C.J. Carpenter was born and grew up in Upstate New York. She worked in advertising and television production before she decided to embark on a writing career. About her first novel, Never Alone, Kirkus Reviews wrote: “A promising debut for fans of the procedural thriller. The complex heroine and startling denouement lift this one above the average and bode well for future installments.” Her second novel, Hidden Vices, was released in July.
- What is your writing routine?
Before any project, I write a short outline. Some don’t find it very spontaneous, but I find it helpful. Typically, I begin with reading what I wrote the previous day before I start. It gives me a sense of the direction I’m going to take for that day. There are days when I hit my deadline in a few hours and there are other days when it feels as though I’ve been there for weeks, which usually means I scrap that day’s work the next morning.
- Tell us about your current project.
I’ve just begun my third in the NYPD detective Megan McGinn series, which is exciting because I never planned on writing a series, so it’s a rewarding learning experience.
- Which writers, living or otherwise, would you host at a dinner party and why?
So many to mention but the first is an easy one given my dear friend is Cuban and her family grew up in Cuba: Her father told me a wonderful story of meeting Hemingway once, and it’s one I’ll never forget. Dorothy Parker. I love strong people and would really be interested in her views of female to male authors. Graham Greene, for his sheer poetic style.
- What do you enjoy about your MWA membership?
When I first started out years ago, I found my MWA membership an essential component for support and advice as well as a safe haven to discuss our work, our passion, our process. So many people think that being a writer is exciting and fun. There are days when it is, however, more often than not, it is very isolating and challenging. Meeting other writers through MWA, there is a shorthand when we speak about the process, the ups and downs of the industry. I feel as we all get it.