Welcome to the weekly Irish Independent Authors Collective (IIAC) author interviews. Today on my blog, I’m delighted to introduce you all to Caroline E Farrell. I hope you all enjoy learning more about Caroline and be sure to check out her books.

Irish Independent Authors’ Collective – Caroline E Farrell

Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you decided to join the Irish Independent Authors’ Collective?

I’m a writer, filmmaker and author of the novel, LADY BETH. I have recently written and directed FRAMED, a short film. I also wrote and co-produced two other short films, IN RIBBONS (2015) and ADAM (2013). I blogged a novel, Arkyne, Story of a Vampire, online, which I later self-published. I joined IIAC for a number of reasons. I believe it is essential to set a high standard for self-published books, to promote our work professionally, to support each other and to share knowledge within the Indie author community. IIAC provides a platform for Indie authors to engage with a professional organisation that maintains the highest standards of excellence achievable while developing new initiatives that publicize and promote good work to the reading community.

How long have you been writing and why did you decide on self-publishing?

A typically clichéd answer to this one, but I’ve been writing since I was a child in some form or other! I decided to self-publish because I love the freedom of not being labelled by genre, and also, because I can have complete control on format, cover and content of my work. I always work with an editor and a professional graphic designer – it is so important that the work is produced as professionally as possible. 

Do you think the stigma surround self-publishing is lessening?

Absolutely. There is room for everyone in the industry, and some of the most talented writers I know are now self-publishing. I do think that certain bookshops need to embrace the Indie industry though – from the feedback that I receive, readers don’t care who publishes a book so long as it is professionally produced and is a riveting read! Libraries are way ahead of the game in this regard – they astutely know that readers want choice – and not just the titles that the big five are supplying en masse. Choice is the key!

What do you feel the hardest part of self-publishing is?

Marketing, for sure. The publishing market is saturated with wonderful books by fabulous authors, traditional and Indie published, so it’s a readers paradise! Making a mark as an author and getting your work seen when you don’t have a publicity machine behind you can be difficult.

What genres do you write? 

I write mostly supernatural and horror, but also grit lit – and film scripts.

What is your favourite story or character that you have written?

I guess that would be the one I am writing at present. It’s a kind of love affair I think when you are writing a novel – you’ve got to be mad about your characters or why bother? Hence, my favourites change from project to project.

What time of day do you prefer to write?

When I was in full time employment, I used to write during the early evening when I came home from work, between 6pm and 8pm most evenings. Now I am very lucky to be able to work freelance, so I can be more flexible and write at different times of the day or night.

Do you have a special writing space?

I have recently transformed our box bedroom in a writing den. It’s a little bit of paradise and I am delighted with it!  It has become a mini library too! 

Do you outline your books ahead of time or just go for it?

I generally have an idea (characters and plot) brewing in my head for quite a while before I ever put pen to paper. Once I go into the actual writing, I keep an open mind as characters often find their own journeys, and not necessarily how I might have first envisaged them.

Your latest book LADY BETH is a thriller, what was the inspiration behind it and is there anything you would like readers to know?

My inspiration for writing LADY BETH began with a social awareness of how drugs destroy families, and in particular the relationships between mothers and sons. It’s dark, but it’s a compelling tale told with mystery and suspense, and it’s not a mighty tome as I write the books I like to read!

Is your latest book part of a series and if so how many books are planned for the series?

It was written as a standalone novel, but there are certain characters that are practically screaming at me to be let loose again, so I am allowing a sequel to brew. I’ve also been contacted by a number of readers, requesting a sequel, so feel very blessed to know that people loved the story enough to want more.

Where can readers find out more about you?

WEBSITE: https://carolinefarrellwriter.com/category/about-caroline/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CarolineFarrellAuthor/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CarolineAuthor

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/carolineefarrell/

Lady Beth by Caroline E Farrell 

>>>>BEST NOVEL 2017 Carousel Aware Prize <<<<

Beth Downes is a quiet, unassuming woman. Attractive, though careless in her appearance, she works hard, living only for her teenage son, Jesse. But Beth has been keeping secrets and when Jesse dies following a drug-fuelled night out, a very different woman emerges. Beth had always refused to tell Jesse who his father was, an issue that they fought about just before his death. Now, compounded by grief, guilt, regret and the need to find out the truth of who is responsible for her son’s death, she will journey full-circle, back to her old life, before Jesse, to a sordid past, and to the man she tried so desperately to forget. She has come full circle, and with nothing left now but her memories, the need for revenge and justice scratches inside her veins.

Lady Beth is available in ebook and paperback from Amazon.

Until next time,

Keep reading and writing,

Amanda