Liane Carmen
Where the Truth Hides
Hi, Thank you for agreeing to spill the beans on your life as an indie author.
Could you start by telling me about your book/ books?
My debut novel, Where the Truth Hides, was released in May and is the prequel to the Investigation Duo Series. The series kicks off with Book #1, The Dark Inheritance, which will be out on December 1st.
Sometimes men in my life tell me they want to read my books and I tell them, “Nah, they’re not for you.” My goal was to write a suspenseful series that appealed to women and tapped into the issues they face in their lives. As much as it’s a suspense series, it’s also about the bond between two best friends. On a recent podcast, the host said she loved that the leads are all female and the men all played supporting roles. She asked if that was intentional, and the answer was a resounding yes!
Which genre do you prefer to write? / What made attracted you to that genre?
I love to read suspense/psychological thrillers. Anything with that big “aha” twist, and I’m a fan. I’ve tried to venture outside my genre, but my mind is always racing looking for the hidden meanings and surprise ending. I end up disappointed. My brain works the same way when I’m writing, so I definitely prefer to write the kind of books I like to read. I do have one book I’m ready to write that’s a little outside my norm—I guess I’d consider it paranormal romance. But even that will have a surprise twist at the end. I just can’t help myself.
If you were asked to recommend three books written by authors other than yourself, which books would you recommend and why?
I may not have popular answers, but here goes…
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I’ve always been an avid reader but got away from it when my son was younger. Gone Girl brought me back into the fold, and I haven’t stopped since. It’s what started my writer wheels turning again too.
Verity by Colleen Hoover. I’m a very fast reader. I enjoy a book while I’m reading it, but when it’s over and I’m on to the next one, I can’t remember much about it. When I finished Verity, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. To this day, I can remember everything about the plot, and there aren’t too many books I can say that about.
Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews. This was THE book of my tweens. Mesmerized, I read the whole series. Sometimes someone brings it up in a Facebook group and it’s crazy it’s still being read. I looked it up on Amazon to read it again, and it’s the 40th Anniversary. How is that possible?? I’m old, that’s how!
When did you start writing? What motivated you to write?
I’ve had books swirling in my head for as long as I can remember. I started writing about seven years ago with a journal that became a non-fiction book. Writing a novel is something that’s always been on my bucket list. Finally, as I got older, I realized there was no reason I couldn’t do it. The idea for Where the Truth Hides and the series took hold and that was it. I was off and running, but I had a lot of learning to do before it was ready for the rest of the world.
Who is your favourite character in your novels? / What do you like about them?
I guess I’d have to say Becky because she’s based mostly on me!
How long does it normally take you to write your novels?
The first book took me three years. The second book will end up taking a little over three months.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would that be?
Right now, it feels like there is so much fighting. I’m a peacemaker. It hits me in the core when people don’t get along. You can only imagine how I want to hide from the news, the politics, and the social media bickering right now.
What is your ultimate writing goal?
To write books that people love to read. If I could do it and make a living, that would be amazing.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I’m a genealogy buff so I love to work on my family tree, or if someone tells me they’ve done a DNA test and need help, it’s like throwing down a dare. I’m in. I love true crime television and my DVR is full of shows from the ID channel. I try to assure my boyfriend it’s simply book research. And of course, I love to read. I’m not a read a chapter a night person. I like to sit and read in one or two sittings.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
It would be somewhere with crystal-clear water. I don’t need to be baking on a beach, but I need the view, the sound of the ocean, the smell of salt water. To have that on a regular basis would wrap my soul in a big comforting hug.
Please add links to your social media platforms and let us know how we can find your books (Amazon links if applicable)
Visit my website https://lianecarmen.com/ and sign up for my newsletter. I try to write them when I’m on a gummy bear sugar high, so hopefully they’ll be entertaining. I’m also giving away copies of my book for anyone who subscribes before release day (12/1).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liane.carmenauthor.1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liane_carmen_author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/liane_carmen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20128187.Liane_Carmen
Where the Truth Hides (available now): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998424706
The Dark Inheritance (available to pre-order, releases 12/1/20): https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Inheritance-Investigation-Duo-Book-ebook/dp/B08KPF65KW