I love sharing with my readers the stories behind the authors who are either debuting their first novel or they’re experienced pros. Throughout 2018 I plan to interview several authors so we can all be inspired. Today’s inspiration is Author Carolyn Walker. Thanks for stopping by. We’ll start by asking you to share your writing journey.
Writing has always been a key part of my life. From the moment I learned how to hold a crayon and scribble lines (that later became words), I felt at home. I wrote my first short story around age 6 and by 12, I won my first state-wide young writer’s award. In my teens, I published several poems, prose and short stories—one which won a literary magazine summer contest. In my early 20’s I first considered writing a novel, and began penning the premise for what would later inspire my debut novel Immortal Descent. After shelving the idea, starting a family, going to school to study Literature, and launching a career as a copywriter and professional editor, creative writing took a back seat. But my love for storytelling never died. So in 2015, I picked it back up again and haven’t put it down since. Within a year, I’d finished my debut novel and just months later, I landed a publishing deal. Now I’m actively writing book two of an amazing series and I cannot wait to share my tales with my beloved readers! Immortal Descent, comes out Spring 2018! (Book two in the Immortal Series is underway and looking great!)
How do you research for your books?
I read A LOT! I have spent long hours reading and checking out books from my local library on various topics for my novel. It is a supernatural thriller with many historical elements, mythological references, and psychological themes. I dual majored in Psychology, alongside English in college, so that helped me with having better insight into the complex psyches of my characters. Additional research has included collecting libraries of information from sources online and even hounding the night librarian to view the “rare historical” volumes section of the library to check out age old documents pertaining to past civilizations, biblical lore, art history, and more. Many scenes in my book take place in other countries—some of which I had never been to, so I interviewed friends and colleagues who could provide me with real world knowledge of the settings, areas, and lifestyles. One of my friends grew up in Switzerland where a portion of the book takes place and her help really served to make that entire scene come to life! The research process was nearly as enjoyable as the writing process.
I loved the idea of interviewing friends who’ve visited placed you mention in your novel. Sometimes their descriptions have a much more real feel than those in books. So, tell us Carolyn, what inspired you to write your book?
My fascination with the unknown, and history’s mysteries was one of my greatest motivators to write Immortal Descent. The idea originally came to me years ago, as a short story premise about a glimpse into the life of an immortal being, witnessed by an ordinary man. Beyond that, I had no idea where the story would go, but one thing lingered in my mind—the unanswered questions of immortality. I’d read plenty of stories about immortality, and there were plenty of books that discussed its mysterious place in history and religion. Even so, I found that few truly addressed the origin of it and why. That’s when I thought this would make a great story, so I began researching deeper into it. Add to that my love for science fiction, fantasy and it wasn’t long before I sought to write a fiction that would perhaps explain the unexplained. This was how the world of Immortal Descent was born.
Explain the unexplained. What a fascinating idea.
Beyond you draw to writing as a child when did you realize your calling to create words on paper to share with the world
It was that moment when I felt that first swell of giddy anticipation in my chest, followed by the realization I could reach others and bring them joy through my work…that was the moment I knew I was meant to be an artist of words.
If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice for your younger self about writing what would that be?
Don’t doubt yourself. There were times when I didn’t know where I was going with my story or even thought I couldn’t finish it. Writing a book is a great feat and I’d shelved the idea for many years to get on with other areas of my life. I also did it because I didn’t know if I had it in me. Eventually I came around and regained confirmation in myself, but a lot of time was lost during those years. If I could go back, I never would have let myself believe that. I would have kept keeping on realized that perseverance is what allows us to grow strong and achieve—it’s what brings results. Don’t doubt yourself and you are far less likely to give up.
What is your favorite genre to read for fun?
I enjoy a good psychological thriller. I love stories that may have a hint of supernatural elements or pull from lore or history.
Where is your favorite place to write?
In my home office, where my imagination becomes the atmosphere!
Immortal Descent is a supernatural thriller about one man’s journey into a dark world of buried mythology, secret societies, and the true origin of immortality. Ethan West hopes for a fresh start in college, after a lifetime of pain and loss. But instead he gets a curse—a rebirth that closely resembles a death sentence. Now wielding a mysterious new ability, Ethan is hunted by a ruthless faction of ancient creatures known as Lorns.
On the run, Ethan quickly learns he possesses a gift that is more powerful than anything the world has seen in over a thousand years. Unfortunately, a power this great always comes with an unspeakable price… Based on the ancient lore of the Nephilim, the principles of order & chaos, and history’s mysteries, Immortal Descent goes where few tales have gone before.
What if one man’s beginning meant everyone else’s end?
Excerpt: “Ethan didn’t realize he was screaming until he felt Rue shaking him. His eyes flew open and he stared up at her face and into those bright silver eyes. For the briefest instant, all his fear melted away when he looked up at her. He remembered the shadowed eyes of the woman from the alleyway. These eyes were so different. Never had he seen eyes as hers before, so intense—so bright, so capturing. He held her gaze, almost afraid to look away. If he looked away, what would he see?”
Praise for Immortal Descent:
Readers have called Immortal Descent “amazing storytelling” and “completely original” and have said it’s a read that is “absolutely impossible to put down!”
About the Author:
Carolyn M. Walker grew up surrounded by books and has a particular soft spot for fantasy stories and psychological thrillers. With a Bachelors degree in both English Literature and Psychology from Florida State University, Carolyn loves exploring the many sides of the human psyche and building worlds that address some of life’s greatest “what-if” questions. In addition to being a creative writer, Carolyn is also a certified Copywriter, Copy Editor, and Marketing Consultant.
Carolyn, thanks for joining me today. I wish you much success with Immortal Descent.
I’m adding Carolyn’s links for my readers to follow her:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/carolynmwalkerwrites/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissWriteWise
Author Website:
https://carolynmwalker.wordpress.com/
Goodreads Author Profile
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17271041.Carolyn_M_Walker