What is one of your favorite things about writing?
That I can weave a fictional story that is realistic and emotionally grabs the readers. It has to be a story that I would happily buy and read myself.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The characters, I have a head full of characters and nowhere to put them! I think about plot lines during my commute to work and home again and when I’m working in the garden.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Definitely a panster! I don’t plot anything but I do have an idea of where I’m going.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
I’m so not in control, I want to be!! The characters do what they want. Writing ‘a tide too high’ I didn’t plan on having any babies in the story, I’m not big on babies or children in my stories, but the characters took over and I had no say in the matter.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
I found them the hardest scenes in the book to write, I don’t have to be in the mood, but I did have to rewrite them a few times!
What do you like best about writing?
There are two things that would rate as tops. The first has to be the final moment when you hit the publish button and a huge weight shifts off your shoulder and then the nerves kick in. – will readers like it? And the second is when someone either messages me to tell me they have read the book and loved it or posted a 5 star review. A library in a nearby city has 3 copies of my book and they are never sit on the shelves, that’s also a great feeling.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
From the writing point of view I think it’s knowing when to stop re-working what I’ve written and step back. From the published point of view, unfortunately, because I’m a brand new author and no one knows me or my book, it’s a hard ask to get people to buy it and leave a review. I do have a few 5 stars so I am getting to do a few freaky happy dances! LOL
What do you like about writing series books?
When it comes to book number two, my characters are already waiting for me, kind of sitting waiting, drinking coffee, making out. I feel like they are saying, “come on, hurry up, we’ve been waiting for you!” Most of the hard work is already done with the second book, I’ve just got to mess with their heads!
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
I talk to them, they talk to me – don’t tell anyone! I ask them questions all the time, like, “would you say that?, why did you do that? can you smell her shampoo when you kiss the top of her head? What does it smell like? I’ll be driving home from work and suddenly I get this voice telling me …”HEY! I can do …..” and I think wow, there’s a turn I didn’t think of!
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of publishing?
I hate how complex the formatting is, I’m not too flash with the computer when it comes to doing the formatting across all the platforms, so it was a case of pay someone to do it for me, or throw the computer out the window in frustration. However, I do like that I have creative licence when it comes to cover design, size of book, where it’s sold etc…
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
It’s all around me. On t.v, in magazines, newspapers, at venues, events, at cafes. I love to people watch and have a vivid imagination. I’m always thinking ‘what if?’
What are your favorite research resources?
The internet and librarians.
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
Short stories are harder for me. I like the longer stories where you can sink your teeth into a meaty storyline and include the details. For me it’s all about the details. When I fall in love with a hero in a story I want to know every single detail about him.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
I’d love to! My latest release is in fact my very first book. It’s called ‘A tide too high’. It’s set mostly in New Zealand but also visits London, Brentwood LA, and Rarotonga and is basically about two people, (ex-pat New Zealanders) who live for their work. Alec Stanford is a wealthy businessman who lives in London and the other, Mac Morgan, is the lead singer in an international rock band Polar Blaze. These two are driven to succeed for different reasons and they have both found that success.
And then things start to collapse and while they try to sort their lives out, they meet each other by chance and they discover there is something other than work that’s been missing from their lives. Each other. But it’s not going to be easy or straightforward. It’s very emotional in parts and I’ve had several readers tell me they ended up in tears during part of it.
You can find the paperback or ebook of ‘A tide too high’ at
It’s also at Barnes and Noble and Apple ibooks.
If you like to read Danielle Steel’s books you’ll love this, it’s just a little more sexier.
What are you working on now?
I’m researching for my next novel which is set in New Zealand in the 60’s, however, I’ve had quite a number of requests from readers to know what happens to Alec and Mac and some of the supporting characters in ‘A tide too high’ so I’ve decided to write a follow-up.
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
Sure. Here’s a couple for readers.
“What are you thinking right now?” he whispered huskily.
“I was wondering if you were still married?” she asked playfully, her eyes fixed on the grin that was sliding across his mouth.
He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her hard in response. “Pretty much,” he replied, kissing her again.
“What a terrible waste of resources,” she answered, when at last he lifted his lips from hers.
and…
“Morning sunshine,” he said into her hair, as he ran his hand down her arm and under the sheet. “Hungry?” She had the softest skin and the contours of her body teased him, led him to places that promised excitement and ultimately sheer pleasure.
“Oh, God – do you really want to get up – and eat?” She still had her eyes closed. He was making her feel horny as hell as he suckled hard on one breast and did things with his hands that turned her brain to sand.
“I wasn’t intending to leave the bed.”
“Then I’m starving,” she managed, before losing herself again.
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
Sexy, talented, MINE!
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest? Handsome, caring, married.
If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?
I think Alec would go as the captain of a great ship, perhaps James Cook, captain of The Endeavour, and Mac might go dressed as Cleopatra.
What makes the hero of ‘A tide too high’ hot?
He’s a successful businessman he has wealth, power and respect. We also get to see Alec Stanford when he is vulnerable and human and we get to see him being strong and authoritative. He has a sophisticated worldly side to him and he has a rugged ‘salt-of-the-earth’ side to him.
Do you have a favorite character or characters you feel especially close to?
Not really, it took me quite some time to write this first book and I feel really close to most of the characters after spending so much time with them. I love Jimi too, he’s the drummer for Polar Blaze and Mac’s best friend. Jimi would love to get into Mac’s bed, but she won’t get involved with other members of the band, much to his disgust.
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Oh it would have to be the hero, Alec. He owns property all over the world, he has wealth that brings power and respect. He’s caring and attentive and has a body that could keep you amused for years! He is a New Zealander who has made it in other parts of the world. Yet he hasn’t forgotten where he came from and when he’s back in New Zealand with his extended family, he’s the normal, ruggedly good looking typical kiwi bloke. He has a yacht, and knows how to treat a woman. Oh, and did I mention he has a body that any woman would beg for?
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
After my first novel I’d say both. But that might change as I write further novels.
Would you share a favorite quote from your latest hero, heroine or villain?
Actually I can’t pick one favorite, there are a number.
Would you tell us about yourself?
Sure. I live in a rural town called Levin in the lower North Island of New Zealand. I have a Bachelor of Communication majoring in communication management and journalism and I work four days a week for large local body council as a communications officer. I write publications for both city residents and staff, deal with media, and write speeches for the mayor etc… I spend an hour and a half commuting every day, so it cuts out a huge chunk of the day. I have a background in journalism and photography.
I also work one day a week in a local quilt store. I get to display and sell fabric and teach classes and write newsletters. Then I run my own mixed media art studio from my home where I also teach art classes.
This doesn’t leave much time for writing, but I try and write every day during my lunch breaks. If the storyline is getting exciting or tense, then often I will write in the evenings too. Towards the end of writing ‘A tide too high’, I was spending every spare hour on getting it completed.
My hubby and I live in a renovated 50’s cottage on 2 acres, mostly lawns and trees and it’s amazing. There are about 40 mature kowhai trees and in spring the canopy is alive with native tui feeding on the nectar. It’s an amazing sight. In the afternoons the birds are drunk on nectar and they swoop through the trees and you take your life in your hands if you want to walk through the trees. In the early 40’s the property was part of a runway attached to an airforce base, and we even have our very own weather station. There’s a lot of history associated with our property which I love.
We have three adult children and one granddaughter and two cats.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
I love reading romance and mystery and I like writing the long women’s romantic fiction. ‘A tide too high’ is 121,000 words. My next full length novel might be longer.
Where can we visit you online?
I would love to meet anyone who wants to stop by. You can find the writer me at: http://www.facebook.com/CABrungarAuthor.
You can find the artist me at: www.facebook.com/CaroleBrungar:Artist or http://www.kiwicarole.blogspot.co.nz
I’m also over at Goodreads and I’d love it if you want to join me there. This month I’m giving away two copies of my book if anyone wants to drop by and put their name in the draw.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23534777-a-tide-too-high
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
Sleep in! LOL Seriously, I get up, open all the windows and go back to sleep! I do love to garden and I think it’s important to get outside and do something physical, and of course I’m thinking about story lines while I’m doing it.
How long have you been writing?
A long time, I have a background and degree in journalism, but this is my first novel.
To you what makes a great romance hero?
It’s not about the hair or the abs, or his height, he must be able to make the air sizzle, not just for the heroine, but for the reader too. He has to have faults, we want him realistic, but he is a guy the reader instantly falls in love with.
To you what makes a great romance heroine?
I think a good heroine is a woman who doesn’t know her full potential. For example, she might not be much to look at, but with her hair done, the right make up and some stylish clothes she might look stunning. Or it might not be until she is backed into a corner or suffers some stressful situation that she reveals just how strong a woman she really is.
Do you have any particular writing habits?
I used to edit a lot as I wrote, so I’d write several pages and then when I came back to write again, instead of picking up where I left off, I’d go back and edit first. After a couple of months of doing this I discovered I actually wasn’t writing anything new, I was just editing all the time. So I weaned myself from that habit and only allow myself to read the last couple of paragraphs now. It works a treat.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
I’d love to go to Tahiti for a week or a Greek island for a month and write.
Name three fictional characters that you find hot.
First up has to be Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, he’s the right blend of everything. Then I think either Ranger or Morelli from the Stephanie Plum series.
What is your favorite season?
I love all the seasons, but especially spring and summer. We have lots of big trees on our property and in summer it’s lovely to walk or sit under them in the shade. I also love the beach and wearing summer clothes and all the birds that play in the trees and on the lawn. In spring I love to see everything come to life. It’s a beautiful season.
What book are you currently reading?
I’ve just finished one of Janet Elizabeth Henderson’s books, they’re a fun read, and she’s a fellow New Zealand author. I’ve started reading The Acclaimed Biography of The Rolling Stones by Phillip Norman.
What is the last movie you watched?
Maleficent. I loved it. It’s a different take on an old classic fairy tale.
What is your favorite comfort food?
A roast meal, chicken or lamb, with all the trimmings, kumera, potatoes, lots of gravy. Yum!
Do you have any pets?
We have two cats, a brother and sister, Buddy and Wednesday. They both have totally different personalities and looks. Buddy follows my partner around like a dog! It’s so funny to watch them.
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The pics are beautiful! Enjoyed the Q&A! Thanks for sharing! 😀
Hi Colleen, thanks for the lovely comment! And a big thanks to Kate for hosting me! Lots of fun 🙂
Really interesting Q&A, Carole. Your sexy, bearded hero reminds me of the Trivago ad guy (my secret crush).
Karina
Hi Karina! Thanks. I saw that add the other day and from certain angles I thought they looked similar too! How funny!