Carly Phillips (Official)

Carly's Website:
www.CarlyPhillips.com

Carly's Blog:
www.PlotMonkeys.com

Carly's Chat Forum

Carly's Twitter Link

Carly's MySpace Page

Why did you start writing as Carly Phillips and how did you choose that name?
Hey these were supposed to be easy questions. We're lazy dogs, remember? Why doesn't she use her own name? Because back when Carly sold her first book to Harlequin, they asked her to take a pseudonym that was more modern and hip sounding than her traditional real name (Karen) and easier to remember than her married name (Drogin). She wanted a tie to her real life, chose the last name Phillips (her husband/oury daddy's name is Phillip) and a name similar enough to Karen that the silly girl wouldn't forget it. Carly Phillips was born. Enough to confuse everyone in this house, let me tell you! ::woof:

So did Carly publish any books as Karen Drogin?
Carly had three books published under her real name (Karen Drogin) for a now defunct romance line called Zebra Bouquet. They are more serious books than those her readers are used to when they buy a Carly Phillips book. The Karen Drogin books are: PERFECT PARTNERS, THE RIGHT CHOICE, and SOLITARY MAN. They are difficult to find in print.

How hard was it to publish your first book?
HARD! And Buddy would know, having been around longer than you know who! Carly had Ten completed manuscripts and about seven years of writing and revising! Many close calls. A lot of discouragement. Tons of ice cream and jelly beans eaten during depressing times! But my mom works hard and tries to learn and grow with every book. ::woof!::

When you start a new story do you outline everything first or do you create as you go along? Or a combination of the two?
We follow Carly everywhere. Even places she’d rather be alone so I know ALL the answers to all the questions. This one’s easy for me. Carly used to be a pantser in that she would just write it as it came to her. Now though, she plots the books more. And when she hits a trouble spot she brainstorms with the Plotmonkeys who help her get going again. But the characters always have the last say. It’s their story after all!

I am having trouble finding some of your older books. Do you know where I can find them?
Our mom’s books are reissued periodically and so newer versions are always on the horizon. Make sure you are on Carly’s mailing list and either check back here, or check her website (www.CarlyPhillips.com) often so you’ll know when! In the meantime, we suggest you try Amazon.com for older copies.::woof!::

How do you help Carly when she is suffering from writer's block?
Writer's block? ::WOOF:: It's called plain old procrastination if you ask us. As soon as we see the Neiman Marcus webpage come up, we know she's in trouble. Sometimes, we go under her chair and nudge her in the arm to get her writing again. For this service, we receive a pat on the head and the occasional doggie treat. ::WOOF::

What was the first romance ever to be picked by a nationally televised bookclub?
THE BACHELOR! We are so proud of Carly! And we're pretty happy with Kelly Ripa, co-host of LIVE!, too! Read more about it here.

If you'd like to ask Buddy and Bailey a question about their Mommy, email them here!