When I first started writing, critique partners and contest judges would often have a problem with my heroines. When I sold my first book, my editor said I needed to make my heroine likable. Geez. She's a cold-blooded assassin (Circle of Desire) and I understood why she was that way. Why couldn't she? I had [...]
Author: Carla Swafford
What Is The Difference Between Mystery, Suspense, and Thriller? I Have So Many Answers.
Yesterday, I was discussing with another author the differences between a mystery, a suspense, and a thriller. I need to mention that this debate is not new to anyone and has been going on for years and years. Everyone has an opinion about it. I believe it all depends on what you read or write [...]
Inspiration Struck Finally!
Wow! I love it when I'm writing and something that had been bothering me from nearly chapter one finally solved itself. Well, okay. You twisted my arm. I'll tell you a little about it. First, let me say, in book one (Jake) of the Southern Crime Family, the hero's kink is that he likes to [...]
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Let’s Talk Blurbs
Lately, I've been thinking about blurbs. You know, the kind on the back of books (or on bookseller sites) and the kind needed for BookBub and ads that don't want it to be so wordy. It's important to draw a reader's attention. I can't say I'm great at them, but heck, I see some pretty [...]
Two Chapters of JAKE
Since people appeared to enjoy reading the beginning of my latest hockey romance, I thought maybe you would be interested in the first two chapters from JAKE: A Southern Crime Family Novel. Be aware, like all of my romantic suspense novels, it has profanity and some gritty attitudes. That's just how I roll. First, [...]
Two Chapters of FAKE PLAY
Well, someone suggested showing the first chapter or so of the book coming out this Tuesday, 6/30. So here you go (after the blurb). Hope you enjoy.Blurb: Connor Ellison, one of Atlanta Edge’s best wingers and biggest prankster, is given an ultimatum by the coaches and the PR department. He must stay married until the [...]
Wholly Research, I Swear

Well, like most everyone, for the last couple months I've been reading books and watching a lot of TV. I've been working the life draining day-job during my usual hours. But since there is no travel time, except a short stroll down the hallway, I've found myself with a little more time to goof off. [...]
The Circle Series
Preorder Fake Play, Release 6/30/2020

Two strangers wake up in the same bed after partying in Las Vegas to discover they are married. Connor Ellison, one of Atlanta Edge’s best wingers and biggest prankster, is given an ultimatum by the coaches and the PR department. He must stay married until the end of the run for the Cup or be available [...]
Series Reviews

In the last few months, I’ve been listening to two series: Historical romance Survivors' Club series by Mary Balogh, and paranormal romance Deep In Your Veins Series by Suzanne Wright. What a wide spectrum of genres, heh? I came across Suzanne’s books while looking for a new shape-shifter story. I do love those. One of [...]
Interviewing Myself
Book Signing February 8, 2020
Be sure to come and meet me. I'll have copies of Circle of Desire, Circle of Danger and Circle of Deception available to sign. For the people who are in my Readers Group or purchase a copy of my book, I have swag to give you. So much fun! For those who already have the [...]
Naked Heat: Brothers of Mayhem
Wolf Savalas has a good reason for kidnapping Sofia Cruz, the favorite cousin to the leader of Thirty-Second gang. His MC plans to hit the leader’s home and sweet Sofia will be in the crossfire. Sofia stopped seeing the handsome biker after he admitted to being a deadly Mayhem Brother. So why is she now [...]
A Little Something
The other day, one of my writer friends was setting up a press release for our book signing at Barnes and Noble (The Summit) in Birmingham, Alabama on February 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. And she asked a couple questions you might be interested in seeing the answer. As a local author, what about [...]