SQ: Speaking of Sam, she is as bright and vivacious (though a young thirteen) as the rest of the Costas clan. I like how you worked her into the family by story's end. Has Warner Books contracted you to produce other future novels?
CP: "Summer Lovin'" will be out in July 2005 courtesy of Warner Books. My other releases are listed on my website.
SQ: Can you share descriptions?
CP: My 2005 schedule looks like this: "Summer Lovin'" is Zoe's story [and Sam's]. I also have "Hot Number" in 8/05, a sequel to Hot Stuff, and a reprint of "Brazen", my first Harlequin Temptation in 4/05.
SQ: How many bestsellers did it take before you were able to support yourself financially through book-writing? Details welcomed!
CP: Oh boy! I would say "don't quit your day job" is an excellent mantra for most writers. Kelly Ripa's Pick altered the course of my career, so it wasn't as much how many bestsellers as it was the one big hit. "The Bachelor" was my first bestseller but it also hit in a huge way thanks to the televised book-club and celebrity support. I consider myself very fortunate and lucky! I'd just say always be on the lookout for opportunities like I found with Kelly Ripa!
SQ: Thanks so much for sharing those insights! Do you have a literary agent?
CP: Robert Gottlieb, Trident Media Group.
SQ: How do you market your books and which ways work best?
CP: Romance readers are very special. They like to know about the authors they read, their lives etc. My website (www.carlyphillips.com) gives them insight which I know they treasure. I also send a monthly newsletter online which you can join through my website; a monthly contest which I try to offer fun and different giveaways in addition to books - that's a thanks to my readers. I also have goodies - send an SASE to: Carly Phillips, Goodies/Authors Den, PO Box 483, Purchase, NY 10577, with TWO (2) stamps and I'll send back an envelope full of fun. I also happily do interviews like this one!
SQ: You are very generous, Carly! As a prolific author with a close-knit family, what tips can you offer other authors in keeping the romantic-zest (and parental-ties) alive?
CP: Talk and communication -- the same thing that works in books, actually. Misunderstandings frustrate romance readers in novels and it doesn't work much better in real life! Talk to the people you love and keep them close to you. Also don't be afraid to tell them you love them! (Carly Phillips said so (grin)).
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