Introducing: CARA PUTNAM!! (Don’t forget to leave a comment to win!)
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Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m an honors graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School and an attorney licensed in Virginia and Indiana. After law school I clerked for the Honorable Loren Smith at the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. before following my husband to Indiana.
In 2005 I attended a book signing at a local Christian bookstore. At the book signing my husband told Colleen Coble that I wanted to be writer. I’ve been running ever since to keep up. Barbour’s Heartsong Presents has released five of my books, including Canteen Dreams, a WWII historical set in Nebraska that won the 2008 ACFW Book of the Year for Short Historical. I also write romantic suspense for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and the Complete Idiots Guide to Business Law.
I am an attorney, wife, mom to three, homeschool teacher, occasional professor at Purdue, women’s ministry leader, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids that is.
What is your writing day like?
My writing day is very kid focused during the day. Then as we wind into the afternoon, I may work on a small project or two, but the bulk of my writing is done in the evening after the kids are in bed or one or two afternoons a week when I have a babysitter come play with the kids.
How do you organize your writing? (outlines/note cards/post-its)
I create a pretty detailed 5-8 page synopsis. I’ll also create detailed character charts for the hero and heroine. I may do the same for the antagonist as well. Then I research the details I know I’ll need and pull it together. It’s not quite Susan Meissner’s pre-plotting approach, but similar.
What’s the most surprising thing a character has “told you”?
That she’d had a baby out of wedlock. I remember sitting there when Dani told me that, and looking at the computer screen saying “Seriously?” But it so totally worked. And it fit with the journey she was on as a character.
Do you have a list of characters that you’re saving for future use? What kind of information do you keep on these characters?
I don’t, though that’s a great idea. I have some secondary characters who’d love their own books, but not ideas of characters who are waiting in the wings for a book.
What does your work space/office look like?
Chaos when I’m in the middle of a book. I have a desk with a hutch, and a bookshelf. It overflows with books and notes. And the further I get into the writing the deeper the piles get. Then I’ll reach a point where I can’t handle the chaos and clean only to have it explode again. And I’m generally a pretty clean person! Really!
What is your go-to snack when writing?
Almonds, wheat thins, and sweet tea or water.
If you could only recommend one NOVEL, what would it be? Why?
What a tough question! If someone could only read one. Really? Only one. I don’t know if I can choose one. There are too many great books out there. One I finished last night that I didn’t expect to like was Thirsty by Tracey Bateman. It’s a vampire book and I don’t do vampires – it’s the first I’ve read – but I really liked it! I also really enjoyed Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh – but that’s a light romance with some spiritual meat. See, I just can’t narrow down to one. I read too much for that.
If you could only recommend one CRAFT book (writing, no crocheting), what would it be? Why?
Definitely Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. I think it’s the most approachable craft book for beginning novelists yet filled with meat for writers with several books under their belt.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for hosting me, Karin!
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And thank you, Cara, for stopping by!
Please post your questions/comments/recipes for Cara here and get entered to win a FREE copy of her latest novel – winner will be picked on November 1st!!
Notice: I had a problem getting this to post on time, I'll delay the drawing for the winning book until Nov. 2nd.
Great interview! My sister–who aspires to be a writer–has been working on her novel for about ten years now. We're pretty sure the Rapture will occur before it's published. Writing talent seems to run in the family (I've even had a few small items published; now I just write grocery and "to do" lists). Anyway, I used to love to read but haven't picked up a book in probably three years or more. Hence, I'd love to enter your drawing.
Thanks to Karin and Cara for the great interview! I'd love to win Cara's book. crmcc at setel dot com
I enjoyed the interview, Cara. I'm a beginning writer. I've had things published–little things, but never a book. I have one finished, just needs editing. I will get the book you mentioned by James Scott Bell. (I love his books.) I would love to read your book so put me in the running.
thanks,
LOIS
Great interview. I enjoyed learning more about Cara Putnam. I alwasy enjoy learning about other authors and how they manage their writing time.
Excellent interview, Karin and Cara. I love writers who have messy working spaces and busy lives. That's sooooo encouraging!
Bless you both,
Jen
Audience of ONE
Thanks so much for having me, Karin. And I love to see so many aspiring writers. Pray, read lots, and then sit down and write. November is Novel Writing Month, so it's a great time to dust off the dream and put those fingers to the keyboard!
great interview! i would love to be entered to win!
jeannie
charactertherapist (at) hotmail (dot) com
I love hearing how other writers work and think — and what they snack on 😉
And, I love it when our characters surprise us with what they have done. An interesting question and response….got me thinking….
I'd love to get this book for my wife. Pick me for the contest!
Hello: I am a first time author. I recently got a contract on my first book. It truly was a Miracle how this all transpired. I look forward to meeting you along with other Christian authors!!