We were lucky to catch up with Carla Damron recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carla, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
Writer’s block can be very frustrating. I try not to view it as a brick wall blocking my way, but as a potential re-route. While I feel thwarted, I step back, acknowledge that the block occurs because something is WRONG with my story/narrative/pacing, and analyze what that might be. Sometimes I take a short break from the project so I can come back with fresh eyes. The answer will come to me. Sometimes it means a massive rewrite. Sometimes it means ejecting a character or adding another. Sometimes it means losing a subplot that has fizzled. What matters is that I’m open to making the changes needed. Then “writer’s block” disappears.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I use fiction to explore social justice issues, with the hope of entertaining my readers while making them think. My book The Orchid Tattoo, explores human trafficking through the vehicle of a suspense novel. I’m proud that it’s won multiple awards, but even MORE proud that so many readers get fired up about combatting this heinous, prevalent crime. The Orchid Tattoo was just released on Audible as an audiobook!
My latest novel, Justice Be Done, is a mystery that tackles the complex subject of unresolved racial tensions. A hate crime spawns race riots, both sides feeling justified in their stance, Against this volatile backdrop, a police officer is murdered–and the violence escalates. The protagonist, social worker Caleb Knowles, desperate to solve the murder and calm the storm, realizes that someone is manipulating the conflict for his own personal gain. This book is complex crime fiction that asks the reader to consider why we haven’t resolved racial tensions that are centuries old.
The subjects I write about in my novels are issues that haunt me. Writing can be therapy, but I have no interest in preaching. The MOST important thing is entertaining my reader..
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Tenacity is critical. Persevering when things aren’t going well, when you can think of a THOUSAND things you’d rather be doing than getting through that tough scene is the only way to finish a project.
Creativity is also key. Let your imagination run wild as you explore story possibilities. I ask “what if?” hundreds of times when I’m developing a storyline. This is really the joy of writing.
Accept feedback. Even if it’s not what you want to hear, listen to what beta readers/writing friends tell you about your draft. Some of the most painful feedback I’ve received has helped me shape my work into what it needs to be.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
I want to get my message out. Particularly with The Orchid Tattoo. While I love it that readers are connecting with Georgia, Kitten, and Lillian (the main characters), I want to extend their reach. Human trafficking happens just about everywhere, and there are things we can do to help prevent it. The Orchid Tattoo can help people understand this. We need to punish the traffickers> We need consequences for those who perpetuate this crime, and we need to protect the vulnerable ones who get ensnared in that awful world.
So my challenge is pushing The Orchid Tattoo further out into the world.
WISH ME LUCK!
Contact Info:
- Website: carladamron.com
- Instagram: @carladamron
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carladamronwrites
- Linkedin: carla-damron
- Twitter: @carlawritesfic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=carla+damron0
- Other: bluesky: carlawriter
Image Credits
Jim Hussey
