorceress for their lives and love.
Thank you Darcy for stopping by Meeting the Authors. It was fun learning more about some of the things that come together as part of your writer’s life. –Camilla
Where to Buy:
UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FZJc81
US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JhTgLU
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And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …
