CARLY PHILLIPS

For any of you writers who have not heard the Cinderella story of how Carly Phillips catapulted to the NYT Bestseller List, suffice it to say it involved some irresistible chocolate chip cookies, a very popular daytime TV star and pure determination to fulfill a dream.  To get the rest of the legendary fairytale, you can visit her website: www.carlyphillips.com

Carly has since become a fixture on multiple Best Sellers lists and is one of the most consistent and bankable writers in the Romance industry. Her light and very sexy novels are the perfect escape from the realities of everyday life.  But she never lets the fame go to her head.  She is a writer who remembers where she started and is always willing to help others.  And I know this first hand.

Her current book, Lucky Streak is available in stores now. Pick up a copy today.  It is the perfect beach- read.  Don’t take my humble, albeit, bias opinion. Romantic Times gave it 4+ stars and listed it as one of their “Top Picks.”

Carly took time from her busy schedule to give us her take on writing and the Romance Industry today.

• How long have you been in the business?

Must I answer this? It ages me. Oh, okay. I have been in the business for 17 years. Published for 10. I still remember the day I walked into my first HVRWA meeting at Janet Lane Walter's house. Seven years and ten manuscripts (umpteenth revisions later) I sold my first Harlequin Temptation, Brazen.

• Are you a plotter or pantster?

At one point or another, I've been one, the other, and a complete mix. Left to my own devices, I am a complete pantser. Ever since the Plotmonkeys (www.plotmonkeys.com) became a formal writing group, meeting twice a year for intense sessions, I've become more of a plotter. But that's because I have my hand held through the process. But my characters still tend to take over. I'm a pantser by nature. A plotter by necessity as it just gets harder and harder to write and wing it.

• Do you write multiple drafts or barely need revisions when typing The End?

By the time I reach The End, I have revised and rewritten so many times that a) it's as clean as its going to get (which means it still needs continuity fixes but plot-wise it's solid) and ready to hand in. It also means it's been vetted by my poor current critique partner who has read the thing so many times, she could probably repeat it in her sleep.

• What's a typical writing day like for you?

I'm sorry. I'm still laughing at the question. There is no such thing as typical. I don't have that kind of structure in my family life or in my day. I don't know if that's because I have kids or if it's because of my kids, but I can't count on routine. So basically I pray for a chunk of time, usually don't get it, and absolutely reach a point where I MUST protect the work - carve out a precious few hours and just write. If I can do that, the books get finished on time. Lately though I've been sitting down at 9 AM and writing through 10:30 AM and that's been sacred time, so there are pages accumulating each day!

• What kind of promotion do you do and why?

Oooh hard question. I've always done a lot. I still do a lot. I still wish I could do more. And when all is said and done, it's STILL an unquantifiable thing. I highly recommend having a website that looks professional, and being involved with a Romance site such as a place that will host you (Access Romance or Writerspace) or Fresh Fiction where they promote you. But that those things cost money, and you need to decide if you are reinvesting in your business or living on what you earn. That's how you decide what you can and can't do. I still do bookstore mailings and many other things.

• How do you balance writing with the rest of your life (i.e., day job, family, etc.)?

I just do. My brain never turns off so when I'm with the kids, I'm still internally working in a way whether it's on promotion or the current story. Of course family comes first and I drop anything when they really need me, but they also have had to learn that this is a job and there are times I have to get something done no matter what. It's never easy!

• Where do you get your ideas for a romance novel?

Everywhere. Magazines, television shows, daytime TV, real-life situations - For me anything can be given a fresh spin. It's been said there are only seven story ideas in the world and everything spins from that. Something to think about!

• How important is it for you to have a critique partner?

Invaluable. From a person who came into this business skeptical one was necessary, I now can't live without one. From my first critique partner (Kathy Attalla) to my current (Janelle Denison), I've been very lucky. It's important to have personalities that mesh, writing needs that click and also someone you trust not to mess with your voice or story, just to point out things that are important!

• If your book was made into a movie, which actors would you like to see play your characters?

Oh I don't know! Young and beautiful works for me, LOL! I've never really thought about it.

• What do you know now about writing/publishing that you wished you knew before The Call?

Everything! Actually I just think you should immerse yourself in the publishing business because it isn't an easy one to understand. And the world is changing. It's very different now than it was when I first sold. Writers need to understand how publishers are reacting to the economy and market and learn to adjust their thinking accordingly. RWA is a great asset because you can reach out to so many authors and loops and learn so much.

For more information about Carly Phillips you can visit her website at: www.carlyphillips.com.

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Carly Phillips is thrilled to announce her NEW WEBSITE!!

With a gorgeous new design, there are many new things for readers to enjoy ;)

Join Carly's new fan club, Club Carly!

Enter her monthly contests to win great prizes!

Sign up for her newsletter to keep abreast of Carly's news!

Check out the new photo page, The Scoop, and see all Carly's appearances!

And finally, see Carly's Favorite places on the web!

www.carlyphillips.com = your place for all things Carly!

Don't forget, Lucky Streak is in stores near you and the final book in the series, Lucky Break, will be coming in October!

Come back often as Carly will unveil breaking news in 2010!

Are you feeling LUCKY ladies? Try these hot reads from Best Selling Author Carly Phillips.

 LUCKY STREAK

 LUCKY BREAK

 LUCKY CHARM

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