New Adult Month Interview: Carrie Butler

1.      What is NA to you? NA, to me, is what I always say at NA Alley:

It encompasses the transition between adolescence and true adulthood. Protagonists generally fall between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six—though exceptions may apply—and they’re often portrayed experiencing: college, living away from home for the first time, military deployment, apprenticeships, a first steady job, a first serious relationship, etc.

2.      New Adult: Genre or Category? I view it as a category of literature—meaning, it gives readers content expectations, but it doesn’t dictate genre-based criteria.

In other words, when I pick up an NA novel, I know what stage of life the main character is in. If I want to know more, I look to the genre, i.e. romance will have a centralized love story, science fiction will have imaginative (though scientifically plausible) elements, etc.

3.      What made you want to write for NA? I’ve been writing NA-type stories since 2007. (I say NA-type, because “New Adult” wasn’t coined by St. Martin’s until 2009.) Back then, I didn’t realize there was such a stigma against college-aged characters in the publishing world. I just wanted to write a story that straddled the line between newfound freedom and consequence. The possibilities seemed endless.

4.      What do you see for the future of NA? I definitely foresee more genre diversity, especially with speculative works.

5.      What do you love most about writing NA? Right now, the NA community is my favorite part—especially those of us who’ve been fighting to legitimize the category for years. We’re such a tight knit, yet welcoming group. It’s great having that kind of support.

6.      What NA books would you recommend to readers? I still consider Easy by Tammara Webber a pretty iconic NA read, as far as contemporary goes. On the spec. side, you might consider reading Lynn Rush’s Violet Midnight series.

7.      What writing tips would you give to aspiring writers? Don’t stop—and what I mean by that is don’t stop writing; don’t stop reading; don’t stop learning; don’t stop questioning; don’t stop trying; don’t stop pushing; don’t stop growing; don’t stop sharing; don’t stop dreaming; and hey, if you’re in a singing mood, don’t stop believin’. ;)

8.      Would you like to share something about your book? Sure! Here’s a little about my NA paranormal romance, STRENGTH (Mark of Nexus #1):

“When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, she’s stunned. Wallace Blake is everything she’s ever wanted in a man—except he can’t touch her. His uncontrollable strength, a so-called gift from his bloodline, makes every interaction dangerous. And with a secret, supernatural war brewing among his kind, there’s no time to work it out. To keep Wallace in her life, Rena will have to risk a whole lot more than her heart.”

9.      What gave you the idea for your book? STRENGTH—and ultimately, the whole Mark of Nexus series—started as a "what if" scenario. What if a unique, supernatural race lived among us? What if there was more than one? How would the world stay in balance?

I listened to music while I plotted out a few points, and the 2005 Five for Five cover of "All I Know" came on. Wow. The lyrics—especially the first few lines about bruising each other—really struck me. As I considered them, the figurative meaning morphed into a more literal scenario. How tortured a man with uncontrollable strength must be... falling in love for the first time... unable to touch the woman he loves without hurting her...

That's how the romance element fell into place. ;)

10.  Where can readers find your books? Ta da!

STRENGTH (Mark of Nexus #1)
2nd Edition E-Book: Kindle Nook Kobo Smashwords iTunes/iBookstore Sony Reader Store	2nd Edition Paperback:                 ·         Amazon             ·         Barnes & Noble             ·         Createspace             ·         Diesel
COURAGE (Mark of Nexus #2)
1st Edition E-book:                ·         Kindle                ·         Nook Kobo Smashwords iTunes/iBookstore Sony Reader Store	1st Edition Paperback: Amazon Barnes & Noble Createspace Diesel