Monday, May 7, 2012

Getting to know Lee Carey

I’d like to welcome Lee Carey today. Lee has a wonderful outlook on life and it’s reflected in his writing. His motto: “Keep smilin’.”
Lee, I like to start at the beginning. Where did you grow up? Did your childhood contribute to your desire to be a writer?
I grew up on a poultry, hog, and turkey farm in what was once rural Virginia Beach. You might say my coming-of-age years were a mite different compared to the majority of ‘city kids’ attending my high school. So, in a matter of speaking, I shared stories ‘from the farm’ that widened eyes. However, my interest was more focused on sports, girls, and surfing, than studies. (The order is probably a bit reversed.) Anyway, I began my first novel in ’99, after selling my business, there were many, many times I wished I’d paid closer attention during English/Grammar class. If not for meeting the sweet UNC graduate I married in ’03, I’m not sure I would have produced any publishable novels. I owe most of my success to Kay. Every time I receive a royalty check, I take her to dinner, and that’s really far from enough for helping me achieve my dreams.
Concerning my childhood and writing, all I can say is that I’ve always loved telling about experiences and expounding on stories; some far-fetched to the point of ‘stretched’, but, that’s fiction.
Where do you live now? Do you use that locale for settings in your novels?
My wife and I reside in Paradise. Yep, there’s such a place. It’s called Sandbridge Beach, located on the Atlantic coast, two miles north of North Carolina. We have a few tourists enjoying the beach during the season, and then we have it to ourselves throughout the winter. The beach is a great setting to write while overlooking the ocean. My second mystery/crime novel “Dawn’s Death” and my first pet novel “Gabby…All About Me” were set strictly in Sandbridge.
What inspired you to write your most recent novel?
“Pets in Paradise” is my most recent pet novel. The entire premise came to me on the day we had to put our mixed lab, Gabby, to sleep, at the ripe old age of fifteen. This heartbreaking event of losing ‘my muse’, Gabby, I felt the need to express my feelings of where our pets go when they depart. Hence, “Pets in Paradise” evolved in my mind. The positive response from pet loving readers tells me I was on the right track about how people feel about their pets. I’m very proud of both pet novels.
Did you plan to write a series before or after you wrote the first book in the series?
Concerning a series, in the beginning, I didn’t know much about writing, but I liked my main character in the first mystery/crime novel, Bobby Harris. So, after writing “The Thin Line”, I wanted to have another one featuring Bobby. (Bet you can’t guess who he’s based on.) So, “Dawn’s Death” featured him. The final mystery/crime novel did not, but it did feature a main character from Sandbridge Beach.
Name three of your favorite authors.
My favorite authors are numerous, so I’m glad you asked for only three. I enjoy Wayne Zurl, Joe Perrone, Jr., and David DeLee. The last two mentioned are independent authors and top-shelf and highly recommended.
What are your favorite things to do when you’re not reading or writing?
When this author is not writing, which is most likely during the sunny, summer months, ( I can’t) because I enjoy fishing from the coastline, surfing, sitting on the beach with a few frosty, friendly ones, and spending time with my best friend/editor/and wife, Kay. However, I get plenty of ideas for characters as the tourists prance past…and I often ask myself, ‘who told them that bathing suit could go another year’. Life’s a beach, Pat.
Do you like to travel? If so, what are some of your favorite places to go?
When we travel it’s to North Carolina (God’s Country). I did the overseas thingy while serving two years in the Army, after being invited…(drafted). Been there…done that. When you live on the beach, where else is there to go? Fifty-fifty shot….mountains/beach.
How would you describe yourself personality wise?
Well, my personality is pretty basic, however compared to most folks today…I’m way up on the ‘happy’ scale. See, I look at life as pages in an exciting book. Every day is a new one, and it’s up to us to make the best of it. I refuse to share any ‘down’ with others who do not need or want to hear it, and, I believe even when there are clouds in our life, I know the sun is shining brightly behind them. So, I ask myself the question; would I rather deal (suck up) with what life has dealt me and make others happy, or trade places with those sweet people from the ‘greatest generation’ stuck in old folks homes, not knowing if anyone cares about them? The answer always comes back: “Thank you, God, for the life I have. Let me share some happiness with others…cause someday, I might be in their situation.”
I guess my personality gently steered me, after three mystery/crime novels, to writing uplifting YA/Crossover novels, and then to pet novels. The dark cloud passed from my mind and sunshine poured in as I penned those heartwarming novels. I’m proud of the emotions flowing from my fingers onto the pages, and I laughed and cried as my true feelings came to life in my characters. However, I still read mystery/crime and suspense novels because I’ll always have a kinship to them and their authors.
What’s your favorite color? Why?
My favorite color is blue. I prefer a light blue, sky blue (Carolina Blue). See, not being a fashion type of guy, blue goes with anything, and it makes me happy and look decent. When you wear shorts and flip-flops, colors really don’t matter…but as we discussed above, happiness matters a great deal. My favorite sign-off phrase is: Keep smilin’… And, when people ask me how I’m doing, I reply, “Finer than frog’s hair.” Now that usually rewards me with double take…and at times a question as to what it means. I quickly say, “Well, frogs are hairy, but it’s so fine…you can’t see it.”
How would you finish this sentence? If I won a million dollars, I would . . . 
If I won a million, billion, or trillion dollars, I pray it wouldn’t change me, so, I’d give most of it away to deserving charities, hurting families, and especially to young people who really wanted to move forward in creating new businesses and inventions. They are the lifeblood of this great country we call home. I’ve lived long enough to know any amount of money will not make you happy…but, if you do something for those who lack the ‘financial boost’ or ‘chance’ to realize their dreams, you will leave something very positive behind. Time will fade the pages of my books. My exciting life and reputation will become a morning fog, burned off by the sun. However, lessons I’ve learned and passed down to others willing to hear and any heartfelt good deeds will certainly remain. To me, that’s priceless.
Keep smilin’ and enjoyin’ life.
My Amazon Author Page:

'Pets in Paradise' and 'Gabby...All About Me' are available in paperback
from my website. The others only available in Kindle.

Lee, you’re an inspiration to all of us! Thanks for being here today.

25 comments:

  1. I'm smiling... Great post!

    Madeline

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  2. Terrific interview, Patricia and Lee. Between reading, writing and living on the beach, well, hey, that IS Paradise!

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  3. I thank you, Pat, for the interview. And also to, M.M, and Anne. It's a priceless reward to share thoughts with people who enjoy living and smilin'. So, I'd like to offer 5 'free' autographed copies of "Pets in Paradise" to the first ones who comment on this interview. The first two recipients are: M.M. and Anne. Please have them and the next three email me: Sandbridgeauthor@cox.net: their mailing address. I will gladly share my scribblings. And, to you, Pat...sandy high-fives to you. Keep smilin'.... Lee
    PS. You get one too, Pat...email me..

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    1. Fantastic! I'd love to read "Pets in Paradise." I'll be sure you get everyone's address. Thank you, Lee!

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  4. OK I am a sucker for pet stories. Great interview & of course you have introduced me to another interesting writer... Avid reader who appreciates all the good mysteries you folks are creating just for my happy life. Keep smiling. Jake

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  5. As the parent to two Yellow Labs, I know I'll have to read your Pets in Paradise.

    What an uplifting interview! I'm glad I stopped in, and yes, I'm smilin'.

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  6. Hey, Pat...not counting you into the 5 'free' copies, I've got: M.M, Anne, Marja, and Jake Binco. I got an email from J. Binco with his address. I need the rest, plus the next comment will finish out the '5'. The copies will go out this week...and I'm still smilin'...

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    1. Lee,
      I'll email Madeline, Anne and Marja and ask them to send you their mailing addresses. Wonder who will be #5?

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  7. Hey, Pat...I heard from Marja and Madeline and J. Binco. Looks like there are two folks eligible to win a copy. I've replied back to them and I'll mail this week. Again, thanks for sharing your time with me and my scribblings. Keep smilin'...

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    1. I emailed Anne too. I'm sure you'll hear from her soon. Everyone seems to love your interview and I know why. Optimism, happiness and joy - that's what you project and we all need more of all three!

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    2. Pat, I'm so happy folks enjoyed my interview...and I thank you for inviting me...I am who I am...and I'd rather pass on a smile than a frown...they should read my two YA/Crossover novels...I love those two..."If Bullfrogs Had Wings" and "Out of the Rough".
      I also hope you enjoy 'Pets'. That would make me smile.

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  8. Responding to your Facebook offer of book. I would like to receive.Tony

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    1. Tony,
      Please email Lee at sandbridgeauthor@cox.net with your mailing address. Congratulations!

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    2. Yes, correct, Pat. I haven't heard from Tony yet. I did hear from Anne. Tony is a winner...

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  9. Really happy to have won. Looking forward to reading & reviewing. Thank you both for this opportunity.

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    1. Jake, congratulations to you and the other four winners. I'm eager to get my copy too! Hope you'll continue to drop in each week and to visit Lee on his blog.

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  10. Thank you for this interview with Lee. I am a big fan of his books. It all started with his Gabby book as I have a yorkie named Gabby. I have since read all his books and short stories. But the most exciting part is we are going to meet him and Kay in June! I tell all my friends and acquaintances about Lee's books.

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    1. Janny,
      Thanks for stopping by. I'm sure Lee will be thrilled when he reads your comment.

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    2. Is this Jan? If so, she's my bestest fan! We're gonna cook out on my grill and hang on the beach. I love this girl! I'm counting the days....and she's staying only two cottages down from us...we're gonna sling some stuff...I'll probably come up with a new pet novel...ain't it a small world? Keep smilin'...

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  11. I love pets too. Two years ago I had my cat put down and I was so upset I said I wasn't going to get another pet for a while. Shortly thereafter I ended up with TWO cats and both of them picked me, not visa versa. Gotta love them.
    Sally Carpenter

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    1. Thank you, Sally. Would you please email me and I will send you an autographed copy of 'Pets'. You will love 'why' you were picked...
      Email me: sandbridgeauthor@cox.net
      Keep lovin' our kitties and keep smilin'... Lee

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  12. Very nice interview, Patricia. Lee Carey seems like a really nice guy. I'll have to check out his pet books.

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    1. Thanks, Eileen. You're right; he is nice! We make some wonderful friends online, don't we?

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  13. Although I've never met Lee in person, I feel as if I've known him forever. He is the most upbeat, pleasant person I've ever had the privilege to know. This interview was a delightful peek inside the mind (and soul) of this man. I enjoy his writing immensely, and look forward to someday sharing ice teas and fishing alongside him in "Paradise." Terrific interview of a terrific guy!

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    1. Thank you, Joe...your words are too kind. Life's a beach so you and your bride plan to visit. We'll fish, you can have tea...I'll have a frosty, friendly one, and we'll have a blast! Oh, and your novels are on my top shelf, pal. Keep smilin'...and thank you.

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