Books: Interview with Houston writer Carrie Pulkinen

Just in time for Halloween, we have the pleasure of interviewing the wonderful Carrie Pulkinen, who writes paranormal romance (not the scary Halloween horror but the hot, sexy, alpha werewolves!) - so keep reading to find out more about her and her books!

Where are you from and what's your background?

I live in Houston, Texas, with my husband, two kids, and two dogs. Professionally, I started out as a marketing coordinator for a computer company before quitting my desk job to become a high school teacher. I taught high school journalism/photojournalism for eleven years, and then I became a full-time writer.

That's fantastic! When did you realize you wanted to write and when did you start writing?

I was in eighth grade the first time I realized I was good at writing. I was selected to write a short, weekly column about my school in the local newspaper, but I didn't start writing fiction until I was much older. I was at a Twilight convention with some friends (diehard Twilight fan here) and, like all conventions, we spent A LOT of time waiting in lines. To pass the time, I made up stories and told them to my friends. They were impressed with my ability to make things up on the spot (I thought everyone told themselves stories in their heads to pass the time!) and they told me I should write a book. I thought there was no way I'd be able to do it, but I sat at my computer when I got home and tried. Six weeks later, I had my first first draft of a novel!

What a fun way to start your writing career! What genre do you write and what's your target audience?

I write paranormal romance. While I do have one young adult novel published, my primary target audience is women who like a little magic with their romance.

Sounds great. How did you come up with the idea for your newest release? Tell us about it!

My idea for Werewolves Only, and the Crescent City Wolf Pack Series, came to me when I was at a

bar in New Orleans. They had a cardboard sign on the door that led to the kitchen, and it read "Employees and Werewolves Only" written in black marker. I asked the bartender what was up with the sign, and he said an employee made it as a joke because customers said that the bar owner looked like a werewolf. As soon as he told me that, the gears started turning, and the ideas began to flow. I borrowed a pen and scribbled out my plans for the story on a napkin for the next half hour, while my dear husband sat patiently, waiting for me to stop playing with the people in my head.

That's what I'd call getting your creative juices totally flowing! What is your favorite quote and who wrote it?

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”  ~Paulo Coelho

He's one of my favorite Brazilian writers. Do you have a favorite author? Who? Has this author or his book(s) influenced your writing in any way?

I have several favorite authors, and I think they've all influenced my writing in one way or another: Dean Koontz, Heather Graham, Charlaine Harris, and Lara Adrian are just a few.

Wonderful influences. If you could be a character from any book, who would you like to be and why?

I wouldn't mind being the heroine of any romance novel, because I'd be guaranteed a happily ever after! I've always wanted to go to Oz, so I wouldn't mind being Dorothy either!

I hadn't thought about that, and I love your thinking! Happily ever after. What are you working on now?

I am doing the final edits on Bound by Blood, book 3 of the Crescent City Wolf Pack series, and then I'll be starting on book 4!

 

How exciting! Where can we find out more about you and your writing?

All of my books are listed on my website. To get to know me and be the first to hear about my new releases and promotions, you can sign up for my VIP Reader Group (you'll also get a FREE short story as a thank you!)

You can also find me in the following places:

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Bookbub

Amazon

Book and Main Bites

 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

I love connecting with readers, so please don't be afraid to say hello!

Thank you so much for your time telling us a little more about you and your books. Wishing you great success in your writing career and your next release!