Exclusive Interview with
Carole Ann Moleti
When did you start writing?
I started writing fiction in 2005, when I got really upset by a film that glorified domestic violence. I wanted to write a novel upon which to base a sequel. It's still on my computer, and dozens of writing classes and workshops later, I know it's a mess. I find that real life, and my day job, informs my writing. I often have parallel fiction and non fiction projects going at the same time.
What makes writing your passion?
Writing helps me make sense of the world, and in terms of fiction, often parallels themes in my non fiction and memoir. I love weaving thoughts into a story--whether it's true or not.
How long have you been writing?
I have some really bad poetry hidden somewhere from my college years. And I've been doing academic writing for my entire career. Every time I finish an article or a paper, I swear I will never do it again. But that never happens with fiction where I can escape, or with my nonfiction where I can vent.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
It was so exciting to see my name on a beautifully designed cover. It had taken a long time to find the right publisher and I am so grateful for all the critique partners who helped me polish the stories and the editors who took a chance with me.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
All of my character are based on real people or other beings (such as animals). Most are composites, that integrate their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their foibles. I do astrological charts for my main characters, which guides my plotting.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Honestly, editing and proofreading. I'm great at writing the first draft, and even the second. But when it comes time to get into the revisions, I have a hard time letting go of what I've written. I wouldn't call it annoying, but walking the path to publication can be difficult. Finding a publisher who understands your work takes a long time, and rejection hurts. I only have one self published nonfiction book, and I needed a lot of help to put it together.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I switch genres. For example, when I run dry on a fiction project, I go back to writing and submitted short and creative nonfiction which is based on what is going on in my life at any given moment. I also find reading in any genre relaxing, and I binge some of my favorite authors. Right now, I'm reading Jane Austin's novels. Take a look at my Goodreads list!
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I'm a member of a writer's group, which has members who can help with craft issues and content like how to shoot a bow and arrow . We have mini workshops and critique each other's submissions. I'm a member of my local Romance Writers of America chapter, which has workshops on writing craft as well as the business of writing and marketing. My advice for new authors is to take writing classes. There are so many online that help so much. Then join or form a writer's group with the people you meet in your classes. I have many friends since I started in 2005 that I met online and hail from the UK, Bulgaria, and many from the United States as well.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Hmm. Probably start writing earlier. But I was so busy being a working mom, trying to move up the career ladder, going to grad school , and then for my doctorate, that I don't think it would have been possible.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I read each one. Honestly, most have been 4 or 5 stars. The occasional 2 or 3 stars have been more about not liking the genre bending. My fiction is magical realist and fantastical and not everyone cares for that.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I'm very happy of course!
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, almost every fictional story I write is based on real life experience.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
All of my characters originate from composites of people I know. Their curiosities and intrepid nature are drawn from my life experiences.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The cover art introduces the characters and sets the theme and tone of the novel. That is critical so the reader knows if the book is for them or not.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Who is your favorite author? Why?
J.K. Rowling. I love the world building and dark humor of the Harry Potter series.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
What would you say to your readers?
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live and work in New York City, married with three kids, one dog, one indoor cat, and a yard full of stray cats.
What is your day job if you have one?
I'm a nurse-midwife and family nurse practitioner and work with medically and psychosocially high risk clients and situations. As such, the last three years have been wild, and I've been in hospitals, clinics, vaccine mega sites, and mobile vaccine/testing teams. The only thing that kept me sane was working with a developmental editor on a women's fiction novel. I hope to get back to medical missions, mostly for disaster relief, now that the pandemic is becoming better controlled.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Caring for stray animals, gardening, and scrapbooking, I like skiing in winter, the beach in summer, hiking in the fall and spring. I love adventure travel and have been to many of the United States, countries in Europe, South Africa, Ecuador, and Peru.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes! Idyllic, living on The Bronx waterfront. We had chickens, ducks, bunnies, pigeons and dogs. No cats, which is why I have so many now. Long walks on the beach every day in the summer. My grandfather had a cabin cruiser, and we had a small motor boat and a sailing dinghy. I was a competitive swimmer but never got the hang of water skiing. My father built me what would now be called a wake board and that was a lot of fun. I wish I could go back for just one summer day....
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Right now I'm working on a women's fiction novel series set in Northern California. A NYC accountant goes back to settle her father's affairs. Shocking family secrets are revealed, and she is drawn into the morass of the immigration crisis which changes the trajectory of her life. Book One is done and being shopped, Book Two is in progress.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
Share a secret with us 🙂