Interview with Cary Barner-Nelson

Cary Barner-Nelson

Interview Date: 12/17/2012

Biography

I really don't like writing things like this. But if you must know, I am 26 and I have married the best man on the planet. He has a beautiful and wonderfully behaved son, who I love very, very much. Those two guys mean the world to me! My husband and I do hope to have some kiddos of our own one day. Family has and will always be so important to me. I am blessed to have the family that I have.
I am a Service Representative for a company in the State of Arkansas. My daytime job is filled with joy and sometimes aggravation, but I love it! The only way I'd leave is if I get rich and can write novels full-time.
I began writing in July 2009, merely by accident. My coworker, Elaine, was telling me some information about this place, where she went on vacation. For whatever reason, this stuck with me. That same summer, (the summer before I met my wonderful husband) I met Steven, who I've been friends with since 2006. Could you have seen this coming? I met him on the Internet through a social networking site. Ha! We are still pretty good friends.
Meeting Steven, plus the conversation I had with my coworker led me to daydreaming. Apparently, I daydreamed a lot, because it didn't take long before I had the plot figured out for Justice for All. At first, did I plan on writing a book? No. I actually thought of it first as a movie. I dreamed that Channing Tatum would play Alex, so Channing if you are reading this--wink wink. I knew there was no way I could get in touch with the right people to have a movie made about it, so I decided to write.
In just three and a half years, (But on a technicality, I am going to say one and half years), I have wrote one book and nearly, have a second one finished. I got a hand full of ideas for a third, fourth, and fifth book.
I wear many shoes, so to speak. I love writing, sewing, and designing houses (or at least, I like watching HGTV do it for me :D). I also love photography. So if you are in the North East Arkansas area, please give me a shout and I would love to do your pictures.


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

The summer of 2009 was a life changing summer for me. I began a new job in June. My new coworker was telling me about this vacation she went on the previous year and for whatever reason, her story stuck with me. I would catch myself daydreaming about her story and within a month I had the plot dreamed up for Justice for All. While some of the details were still sketchy, I began writing in July. In August, I had the honor of meeting a long time internet friend. And after my encounter with this friend, more ideas for Justice for All were formed.


If you could have one superpower, what would it? (Assuming said power would be reasonably powerful.)

My husband and I actually have talked about this, so it is easy! My superpower would telekinesis. I actually wrote a short story for a vampire, who had this power. It was a really neat addition to a Stephanie Meyer novel for fan-fic.

Kev's response: That's a power I'd love to have as well - so long as it wasn't just powerful enough to move a pencil (or other ultra-lightweight item).


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

Again, super easy. I love Thor!

Kev's response: Me too! :)


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

Life is actually my inspiration. By nature, I am a very empathetic person and with my day time job allowing me to deal with the public I can identify with the general population. Sometimes, more so than others, but I enjoy all of it. People lead such odd and diverse lives.

Kev's response: People ARE odd.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

I am a little bit of both. I write an outline for what I want out of the story and then just go from there. I take some twists and turns and go a little crazy with my story, but at the end of it, I've accomplished my plot I was aiming for.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

I do my best writing while on my measley one hour lunch break. If inspiration hits me before I can sit down again, I make sure to write it down on my notepad.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

I love writing and reading suspense, but I will read almost anything.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

I like that it takes me on a far away journey. And I love the feeling I get when I come up with an awesome twist for my novels.

Kev's response: I love when I go back and I'm doing an edit walkthrough, and I'm like, "Where the heck did THAT come from?"


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

Editing!!!!! I am not a very thoughtful writer, so when it comes time to edit and fix any problems, it feels like it takes forever!

Kev's response: If it makes you feel any better, I've found that after writing/editing over a million words, I can't "not edit" anything I read. Doesn't that sound wonderful? o.O


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

LOL, Umm. Let's see....
I like the smell of fresh cut wood. I think sawdust smells so good. I realized this one day in shop class while attending high school.

Kev's response: I can envision it now, you're selling your house, and you put out fresh ... sawdust ... for people to smell as they walk through the home. That seems kind of humorous to me.


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

Occasionally, I will go to another story, but typically, I stay on the same story until I am finished it with it.


I'm looking to advertise for evil minions for my plot to take over the world, any suggestions?

I'll have to get back with you on that! :P

Kev's response: Aw, man! Evil masterminding isn't easy... Do you realize how few people respond to a Craigslist ad looking for evil minions that receive little to no pay, regular beatings and beratement, and have a very short lifespan?


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

I love paper books and I think a lot of other people do too! I don't think they will become obsolete any time in the near future and the far future is debatable.


What are your current projects?

I am almost done with my second novel, From The Darkness Within. I also have three more book ideas. As soon as I get done with From The Darkness Within, I will start a novel that is very personal to me.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

Always shop around for the best services out there. Ask fellow authors! They are living, breathing experience for you without you making a huge mistake.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

I actually have several.
The first is my website: http://www.carybarnernelson.com There you can find everything there is to know about me and my books.
All of my books will be available through Amazon
For facebook users, you can find me http://www.facebook.com/jfa092012
& for Twitter users, you can find me @JFAcabnelson

Kev's response: Cary, thanks for joining me here! It's great to hear that you've gotten your first novel out. Here's to hoping it takes off!



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