Do you plot
or let the story unfold as you write?
I outline
extensively. Since first-draft writing is a slow and laborious process for me,
especially since I edit as I go (probably a byproduct of my academic
background), I need to know in considerable detail where the story is headed.
Early in my attempts to write novels, I learned that without an outline I would
usually bog down in the middle and give up.
What's your
favorite book you've written?
Dark
Changeling, my first
published vampire novel, in which I expounded the biology and psychology of my
naturally evolved vampire species in the most detail of any of my works. I’ve
used Dr. Roger Darvell, the half-human, half-vampire psychiatrist from that
book, in several other novels and stories. Of all my characters, he feels the
most “real” to me.
How did you
do in English as a kid?
Honor roll
student in high school. I majored in English at the College of William and Mary
(Williamsburg, Virginia) and went on to earn an M.A. and a Ph.D. in English.
When did you
decide to become an author?
Shortly
after reading Dracula at the age of twelve. The novel enthralled me and
got me into reading horror, fantasy, and all sorts of speculative fiction. From
the first, I wondered how the “monsters” felt about the stories in which they
were portrayed as villains. I started writing fiction about vampires and other
supernatural creatures at age thirteen, often from the viewpoint of the
“monster.”
When did you
first, without hesitation, call yourself a writer?
When I sold
my first professionally published piece of fiction, a story in Marion Zimmer
Bradley’s anthology Free Amazons of Darkover. One of my favorite authors
approved of my work—and paid me for it!
And for a little bit of fun
What did you
want to be when you grew up?
In
childhood, I wanted to be a doctor, because I was fascinated by biology and
anatomy. I wouldn’t have been able to handle the stress, so it’s a good thing I
dropped that idea. During the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon election campaign, I got the
notion of wanting to go into politics. As a hardcore introvert, I would have been
terrible at that! At age thirteen, I decided to become a writer (as explained
above). I majored in English in college and graduate school on the premise that
I could eventually get paid for reading.
Do you have
a favorite quote?
“Adventures
are nasty, uncomfortable things that make you late for dinner.” — Bilbo Baggins
Have you
ever found true love?
Yes, with my
husband of over fifty years. We met in a church youth group when I was in high
school and he had just graduated. We were drawn together by our mutual love of
speculative fiction and the fact that both of us wanted to become writers. We
got married at ages eighteen and twenty, respectively, and we’re still married,
thank Heaven.
What is your
favorite comfort food?
Main dish:
My husband’s chicken curry. Dessert: Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy ice
cream.
What is your
favorite time of year and why?
Summer. I
enjoy hot, dry weather. I loved Southern California, where we lived off and on
as a Navy family. Summer in our present home (Maryland) doesn’t fulfill the
“dry” criterion, but even with the humidity I like it much better than being
cold.
And tell us where we can find out more
Carter’s Crypt: http://www.margaretlcarter.com
Available today! Spooky Tutti Frutti
On Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0868Z5VRD and other online retailers
2 comments:
Great interview! Also congrats on the release :)
Love that quote! “Adventures are nasty, uncomfortable things that make you late for dinner.” — Bilbo Baggins
It was nice learning more about you. Love the book cover for the One Scoop or Two series.
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