Welcome Mat Wednesday: Carla Laureano

So, I love Scotland. I’ve only ever spent a week there, but it was enough to completely enchant me. Plus, this British guy once told me my last name is the Americanized version of MacTaggart. So, of course I’ve decided I’m at least part Scottish.

Well, as soon as I heard debut author Carla Laureano’s novel, Five Days in Skye, not only takes place in Scotland but features a Scottish celebrity chef, I knew I had to read it. And read it I did…in record time. It’s so good, people! Fun, funny and heartwarming…

So I’m thrilled Carla’s here at Tag(g)lines today with a Q&A. Carla writes both contemporary romance and fantasy, and she’s got a pretty sweet publication story, too. Enjoy!!

MT: Okay…Scotland. I LOVE Scotland. So. Much. What inspired you to set your story there? Have you been there? 


CL: That pretty much sums up my feelings on the subject too! I lived in London for a while as a teenager and traveled to Scotland several times, but it was my trip with my husband to the Highlands and the Isle of Skye that really made an impression on me. It was the first bit of peace I’d experienced in a very long time. It was part of what inspired me to slow down and make some big changes in my life. When I wanted to write a driven businesswoman, Andrea, who desperately needed a break, it was the perfect setting!

MT: Andrea was such a great character! I’ve heard you say some of this story was sparked by your own past in the corporate world…is that right? Can you tell us about your transition from corporate life to author?

CL: The last couple years of my corporate marketing career looked very much like Andrea’s: lots of travel, lots of pressure. And like my heroine, I would wake up in a hotel room and have no idea where I was. That was an awful feeling. Though not as awful as the time I walked into the airport and stared at the departure board for a full five minutes before I could remember in which airport I was standing and where I was going next. That was a wake-up call for me.

My transition from corporate life wasn’t directly to authorship, though; it was to stay-at-home motherhood. After the birth of my older son, my husband and I realized that those 50- and 60-hour weeks were just paying for our mortgage and our nanny, two things we wouldn’t need if we moved away from Los Angeles. So we started planning our escape, which ended up taking us 1200 miles from our home in California to a suburb of Denver. 


To be honest, stepping out of corporate life was much harder than I anticipated. I had been running a department, traveling all over the country, training a sales staff, and all of a sudden my days consisted of ABCs, strawberry-flavored rice puffs, and dirty diapers. Don’t get me wrong—it’s been a blessing to be able to be home with my kids, and I can’t imagine going back to the corporate world now—but the downshift was a jolt. We didn’t have friends or family in Colorado either, so I felt very isolated that first year.

Maybe I started writing again to have imaginary people to talk to, or maybe it was just to keep my brain active, but it wasn’t until my younger son was a toddler that I focused seriously on writing for publication. And when God flipped the switch, things started happening. In the space of a year, I had four books in two genres with two publishers under contract. It’s really the best of both worlds. I get to use my marketing background on my own books, travel to conferences, and speak at writers’ groups; but I still have the flexibility to be involved in my kids’ schools and activities. My past corporate experience has definitely made the business side of writing a lot easier.

MT: I have a feeling that business side of writing comes as a surprise to a lot of first-time authors, so it’s sweet that you’ve got a head start. Also, I think it’s awesome that you write both romance and fantasy. Do you have to use different sides of your brain for each one? Does one come more naturally than the other?

CL: My process is pretty similar for each. But fantasy requires more intensive plotting and a lot more research up front. I draw from historical events and cultures, and I want my world to be consistent. The stakes are big and universal. Romance, on the other hand, I find to be quite emotionally draining, because the stakes are so intensely personal, and I tend to really get into my characters’ heads. I do like to take long breaks between books (and drafts), so writing two genres allows me to consistently write new work, but still get that “mind vacation” my brain desperately needs.

Which is easier? Right now, I’d say romance, because I’m currently writing fantasy… I’m always certain whichever one I’m not working on at the time is easier. (Ah, the perils of a short memory.) I do think my contemporary style feels more natural to write, though.


MT: All right, it’s casting call time. What actors would you choose to play your MCs?

CL: My favorite question. It really is! For Andrea, I’d cast Morena Baccarin, a gorgeous actress who shares my heroine’s Brazilian heritage. She’s got those dark exotic looks and plenty of attitude to spare. There are few people who can get the better of Andrea, and if you’ve ever seen an interview with Morena, she keeps her hosts on their toes.

For James, I’d pick Henry Cavill, though he’d need to do a Scottish accent. James is the guy who makes women’s knees weak with a smile. Need I say more about that choice? I think the fiction world owes Mr. Cavill a debt of gratitude, because I keep running into writers who find him, ahem, inspiring. I mean, he’s no Tim Tebow, but…


MT: Hehe…but then, is it even fair to compare anyone to Tim? 🙂 Also, go Patriots. (I’m working on becoming a Patriots fan.) Okay, just for fun, any surprising hobbies, quirks or writing habits you want to share with us?

CL: This is the part where I embarrass myself, right? Okay, here goes:

Surprising hobbies: I have a black belt in tang soo do, and I’m just starting back into martial arts after ten years. (Read: clumsy and painful.) I also knit. If I combined the two, I could do some serious damage. Those needles are pointy!

Quirks: I have a major shoe obsession, especially stiletto heels! Watch for me at ACFW… I’m planning on bringing some outrageous ones from my collection. There’s got to be an appropriate event for 5 ½ inch snakeskin platform pumps, right?

Writing habits: I almost always write a first draft, throw it out, and start from scratch. I’m convinced that I have to exorcise my bad ideas before I can get to the good ones! I also revise in many, many drafts. I’m envious of my friends who can write a book, do one last pass, and send it to their editors. That’s not me at all.

MT: Oh my, knitting and a black belt?! That. Is. Awesome. Also, can you teach me to walk in heels, because I just…can’t! Finally, this may be a silly question considering you’ve also got a three-book fantasy series releasing soon, but what’s on deck for you next?

CL: The first book in fantasy is up in May 2014 from NavPress (written as C.E. Laureano). This has been really fun to write, because it has lots of action, swordplay, and adventure with a strong Celtic flavor. But I’m also planning out sequels to Five Days in Skye (involving James’s siblings, Ian and Serena), and I’m in the proposal-writing phase for a new stand-alone contemporary romance set in Malibu, another of my favorite beach communities. I guess this land-locked writer can’t get enough of the ocean!

*****

Carla Laureano has held many job titles–professional marketer, small business consultant, and martial arts instructor–but writer is by far her favorite. She currently lives in Denver with her patient husband and two rambunctious sons, who know only that Mom’s work involves lots of coffee and talking to imaginary people.

Carla, this was SUCH a fun interview. Thanks for being here! Readers: Have you ever been to Scotland? If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? 

And be sure to check out Carla’s book. You can get a ridiculously good deal on it right now on Kindle…just $2.51!
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    Comments 45

    1. Thanks for introducing me to Carla! The book looks great 🙂 I’ve never been out of the US, so I’d travel anywhere and think it was pretty amazing.

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    2. Oh two of my favorite, fun people in one place … I should have dressed up! But no, I’m tread-desking and smiling … Can’t wait to do a trio hug at ACFW.
      Hey, Carla, did I tell youI met my husband at a karate studio when he knocked me down … um, I mean, swept me off my feet?
      Love Five Days in Skye and can’t wait for your second novel. I don’t usually read fantasy, but yours? Oh, I will. I will.

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      1. I seem to remember that little tidbit, Beth! What can I say? I fell for my instructor…and we told my parents we were dating after we did a self-defense demo in which I knocked HIM down!

        Thanks for your lovely words and your encouragement as always, friend!

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    3. 5″ stiletto heels? *sigh* Might make a good weapon for me, but that’s about all. Love, love Five Days in Skye. Was quite upset with you about 2 nights ago at 1 am because I needed to get some sleep…but couldn’t until I finished it. Looking forward to reading the sequels.

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    4. I have been to Scotland – We went to Oban and took a boat to the Isle of Mull, then a smaller boat to Iona. It was beautiful, and I’ve always dreamed of going back. England was lovely too, but Scotland took a place in my heart 🙂

      I bought Five Days in Skye as soon as it released & read it that same day – loved it (and I don’t even read contemporary fiction that much)!! That said, fantasy???? That is so exciting!! Fantasy was my first reading love. Will definitely be looking out for the release of Carla’s fantasy novel!

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      1. I’ve been dreaming of going back to both England and Scotland. 🙂 I’ve only been to Scotland once, though, whereas I’ve been to England four times. So, I should probably put Scotland as the priority for a return trip. Haha!

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    5. I love Scotland, too, although I’ve never been. I just bought this book for my Kindle and now I’m doubly excited to begin reading! Thanks for the introduction.

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    8. Carla, I adored this interview! The heroine in one of my novel transitions from the corporate world of Boston to small-town life in the Ozarks. It was great to get your perspective and know that I’d appropriately carried off some of what she was feeling.

      And ohhhh, Scotland! Our son got to travel there with his grandparents several years ago. He wants to return! 🙂

      Can’t wait to read Five Days in Skye AND see you in your high heels this September! 🙂

      Thanks, Melissa, for this fun interview!!

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      1. Thanks, Cynthia! I’ll have to look for that novel–sounds like something I’d relate to for sure!

        You won’t be able to miss me at ACFW… last year, people said, “Have you met Carla?” “No, I don’t think so.” “She was the one in the bright red high heels.” “Ohhh, that Carla!” LOL

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    9. Yay, fun interview, ladies!

      Yes, I visited Scotland for two weeks in 2005. It was sooo gorgeous. I mean, where else do you get a CASTLE overlooking a public park? Seriously.

      Can’t wait to read this book! It’s on my kindle and just may have to be my next pick.

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    10. I just started reading ‘Five Days in Skye’ yesterday on my Kindle! Enjoying it so far and excited to hear that it will be part of a series.
      I’ve never been to Scotland or anywhere in the British Isles but would love to visit someday.

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    11. WOW! Melissa and Carla – this was a terrific addition to the “welcome mat” series. 🙂

      Yay for casting choices – Henry would be spectacular from your description of your hero. Great pick. 😉

      Lucky both of you ladies for having travelled to some of these places – who wouldn’t wish to see some British spots?

      Ooo! I must say Carla, already your upcoming books sound great. A contemporary set in Malibu? Yes, please. Sequels to ‘Skye’? Sounds promising. Plan on reading your novel soon but given all the hype I’ve heard from those whose opinions I trust, I am sure it will be wonderful! 🙂

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      3. You’ll have to look into more of Henry’s credits, Melissa! Fun fact: he was in The Count of Monte Cristo if ever you’ve seen that – always makes me laugh to see him pop up in the movie considering he was a nobody way back then and now… yeah, he’s pretty well-known!

        Cannot wait to read that work-in-progress “Malibu” series – it sounds SO unique. 🙂

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    12. I LOOOOVE Scotland. Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities on the planet and I am QUITE enjoying this book. Somewhat relatedly, has anyone seen “The Decoy Bride” with David Tennant? The quirky setting puts me in mind of that sweet film

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    14. Melissa and Carla, this interview was such fun! Thanks, ladies!

      I’d travel to South Korea to visit the girl I sponsor, Ireland and Scotland, and Italy. Stateside, I would travel back to Indiana to visit my great-aunts and great-uncle, western Montana because it’s beautiful, and the other states I have not yet visited.

      Blessings,
      Andrea

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    15. Carla, wow… great interview Melissa.

      My admiration for you, Carla, grows each and every time I read something about you. I hope I get to have a few minutes with you at ACFW, but you’ll probably be in hot demand so I might have to stand in line.

      Love to pick your brains on many topics but not on heels (Fiona, my wife, and you would get on famously), martial arts or knitting.

      Superb job ladies. Melissa, you’re so good at making these “static” interviews so personable and interesting by infusing your character and capturing the author’s. Well done.

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      1. You’re always so kind, Ian. We’ll have to plan to meet at ACFW. Is Fiona coming? We could compare shoe wardrobes, though if she’s like me, you’d have to check an extra bag for her shoes! Ha!

        Melissa’s blog is always fun, isn’t it?

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      2. Carla, that’s what we did last year when we stopped over in NYC, brought an empty bag with us. Let’s say some shoes were purchased! Unfortunately, Fi’s unable to make it this year. It’s a real quick trip for me, fly in fly out.

        Love to catch up.

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