Welcome Ms. Carol Alt to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.
What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?
Writing for me is a difficult process, especially because I put so much of myself into each of my books, I feel a bit vulnerable.
I also have a hard time reading my books over and over and over---it is difficult for me to edit things. I mean, come on! After the first three hundred times you just know every word there is. So there are no surprises. Another difficulty is narrowing down all my stories to just 200+ pages.
I talk a lot and love to tell stories. So for me--and I think for my co-writers who have to politely listen to my stories (because I pay them, you see!)-
that was really hard.
How do you plan to celebrate your second release?
I am in Russia with my fiance! When I get back to North America I plan on publicizing this book--That all is celebration enough for me!!
How did your family react to fact that you also write?
They think I am crazy anyway, so this does not change their opinion of me.....LOL!
Have your family read your book?
Of course! I gave my mom and sisters the manuscript (MS). I think they like to get the MS--makes them feel special to have the book BEFORE it comes out.
Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites? Have any influenced your writing?
I read whatever makes its way into my hands: gifts, old books people are done with, a book someone thinks I will like, books my friends write, anything I find in waiting rooms or studios! But I BUY health and nutrition books, as that is my passion.
The books I have gotten don't really influence me as I have always marched to the beat of my own drummer and writing is no different.
(My manager told me that I write like I speak!) So, I think that is a compliment, or at least I hope so anyway...!
This year’'s model was your first book, was it easy to write and if not where were the difficulties?
Actually TYM was my third book. The first one was Eating in the Raw, the second was The Raw 50. I had a writer for both of these, but on the Raw 50 I wrote a lot of the book myself. So it was very satisfying-if difficult with my schedule, as I was also shooting two movies at the same time I was writing!!
The difficulties with TYM came when we needed to establish the tone of the book. My first writer and I clashed over this. The second writer, Lynda Curnyn, got the idea and we moved right through it. She did a marvelous job. She understood the sense and feeling of backstage at shows even without ever having been there--just from my explanation! She had a marvelous imagination and could picture what I was telling her. She also somewhat mimicked my style of writing! The book is really very authentic in terms of how the industry works; everyone who has read it has marveled at how rich and real this book feels.
You yourself have been a model. How much of your life is in your novel This Year's Model?
All of MAC's life is based on my life. However, this book is just a fraction of my life. I have been really blessed to live such a full and amazing life. Everyday is like opening a Faberge egg! (note that I am in Russia at the moment!)
I always thought that the life of a model wasn't only glamor and fame. Did you write this story to warn young girls about the harder side of this lifestyle?
In a sense, yes. I was told that the business was taking in, chewing up and spitting out young girls. I wanted to teach young girls that there is a way to make this JOB a CAREER. The keys to this are in my books.
I really liked your protagonist, Melody Ann Croft. What, or who inspired you in creating this character?The idea to write the books was my agent's: Laura Dail
The character is me. So when people like her I am especially satisfied.
If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?
No doubt, I would love to visit Jesus. No one else has had such an impact on mankind. I think (I know) it would be life-altering
Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?
I am one of those idiots who can only focus on one thing at a time; I cannot chew gum and walk!
No, seriously, I have to focus and give my full attention to what ever I am doing, so that I feel it is 100% of my potential. If I split my attention, I feel as if I have cheated both the things I am doing. (note here: I love to sing when I hear songs I know--so I either can sing or write, but I cannot do both at once!)
If THIS YEAR’S MODEL or MODEL, INC. would be a made into a movie who would you choose as the cast?
I would prefer an unknown cast. You see, we even found a young girl through a model search to be on the cover of the book, Model Inc. Her name is Rianna Hardesty. I always want to give young people a chance they might not get otherwise.
Big congrats to your newest release, MODEL, INC. , can you please tell us something about the book?
No. I want you to read it! It speaks for itself!! (LOL)
It is a book about a model and how she makes it beyond all odds, to become the biggest and best model in the industry. The book is a map to teach girls how to do it. Because there is definitely a technique to becoming the best "anything" and once you know the secret to that industry, you can crack it! Modeling is no different!
Are you working on anything right now, and can you tell us a teaser about these projects?
I have several things in the works, but I would rather not talk about them just yet as they are not ready to be unveiled.....
However, I have been asked to do another book on Nutrition. That I may do!
Review of This year's model
Review of Models,Inc.
