Interview with Veronica Cline Barton

March 8, 2019 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

Thank you so much for joining us on WWWB, Veronica!

Tell us about your beginning, where are you from?

Thank you for having me as your guest! I’m from Louisville, Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby—fast horses, big hats, and yummy mint juleps! After completing my engineering degree at the University of Louisville, I left for career adventures in Ohio for a few years and ended here in sunny, southern California. I cherish my southern roots, but I’m pretty much a California girl nowadays.

How did your childhood impact the writer you’ve become?

I was always encouraged to read, and that’s one of the greatest gifts a child can receive. Trixie Belden mysteries, Black Beauty, Little Women, were just some of the literary classics that exposed me to a whole new world. I was always on the lookout for new books and stories to read. They were my haven, and I visited the fictional worlds often.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve known I had stories to tell and dreamed of writing books for a while, LOL. My family and engineering/software sales careers were loves and priorities too, taking precedence over my writing dreams for many years. In 2016, I had the time and resources to finally launch into writing my series—perfect timing because my beloved Downton Abbey came to an end and I had to find a way to be in a glorious British manor house again!

How has writing changed you as a person?

I think I’m happier these days and more optimistic. Writing my series filled several holes in my heart and soul, and for that I’m very grateful. It’s also given me a whole new industry to research and become part of, something I love doing. It’s always fun to learn new ideas and concepts, meet new people, and become involved in new ventures. This is most likely my final career, and I want to make the most of it!

Could you tell us a bit about your books? What inspires you to write them?

I love reading cozy mystery series—it gives me a chance to know the characters and watch them develop over time. I knew from the beginning I had to try to develop my own version, and researched the things and places I love watching, reading and traveling to. My American Almost Royal Cousin Series is a reflection of these beloved experiences:

- - - The Crown for Castlewood Manor, is an homage to the production of my favorite period drama series, Downton Abbey (my fictional Castlewood Manor) at the real life Highclere Castle (Cherrywood Hall in my series). I have several books that highlight the production, fashions, sets—it’s amazing how much work and detail it takes to make everything realistic and choosing that perfect location that will transform in viewers minds!
    - Cast, Crew, & Carnage; the Filming of Castlewood Manor is based on the filming of season one of the television series at the estate, the marketing events to promote the show (ie Fashions of Castlewood Manor), photo shoots, society events—what could possibly go wrong?
    - Deadly Receptions; the Debut of Castlewood Manor, highlights the global premiere events for my fictional show, and takes us to London, New York City, Vail, and Malibu (Gemma’s home town, I love it too). The Telly Tiaras are my version of the Oscars/Academy Awards/BAFTAs—lots of glam and a bit of backstabbing!
What would be your 6 word memoir?

She loved to travel and explore.

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever had, and the worst?

We’ll start with the worst–I’ve seen some judgmental statements from some ‘writers’ who think you need a major in English or creative arts to be a so called ‘real’ writer. Creativity can come from anywhere and does—with or without a degree.

The best—write the things that make you happy and give you joy, and the words will flow. I am a big believer of this. Writing cozy mysteries for me in a glamorous setting is pure fun for me, I don’t have to force anything.

What is your writing process like? Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I’m going to say 90-95% plotter and 5-10% panster. Since I write a series, I have to keep track of characters, settings, events—even outfits and food (both are favorites in my storylines) so that things don’t fall through the cracks. Excel is my tool of choice and has been effective for me. I outline my stories in detail to get things to gel in my mind. I will say that once I start in full blown writing mode there have been many times when the characters took over and did things their way, not following the plan. Most of the time when this happens it’s spot on, and I let them take me down their paths. I’ve learned that things do change from your original vision, but that’s OK.

Are you part of a writing community or a writing group?

I’m a member of Sisters in Crime (SinC) and the #WolfPackAuthors. I am as involved as I can be in the Twitter #WritingCommunity, lots of great talent there. I’ve recently joined some groups on FB as well. Networking and getting inspiration is important in any career field, and I’ve found some great groups that have been very supportive.

What is your experience with social media as a writer? Do you find it distracts you or does it provide inspiration?

I love the social media platforms, although I started tweeting and posting just over a year ago. I’ve spent a lot of time learning the platforms and seeing which ones work best for my interests. Twitter is where I spend the majority of my social media time, it may be different for others. I try and stick to writing subjects and keep a positive tone. I really enjoy connecting with so many great minds and love the international interaction. I have found you can’t do things alone and have engaged some professional services to help with promotional tweets for my books. It’s money well spent from my perspective and gets you visibility that you wouldn’t normally attract going it alone.

What are you working on at the moment?

I have just started writing the 4th book in my series and am marketing the other books in the series. I’m trying to be more involved in Goodreads and BookBub forums too.

What are you reading at the moment?

I read 1-2 books per week from authors I follow on Twitter and FB (and do the reviews too!). I love branching out into other genres—it gives me a fresh perspective. It’s my way of contributing to the #WritingCommunity.

Thank you so much for your answers!

Veronica Cline Barton earned graduate degrees in both engineering and business and has had successful careers in the software and technology industries. Her lifelong love affair with British cozy murder mysteries inspired her to embark on a literary career. The Crown for Castlewood Manor is the first book in the My American Almost Royal Cousin Series, followed by Cast, Crew, & Carnage; the Filming of Castlewood Manor and Deadly Receptions. When not traveling and spinning mystery yarns, she lives in California with her husband, Bruce, and her two cats, Daisy and Ebbie.

Blog: https://myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries.com

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079XYHYPF

Twitter (@Vclinebarton): https://twitter.com/

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries/

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17736857.Veronica_Cline_Barton

CAST, CREW AND CARNAGE, Veronica Cline Barton

American heiress Gemma Lancaster Phillips, PhD, can tell you that owning and running a large estate is much less glamorous than it sounds. Her ancestral home of Cherrywood Hall is stunning, but Gemma knows how much hard work her cousin, Lord Evan Lancaster, and his estate manager, Kyle Williams, put into maintaining the sprawling location.

Castlewood Manor, on the other hand, is all the glamour with none of the grit. The period drama television series is set to film in Cherrywood Hall and bring millions of pounds into the local community. The only problem is that someone wants to see the production shut down permanently and is willing to kill for it! Gemma isn’t about to let a murderer run rampant through the halls of her family’s estate. When Scotland Yard’s own Chief Inspector Marquot solicits her advice, she once again enlists the help of Evan and Kyle to catch the culprit.

Egotistical actors, a royal it-girl, rival estate owners, and even a family ghost spring up to help or hinder Gemma on her quest for the truth. Will it be enough to show Gemma just what kind of evil has been brought to Cherrywood Hall?

BUY THE BOOK HERE

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