Self-Publishing, Perseverance, and the Art of Storytelling
Caroline Clemens shares her literary journey, from writing poetry to crafting novels. She discusses her inspirations, the influence of nursing, self-publishing challenges, and her love for historical fiction and suspenseful storytelling.
Caroline Clemens: A Literary Journey Rooted in Passion and Persistence
Few authors embody the spirit of perseverance and creative reinvention quite like Caroline Clemens. From her early days of letter-writing and theatre performance to penning poetry and crafting intricate novels, her evolution as a writer is as compelling as the stories she tells. A former nurse with a deep appreciation for history, aviation, and the complexities of human relationships, Clemens infuses her works with authenticity, heart, and an unwavering dedication to storytelling.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, she reflects on the inspirations behind her novels, the influence of her nursing career on her characters, and the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing. With a nod to literary giants like Margaret Mitchell and Mark Twain, Clemens continues to carve her own path in the literary world, offering readers immersive narratives filled with depth and emotion.
What inspired you to write “Three King Mackerel and a Mahi Mahi,” and how did you develop its unique blend of suspense and character-driven storytelling?
Someone suggested I write a thriller or mystery, and my best friend who was a mystery reader told me that I needed to kill someone in the novel. I am a nurse I save people; I do not kill them. It would be a challenge. I decided to write in the first person, that was another first. I love change and likely thrive upon it. And so, a fish tale was born. My title came from a real fishing trip down in the Gulf of America. Nothing like firsthand knowledge about deep sea fish. I used a familiar name and personality close to me and gave her big grown-up problems. My state of Georgia has no lack of personalities and people. Must be the red dirt. Lol.
How has your nursing background, particularly in cardiac care, influenced the themes or characters in your novels?
My latest protagonist Rachel is a cardiac nurse, hardworking, and does adopt her sister’s child. I have three adopted children, whom I adore immensely, so that was a cake walk to write. I gave myself some extra abilities and the adventure took off. Back in the day I was a bit of a mischief maker, not sure where that came from, so Rachel gets to have her hand at breaking the law within the law. My expertise in cardiac care extends way out to the ocean, the complexities of falls, and drugs like fentanyl. In this third novel from the southern surveillance series turned coastal crime series I take on the cartels. You are going to love one of my cartel characters named Valeria Dave.
Could you share your experience transitioning from writing poetry to penning novels, and how each form of writing has shaped your voice as an author?
With poetry I learned words, timing, styles, and became a regular writer. I always kept a thesaurus next to me. I was in college English class without the school and became driven. Nothing could stop me. Reflecting, I knew that because I was denied the top English class in high school it would come later for me in life. I was too busy laughing in high school sitting next to the boys goofing off while dear Mrs. Brown tolerated us.
I always wanted to write a novel but my sentence form needed help because nursing makes you write in as few words as possible. I gave the manuscript to my sister, a teacher, to correct. She would not. I had three kids in school and used the time during the day or at night after dinner to write. I found others online writing and learned what a beta was. The beta reads your material, corrects how they see fit and returns it to you. I wrote by hand to notebook paper my first three full length novels. Then I proceeded to the computer and typed from an outline. Some authors never reach over to do that. I considered that step to mark me as a real writer. I had year-round competitive swimmers with meets and swimming in the Olympic pool in Atlanta. I had to forgo something. I did not market my work, nor use betas going forward.
What drew you to historical fiction with “Chocolate for Lilly,” and how did you approach balancing historical accuracy with compelling storytelling?
Great question. I wrote Chocolate for Lilly as my 1920’s historical fiction, an Eastern Seaboard Saga. I loved the twenties personally, like it fit my personality. I was close to my grandparents from that era and they told me stories about bootlegging, the depression, my dad worked for General Motors, and I threw a little Orphan Annie in there because I had this adoption theme running through my books. I had the story visit where I was born, Sandusky, Ohio, on a train headed to Chicago. I knew the depot well, Cedar Point too.
I had to read history when I took the story down to Florida. I am fascinated by inventions, the tropics, and Florida. Having been to Edison’s place numerous times I made this scene, the kiss, take place right off Edison’s dock. How romantic! This story deserves a sequel. I do not have one planned but this book I consider my best work. Can you imagine how exciting it must have been with trains, automobiles, and horses all maneuvering at the same time? Fascinating. The couple visits a historic landmark, my favorite museum in America, The Biltmore.
As someone who cites Margaret Mitchell and Mark Twain as inspirations, how have their works influenced your style and perspective as a writer?
I read Gone With The Wind twice. Margaret Mitchell took four years to write the novel that was second only to the bible in readers. The movie premier was in Atlanta where I lived at the Fox downtown. Did you know that the writer afforded scholarships to the underserved from Grady Hospital with her own money? She gave back. Scarlet and Rhett are fantastic characters, strong willed and timeless on the screen.
The writer Mark Twain was born when a meteor came and died when it returned, namely Hayley’s Comet. One of our cousins did research on him and told us he is our six or seventh cousin. My own father was a story teller and jokester. Having lived around the water, lakes, and ponds, I appreciate his enthusiasm for the rivers. I do not consider myself funny but I love to laugh. I was given the Clemens last name and lived with the man that told a million jokes, not kidding, and loved to debate every topic under the sun. I am sure my father has influenced me immensely.
What challenges and rewards have you encountered in self-publishing, and what advice would you offer to aspiring indie authors?
Self-publishing gives you control unlike the team of a big publisher. I queried over 100 times with no offer. I felt like a loser. Challenging. You wonder why you began? I began because I wanted to write one book. Something caught me and I learned the practice of novel writing without the rewards. The rewards are readers, revenue, lists, prizes, recognition, and bookstores.
Indies, after you develop the plot, the characters, the subplots, the beginning, the middle, the climax, the ending, and wonder what happens next, you might be hooked. Query it. Sit for a moment. It is a tough, sometimes rewarding road. My rewards are that I have my creations, which makes me smile. I still like my words, plots, and endings. If I can cry over my own ending, I feel successful. Beautiful. Truly a miracle.
