Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a small office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. The books she creates there have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards.
Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?
Caroline: Most of my books are western historical romances. I love history, especially post Civil War 19th century American history. I love the Southwest.
I’ve also written contemporary romance, time travel, a cozy mystery, and a traditional mystery. I love to read all of those and wanted to write what I enjoy reading. The only other things I read are women’s fiction and Regency. I might get around to writing those eventually.
Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
Caroline: My father was a big influence. He taught me that one could write about anything by using imagination. I had an excellent journalism teacher who inspired me. Strangely enough, it was my mother-in-law who suggested I write novels. I used to write pages and pages in weekly letters to my family members. My mother-in-law said that the vignettes I wrote about our life were like reading a book. She brought me a large grocery bag of romance books to read. I got hooked on romance books and decided to write one.
Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?
Caroline: Sitting at my computer snaps me into writing mode. I don’t enjoy using my laptop although I do when we travel. I like my little pink office and my computer set up. A lot of my favorite things are here. Ideas come from everywhere.
Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?
Caroline: I don’t now but I did as a child. I loved Bugs Bunny and pestered my dad to read me the Bugs Bunny cartoon in the evening paper every day while my mom finished supper. Dad taught me to read very early, and I say it was because he got tired of reading Bugs Bunny. Actually, it was because he thought education was valuable and didn’t think the school taught me enough.
Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?
Caroline: Queen Elizabeth II because she fascinates me. She is really quite an admirable person.
Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?
Caroline: Read, of course. I’d love to read without feeling guilty for reading instead of writing or cleaning house.
Beverley: What are you working on now?
Caroline: I’m actually working on two things, unusual for me. One is a novella in the Kincaid series, MONK’S BRIDE. The other is book two in the Pearson Grove series. Both are set in Texas.
Blurb for Garnet
Garnet is a sweet historical western in the Widows of Wildcat Ridge Series.
Garnet Chandler is fighting to hold onto her café, her niece and nephew, and her sanity after the deaths of her husband, his brother, and his sister-in-law. A persistent prowler and the threat of losing custody of her niece and nephew spur her to action. She doesn’t need another man, but she needs a husband long enough to convince the children’s grandparents she can offer them a stable home.
Bounty hunter Adam Bennett was ready to settle down when his friend was killed by a horse thief. He set out to capture the man who had also killed a guard when escaping prison. Adam must have let down his defenses because the man he followed and two cohorts waylaid Adam, beating him and stealing all his possessions before kicking him down a steep ravine. Adam is determined to capture the three as soon as he heals from their encounter.
Garnet and Adam join forces to achieve both their goals but will that be enough?
Excerpt from Garnet
A loud rap at the back door startled her. She kept the curtains closed unless they were serving food and she couldn’t see who had knocked.
Joey grabbed his stick. “Don’t answer it. Might be the robber there.”
She wiped her hands on her apron. “Or a friend who needs something.” Joey didn’t know the Colt was in her apron pocket. After taking a deep, bracing breath, she opened the door.
The dirtiest man she’d ever seen stood there. His beard was as dirty as his clothes. Fresh cuts showed through the mud on his face. He was tall and broad-shouldered but looked as if he could barely stand.
“Ma’am, my name is Adam Bennett. Please don’t be put off by my appearance. I was robbed up the mountain a ways and lost all my gear. I’m mighty hungry. If you need anything done, I like to work for a meal.”
Joey was by her side. “He isn’t the one from last night.” All the same, her nephew kept his pick handle in his hand.
“We’re the Chandlers. Come in and sit down. Wait, wash your hands and face at the sink first. You can’t handle food while you’re that filthy.”
While the man washed his hands, she filled a plate from leftovers and poured a cup of coffee. “Joey, please get my medicine box from upstairs.”
He leaned close. “I don’t think I should leave you alone while he’s here.”
Joey took being man of the family seriously. “Oh, all right. Hyacinth, would you get the medicine box for me?”
“How come he doesn’t have to and I do?” Usually sweet, Hyacinth was a bit spoiled and definitely jealous of her brother.”
“Because Mr. Bennett is injured and needs our help. Please hurry.”
Her niece stomped up the stairs while muttering under her breath, her golden curls bouncing with each step.
When Garnet glanced at the man, she saw he’d wolfed down his food. “I’ll get you more. How long since you’ve eaten?”
“Not sure how long I was in and out of consciousness up there. They attacked me on Saturday. What day is this?”
“Monday. No wonder you’re hungry.” She set another plate of food in front of him and refilled his cup.
Buy Link for Garnet
http://getbook.at/garnetWOWR
You can find Caroline on her blog , website , Facebook , Twitter , Goodreads , Google+ , and Pinterest .
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She loves to hear from readers at caroline@carolineclemmons.com