Name : CL Foster
Where are you from : Fort Walton Beach, FL
A little about your self `ie your education Family life ect : Since I was a little girl, I was an Army brat. I’ve lived all over the world and love to travel still to this day (and make friends easily/quickly since I had to have decent people skills moving every two years..lol). I have a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice/psychology and one in Forensics/anthropology. Writing was never a dream of mine, I just sort of fell into it after having an amazing dream and… I just love it!
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
CL: Well, I recently finished my latest solo project, Grip of Mortality and I am so thrilled about the response so far. I have so many things coming up that I had to make myself a schedule so I would know what to do and when. That’s pretty exciting for me! I’ve also been lined up to appear at Indie Bookfest 2014 and the Believe Hope Live author event 2014 as well. YAY!
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
CL: I started writing in September of 2012. I had this amazing dream over and over about this incredible person and it just pushed me to tell someone. I told my best friend and she threatened to pummel me if I didn’t write it, so I decided I like my face where it is, wrote the first three chapters, sent it to her and a few others and they gushed and said “OMG WRITE THAT”, so I did!
After that, I partnered up a few times and have really broadened my horizons. It’s really amazing.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
CL: November 24, 2012 when my first book published. It was an awesome feeling, but nothing will ever top May 10, 2013 when I published my first solo project. I was shaking, I was so excited!
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
CL: A very vivid, recurring dream.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
CL: I don’t think so. My first solo novel was 1st person, my most recent is in 3rd. I tend to just write what the book/characters tell me to. It’s the boss really. Yes, I realize I sound crazy. No, I won’t retract sounding that way J LOL
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
CL: My first one was about a poker player who goes head to head with the Devil, so… Bluffing the Devil. My most recent work, Grip of Mortality was named due to the characters. They each have a gift – one of the five senses. This main character was “touch”… and everyone is dying around her.. “grip” of mortality. It seemed fitting.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
CL: Yes, there is always an underlying moral or point to it. Hopefully they see it. If not, I hope they at least enjoy the book.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
CL: I am going to roll with Bluffing the Devil for this question and say A LOT. These characters are based off of my best friends and myself, my “dream man”, and one of my friends who is no longer with us. As a poker enthusiast and general weirdo, I think the book reflects those nearest and dearest to me.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
CL: Yes, many of the for Bluffing the Devil. Grip of Mortality, not so much.. thank goodness!
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
CL: Don’t laugh… Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett was my favorite book growing up. I don’t really fashion myself after many books, but I try to take what I see that is good in each character I read and strive to be a better person, each day.
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
CL: Just one? That’s evil… Hmmm… Maggie Shayne has been mentoring me for some time, so I think I should give her some credit. 🙂 If I HAD to choose another, I might go for someone super prolific like Nora Roberts… or if we were time traveling – Alexandre Dumas. Oh goodness… I would DIE!
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
CL: I’m taking a sneak peek at a new series by a great friend of mine named Starla Huchton. But it’s a secret 😉 And I don’t want her to send one of THOSE characters after me. That would be an epic battle. The last book I read before this one was Sleep With The Lights On by Maggie Shayne and Burn Out by Ruthi Kight.. I had book hangovers. So not fair.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
CL: Yes!! As I am an Indie, I tend to try to stalk/love/appreciate those in my community. A new author, Victoria Green totally caught my fancy. Her debut novel Silver Heart had me all tingly inside. Phew!! Sexy/awesome read! I highly recommend it!
Fiona: What are your current projects?
CL: I am working on a story about the 7 deadly sins, a novel about a vampire that can taste truth, a compilation with a crazy person who I adore, a historical romance, and so much more!
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
CL: My friends. Without their constant “are you writing? Do you need anything? Who should I kill?” commentary, I would have been lost.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
CL: Yes and no. I love it so much and want to do it. I write because the stories ask me to. If I never make a living off of it, I will still do it… just because I love it.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
CL: Not a thing. I am so proud of that baby!
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
CL: Yes. First was the dream, then I joined a contest writing flash fiction for Halloween, and it just sort of spiraled out of control from there. I have written erotica, true life, contemporary, paranormal, and more since then.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
CL: Sure! I’ll share from my 7 sins story, entitled Cardinal Redemption… 🙂
Wrath
Maya’s breath came out in short puffs as sweat dripped from her brow. She slowly scrubbed her palms across the dingy pants that clung uncomfortably to her. She felt confined and wanted to pace the floor or scream or hit something, but no answers would come. She knew that. Her own feelings and actions had brought her to this point and she knew there was no turning back now.
She took a deep breath to calm herself then stepped off the ledge and waited for the Earth to greet her. Just thirty floors to go.
As Maya plummeted to her death, she suddenly knew where she had gone wrong, what she should have done differently, and how she had gotten so off track. In that instant, everything made sense. She saw her past, the road she had fallen onto and couldn’t walk off of, and all of the victims she left behind.
©CLFoster 2013
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
CL: Time. I love it, it comes easily to me, but I am so freakin’ busy… grr!
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
CL: ONE! Again! Meanie!! Uhmmm…. I guess I would say Maggie Shayne for this one. I LOVE her work so much. I have others who I admire and read nearly everything, but she is the one author who I will read anything they write, no matter what. Even zombies. So not my fave thing, but she wrote it, so I read it. 😀
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
CL: Yes and no. I don’t HAVE to travel, but I choose to go to conventions and things to meet fans and spend time with fellow authors.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Regina Wamba of Mae I Designs did the cover for Bluffing the Devil and Laura Hidalgo of Bookfabulous Designs did the cover for Grip of Mortality.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
CL: Edits. Always edits. The rest is easy.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
CL: I learned that character profiles are crucial when you are world building (for me) and that having a plan really helps. I don’t do an outline, I just go with it, but… knowing where I wanted to go really helped.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
CL: READ. If you want to write well, read. That sounds weird, but reading shows you what you need. Also, use your five senses. I want to see, smell, taste, hear, and touch where you are in the book. Show me, don’t tell me.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
CL: I love you guys! Thank you for the support and for caring enough to tell me when something isn’t right. I want to create the best books for you, so.. I truly appreciate that you take the time to read my work and interact with me about it. You guys are amazing!
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies
CL: Music. I love to listen, sing, etc. Music is awesome. And dancing. WooHoo!
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching
CL: I have honestly not watched tv in nearly two years (I don’t have cable either), but when I DO watch something on Netflix, it’s like Warehouse 13, Sherlock, things like that.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
CL: Fave food = pizza… and almost any fruit.
Color: Green! And purple comes in a close second.
Music: Mostly rock, but I truly love everything. I’m eclectic…
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done ?
CL: Forensic pathologist or criminal profiler. I have the credentials!
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? if so what is it?
CL: I have a Facebook fan page, Twitter, and am in the process of getting a website. Feel free to stalk me any time!
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCLFoster
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