This week’s interviewee is veteran lesbian fiction author Carsen Taite, who is best-known for her award-winning romantic suspense novels. She just published her twenty-second novel, Practice Makes Perfect, with Bold Strokes Books.
Carsen is giving away two ebook copies of her newest release, plus a signed paperback, and she’s willing to send it worldwide, so don’t miss the giveaway at the end of this post!
Welcome, Carsen. Please tell us a little about Practice Makes Perfect.
Practice Makes Perfect is the first book in the Legal Affairs Series, a trio of contemporary romances centered around a group of friends who attended law school together. After a few years grinding away at big law firms, completely sacrificing their personal lives to line other people’s pockets, they decide to form their own firm in Austin, Texas.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Meet law school friends Campbell, Abby, and Grace, law partners at Austin’s premier boutique legal firm for young, hip entrepreneurs. Or, it will be as soon as they score a victory for their first big client.
Campbell Clark wins the big pitch, and lands the client, or so she thinks, until the internet start-up insists her firm work with the legal counsel Campbell thought they’d be replacing. Wynne Garrity has never been second best, and she’s not going to let anyone screw up her chance of making partner, but to do so she needs to hang onto her client and prove to everyone her firm isn’t stuck in the stone age.
Reluctant team players, Campbell and Wynne would risk everything by giving in to the attraction that flares between them. In the boardroom and the courtroom, only one can win, but the price of victory could mean losing at love.
Legal Affairs: one law firm, three best friends, three chances to fall in love.
Where did the inspiration for the main characters Campbell and Wynne come from? Did they surprise you during the writing process, and if yes, how?
I practiced law for many years before transitioning to a career as a writer. While I never personally worked in Big Law (the huge firms that rely on young associates to crank out tons of billable hours) like Campbell and Wynne, I have lots of friends who did, and I drew from their experience for perspective. Like Campbell, I was fortunate enough to be a partner in a small boutique firm where each of us had a say in the types of clients we represented and the work environment we wanted to cultivate.
As far as surprise, I definitely enjoy the process of figuring out who the characters are by putting them into particular situations and asking questions like “What would Campbell do?” The scene where Campbell uses donuts to illustrate her point to the Leaderboard board of directors was one of those instances that came to me while I was writing, and I remember thinking – “that’s so Campbell.” Plus, if you can fit donuts in a book, it’s always a good thing.
You mentioned that It Should Be A Crime is your most popular title. What do you think makes it so popular with readers?
A couple of things come to mind. First is the high-risk drama of the student-professor trope (Morgan is a law professor and Parker is her student). Bridging the lopsided power dynamic creates a threat to Morgan’s career and Parker’s education, but the chemistry that started between them before they knew their respective roles cannot be denied. Second, both are strong, complex women, and isn’t that always appealing?
If a reader has never read one of your novels, what can they expect? What sets your books apart from other lesbian fiction novels, and which book would you suggest they start with?
I write both romantic suspense and contemporary romance, and most of my novels feature a legal setting which, based on my personal experience, has a unique level of authenticity. If you like a dose of crime with your romance, I suggest you start with It Should be a Crime, but if you’d like your legal affairs on the lighter side, Practice Makes Perfect is a great place to begin.
If I counted correctly, Practice Makes Perfect is your twenty-second novel. How did your writing process change in between your first book, Truelesbianlove.com, and novel #22, Practice Makes Perfect?
Some things change, some things stay the same. I still figure out the plot as I go because the fun part of the process for me will always be putting together the puzzle of how to solve the crime or wrap up the case and find a happily ever after. But nowadays, I have a much better sense in advance of the beats I want to hit in the book, and it doesn’t take as long to hit my stride once I get going.
I know you’re a fellow fountain pen fanatic. Do you write your manuscripts or research notes longhand? And what pens would I find on your desk right now?
I type my manuscripts, but my notes are all in longhand. I find that I brainstorm better with a pen then by typing. By the time my manuscript is done, I have a notebook full of handwritten notes that often consist of me working out various plot and character issues. I save all of these in a box so someday someone can read my scribbles and wonder what in the world they mean!
On my desk right now I have a Visconti Rembrandt (purple), a Pilot Vanishing Point (orange), and several of my favorite Kaweco pens (AL sport in stone-washed blue, a Night Edition AL sport, which I had to order from Europe since they didn’t have it for sale here, and a Lilliput Fireblue).
If I’m not mistaken, you’re a writer who bakes. What was your biggest screw-up in the kitchen?
I’m much more adept at cooking then baking, but I do love to bake, or I should say, I love having homemade baked goods on hand. I don’t have any epic fails, but I do wind up with lots of not so great finished products, mostly because I apply my writing style of throw it all in and then go back and take out what doesn’t fit, which doesn’t usually work well with the precision required in baking.
Imagine you have been cryogenically frozen and wake up 200 years in the future. What’s your first question?
Has anyone invented a way to download story ideas directly from our brains onto the pages of a book? Seriously, I do wonder how technology will continue to change the way we read and write. I remember when we didn’t have the internet (yes, I’m dating myself), and had to physically go to the library to do research instead of sitting at home in pjs, typing search terms into Google. Now, I can sync my manuscript from my desktop computer to my iPad Pro using Dropbox, and use Scrivener writing software to both compose my story and track all my notes and research. There’s no telling what magical writing tools we’ll have 200 years from now.
Do you have time to read? Any favorite books you can recommend?
I always make time to read, not only because I enjoy reading, but because I think it’s one of the most important tools writers can use to improve their craft. I’ve learned so much about complex point of view (Gone Girl), fierce and compelling prose (Bastard Out of Carolina), and fantastic dialogue (anything by Melissa Brayden) by reading, which is a total bonus because while I’m learning, I’m also being entertained.
When’s your next book coming out, and what are you working on right now?
My next release is Leading the Witness, a romantic suspense novel, and it comes out in October. Right now, I’m working on the second book in the Legal Affairs series, Out of Practice, Abby’s story, which will be out in early 2020.
Where can your readers find out more about you and your books?
Visit my website at www.carsentaite.com, my author page at boldstrokesbooks.com, or you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – @carsentaite.
Book giveaway
Carsen is giving away two e-book copies and a signed paperback copy of her latest novel, Practice Makes Perfect.
Since Carsen is willing to ship worldwide, anyone can enter. To be entered into the drawing, leave a comment on this blog.
Entries close on Thursday, July 4, 2019, 10 a.m. CET, when I’ll draw the winners using a random numbers generator. I’ll notify winners via email. Your email address won’t be used for any other purpose.
I’m posting several author interviews with giveaways and free books each month. If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of them, please subscribe to my blog.
I absolutely LOVE her books. Can’t put them down till their finished, costing me loads of beauty sleep but worth it..
Can’t wait to read all the new ones. And I thank my wife every time for insisting I read the books and not just have her tell me about them..
Love the interview. I would love to read Carsten’s latest 📖
Love these interviews!
Carsen has never disappointed me with her stories. That puts her in my top ten favorites.
I read a few of Carson’s books and she never once disappointed me. Carson is my kind of writer that gets my attention
Wonderful Interview. I would love to read it. Hugs from Spain.
Wonderful Interview. I would love to read it.
Thanks. Hugs from Spain.
This will be on my kindle for the summer.
I am looking forward to reading Carsen’s new book. I’m a fan of all her books but I really love the ones that are less on crime and more on romance.
Great interview! I love every Carsen Taite book I’ve read so far!
My first taste of Carsen’s writing, It should be a crime, and I was gone girl thereafter!
One of my favorite authors! Love everything she writes.
I love Carsen’s books and would love to win a copy of her newest one.
I fondly remember one of my first BSB books was Truelesbianlove.com and I fell in love with the author’s writing. Through Facebook, as time progressed I have followed Carsen’s Career, reading every single one of her books and stories and have loved them all. I so look forward to the Legal Affairs series and raise a glass to the next 22 + novels she writes. Like Jae, I commend you Carsen for your online persona and how you continually engage your fan base. Love your work mate.
Love your blog and interviews, thanks so much for all you do. Would love to win the signed copy😁. Take care, thanks
Love your blog and interviews, thanks so much for all you do. Would love to win the signed copy😁. Take care, thanks
I have not read any of Carsen’s Books but would love to give it a go!
I really enjoy these interviews :) I’m looking forward to reading Carson’s latest.
Looking forward to Practice Makes Perfect.
I haven’t managed to read any of Carson’s yet, but her novels are definitely on my to-be-read pile. Romantic suspense? Yes, please!
OMG, this one sounds just wonderful!😍 But again, others are great too!
Really enjoy Carsen’s work
I would love to win a signed copy of Carson Taite’s book. I’m looking forward to reading her latest book.
I love her books :)
Her writing style definitely doesn’t fit baking but I’ve enj her writing.
I’ve loved every one of Carsen’s books I’ve read. Would love a copy of her latest!
Terrific interview. Would love to receive one of her works.
Great interview of one of my all time favorite authors! Love all of her books,it is hard to choose a favorite. Who knows it might be this new one!
I have enjoyed every one of Carsen’s books that I have read, and am a huge fan of the Luca Bennett series!
love all her books
The new book sounds interesting!
Great interview Jae. Loved it should be a crime and nothing but the true so looking forward to another one by Carsen Taite
I’ve been a fan of Carson’s books for years. She is so versatile in her writing, and never disappoints. This was a great interview. Thanks
I love Carsen Taite’s books! Her latest novel sounds great. Thanks for another wonderful interview, Jae.
Good day,
I have read all of Carsen Taite’s books, and will read this one, as soon as my backlog of TBR books are a bit lighter! lol
Thanks for introducing me to a new author–and even more exciting one with a large backlist. Can’t wait to read Carsen’s books!
I love all her books . I can’t wait for it :)
Another fabulous interview Jae. New releases by Carsen Taite bring a smile to my face every time.
Thanks, Carsen, for the interview, and Jae, for taking the time to put these together and post them! I’ve read several of Carsen’s books and enjoyed them; nice that this next set will be a trilogy.
I love her books and look forward to reading this trilogy
Great interview…I haven’t read one of Carsen’s books yet, but will start very soon! Another great author to follow!
One of my favorite authors and I also appreciate the TX settings.
Fun interview! (I’m jealous of your pen collection.) I’ve only read a couple of your books but looking forward to buying more.
Love the interview and hearing how the different authors write their books. I love all lesfic so of course I would love another book.
Big fan. You have just the right mix of courtroom and suspense. I always look forward to more books.
Looking forward to Carsen’s new series!
Carsen has the amazing ability to tell fantastic stories. I haven’t read a book I’ve not loved yet!! I’m looking forward to this one! 📖😊
Great interview and yet another to add to the series list.
She’s one of my favorite authors!
I love Carsen’s stories & I would love a chance to win one of these copies!
I am a huge fan! Count me in please
I love Carsen Taite!!!! I have her flagged on Amazon and religiously pre-order. I was surprized last week when they cancelled my pre-order of Practice make perfect because of glitch and then 2 days later it was back. Yippee!!!. If I were to win I would love the hard copy as I already have the digital. Was waiting for a day off to begin reading it because I always read her work cover to cover in one sitting. But so worth it
Count me in!
Carsen is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. I am always looking for her next release.
Great author, great interview. I had to laugh at the baking story.
Love her books. Well written and fun to read
I have really enjoyed reading Carsen’s books. I always look forward to the next one, then smile when it comes out.
She has a wonderful writing style, and I love the legal setting. Looking forward to the next one!
I love reading anything by Carsen. She is an amazing writer
What a great interview! I am having a Carsen Taite book binge at the moment, so definitely want to read her latest book.
Great interview! I haven’t read anything by Carsen Taite yet, but I have a few titles on my list!
I love reading Carsen’s books and I’m hoping to meet her at the upcoming GCLS meet, that I’ll be attending for the first time. It’s a long way from Australia, but will be totally worth it.
I love the interesting questions you ask Carsen. I have been a fan of Ms Tait for years and have read everything but her latest.
Hey there !! 👋👋
Great interview Ladies.
Thanks for sharing it with us. 😊
OK, I confess I haven’t managed to read any of Carson’s novels yet, but many of them are definitely on my “must-be-purchased-&-read” list since a long while. So it’s just a matter of time. (you know, this lil thing you always say you have but which flies faster than light speed … 😋 LOL )
That’s really cool to think about people who live far (far) away and to agree to send a book worldwide. So, thank you for the thought !!!! => Since I’m a paperbacks lover (even more when they are signed copies), of course, I’d love to win the signed copie of « Practice Makes Perfect »…. 😉 But if not the paperback, since I want to read ” Practice Makes Perfect”, winning an ebook copy would be good too.
🏳️🌈👭📚👩❤️👩🏳️🌈 About the giveaway : good luck everyone !!! 🙃🙂
Greetings from Reunion Island 🇷🇪
Love Carson Taite books!! Thanks for taking the time to share!!
But apparently I can’t type today!! Carsen 🤦🏻♀️ I blame it on sleep deprivation – too many book…not enough time!! 😁
I really do like all the legalese in Carsen’s books.
I really enjoyed “It Should Be a Crime”. I’d love to give “Practice Makes Perfect” a read!
Nice interview Jae! I am looking forward to Carsen’s Practice makes perfect. I always enjoy her books!
Great interview, I really enjoy Carsen’s books
Looking forward to Practice Makes Perfect.
Great interview! Every book of Carsen Taite I’ve read so far was great.
It should be a crime sounds as intriguing as this new series
I have read all of Ms. Taite’s books, and I must say “The Best Defense” is still my fav. Luca and Jess are right up there too.
I’m always fascinated by the writing process of authors and how it has evolved. Thanks for such enjoyable books, Carsen
I love a good legal drama and Carsen is a great author. Can’t wait to add this to my list.
Fun interview once again. Got away from reading Carson’s books but recently read It Should Be a Crime and went on a backlist binge. Looking forward to the new novel.
I just know this is gonna be a great read. I’m looking forward to it. I also love have when you asked about about her fountain pens it took me back to Anja in Paper Love.
Looks very intriguing, thank for the chance.
An amazing author, would love a chance to win a copy of your book
Carsen Taite was one of the authors I first started reading in the lesfic world. Always excited to see her putting out new novels.
Great interview!
I look forward to reading Practice Makes Perfect! Carsten never disappoints!
I have only read Without Justice by Carsen Taite and it was so good that I put some more on my tbr. Cool Interview!
Wonderful interview as always. Love me a good Carsen Taite.
Great interview, thanks as always for hosting!
Thanks Jae for making us discover all these writers!
My pleasure! Thanks for reading!
Some of my first purchases of lesfic were by Carsen, so her books always have a soft spot lol
Nice interview. Would love a chance to win a copy of the first in this series. Loved the Law series Carsen. Also really like your character Skye and enjoy her appearance in so many of your books.
As always, interesting interview!
Carson’s books steer always a go to for a good read. Thanks for the interview!