Hello, wonderful readers and writers! Today, I want to dive into a topic that has intrigued both readers and writers for as long as novels have been penned: the notion that an author's first novel is often a thinly veiled autobiography. It’s a common belief, one that suggests our initial narratives are deeply personal, drawn directly from our own life experiences. But how true is this for most writers? Take my first book, She Belongs to Me. This romantic suspense introduces readers to Jordan Monroe, a Charlotte police officer whose life spirals into chaos when his wife, Jaynee, is found with a life-threatening gunshot wound. The plot thickens with suspense, secrets, and the complexities of love — elements that make the story anything but ordinary. You might wonder... How much of this story is a reflection of my own life? The answer isn't straightforward. Yes, like many authors, I pulled from real emotions and experiences to craft authentic reactions and engaging narratives. However, the art of fiction lies in the ability to weave these truths into imagined scenarios, creating a world that feels real. In She Belongs to Me, while most of the dramatic events are not autobiographical, the emotional journey of the characters might resonate with personal feelings of love, loss, and resilience that I, or anyone for that matter, could experience. Jordan’s protective nature and leadership could mirror any responsible sibling stepping up for their family, a role many of us know well. Moreover, the setting and cultural references stem from a familiarity with Southern charm and the nuances of living in Charlotte, blending authenticity with the fictive tapestry of the storyline. It's this mixture of real-life inspiration with creative invention that often leads readers to speculate about what might be real. The belief that first novels are autobiographical might stem from the observation that these works are often rawer, filled with unrefined passion as the author lays bare their narrative soul for the first time. It's a blend of what we know, what we observe, and what we imagine. For any budding writers wondering whether to infuse personal experiences into your work, remember: your stories need genuine emotion to resonate, but they don't have to be a memoir. Fiction's beauty lies in its boundless nature, the ability to explore "what if," not just "what is." So, dear readers, next time you pick up a debut novel, enjoy the ride of discovering which parts mirror reality and which are the results of the author's vivid imagination. After all, the magic of reading is not just in uncovering hidden truths but also in losing ourselves in the wonders of what could be. If you haven't read my first novel, She Belongs to Me, I challenge you to figure out what's real and where I used poetic license. Hint: What many readers think are fairy-tale parts are actually the real parts. :) Happy reading, and as always, thank you for joining me on this writer's journey. Carmen
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My Characters from Creatus, the Midnight Sons, and The Southern Collection Have Gone on Strike!4/1/2024 Dear Friends, I woke up this morning to an astonishing revelation that left me baffled, intrigued, and, I must admit, a little amused. It appears the characters from the Creatus series, The Southern Collection, and the Midnight Sons have chosen today, of all days, to go on strike. Yes, you read that right! My beloved characters have decided they deserve a day off until I give them what they want. As I tried to negotiate with them—a tricky feat, given their adamant stance on enjoying a bit of leisure—they've presented me with a list of demands. They're quite the imaginative bunch, as you well know. Here are a few of their requests: More Plot Twists: They're craving adventures that are even more labyrinthine and mind-bending. They want you, the readers, to be on the edge of your seats, guessing until the very last page. Exotic Locations for Future Stories: Our Southern charmers are looking to mix it up with the mystical beings from the Creatus universe in locations that span from the enchanting Land of the Noonday Sun in North Carolina to the Land of the Midnight Sun in Alaska. Crossover Cameos: In an unprecedented move, characters from The Southern Collection are negotiating cameo appearances alongside Sam and his team in Alaska to Derrick and the New England Creatus family, who will be soon gathering in Maine. Imagine the rich, Southern charm of Jordan and his friends and the tough Alaska rescue team meeting the secretive, supernatural world. The possibilities are endless! Okay, if you haven’t figured this out yet, this is definitely an April Fools' joke, started by Mike from the Creatus series. Only he would think up something like this. I let him go ahead with it because he’s so fun and lovable, but decided I better offer a peace offering for you, my dear readers. So, on this April Fools' Day, I've enter The Southern Collection into Kindle Unlimited, which means you can read the entire series free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription! If you are not familiar with Kindle Unlimited, you can read more about it on Amazon.com. Until next time, Happy Reading, and, remember, today is a day for laughter, surprises, and, of course, a little bit of mischief. Warmest regards, Carmen DeSousa Follow my newsletter or author pages to stay up-to-date on New Releases, Specials, and Writing Posts.
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