Why do you write the genre that you write?
My first love was Southern short stories. I fell madly in love with the works of Flannery O’Connor and Eudora Welty, among others. My ambition was to write short stories, until my agent urged me to write novels instead. I’ve written in a lot of genres, from Southern literary (my Jexville trilogy will be reissued next year) to mysteries, suspense, and horror. I’m a picky reader in every genre. I hate silly horror or poorly plotted mysteries, so I enjoy the challenge of trying to write what I love to read. I guess that’s the answer to your question–I just write what I love to read.

How did you come up with your pseudonym?
My first pseudonym was Caroline Burnes when I was writing Intrigues. Then later R. B. Chesterton for two very dark novels that are classified as horror. I thought a male pseudonym might be helpful, but as it turns out, I’m bringing back all of my old titles under my legal name, Carolyn Haines. It’s just too hard to keep up with the splinters of my career.

Tell us how you got into writing?
My parents were journalists and so was I. I started writing short stories just for myself. I met Professor Jere Hoar from Ole Miss at a cocktail party and he told me I needed an agent. I had no clue. He gave me his agent’s name and I wrote her. When she took me on, she said I should write a novel. Too ignorant to be intimidated, that’s what I did.

What jobs have you held, before, during and/or after you’ve became a writer?
Journalist, public relations, pharmacy sales clerk, radio disc jockey, lawnmower girl, stall cleaner and farm worker, water melon loader (for one day), bartender, university professor of creative writing, madcap planner of mischief.

Where do you write?
In my office at home. I really can’t write anywhere else. I’m too distracted.

What is your favorite deadline snack?
Vodka martini–but I can’t do that and be productive so I just have to eat a couple of olives. And I love dark chocolate covered nuts. Nothing gooey. Just chocolate and nuts.

What is next for you?
More Sarah Booth, more Raissa and Reginald, and more Trouble black cat detective. And whatever bubbles up in my creepy subconscious. I try to leave an open door to indulge new ideas if they come along. It keeps me fresh for Sarah Booth and the gang.

What are you reading now?
I’m doing a lot of research on Al Capone and prohibition, and on witchcraft. I have a James Lee Burke novel socked away for the day when I’ve finally met my deadline.

Where can we find you?
The simplest thing is just to sign up for my newsletter at my website. That way you can keep up with me and my friends and the insanity. Website is carolynhaines.com. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.

Now to have some fun . . .

Vanilla or chocolate
Chocolate – always

Pizza or burgers
Pizza – vegetarian

Broccoli or squash
I like both but broccoli better

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Breakfast is my favorite, but I wouldn’t turn down lunch or dinner!

Mountain or beach
Mountains

Introvert or Extrovert
I’m an introvert who wants to be a standup comedian

And even more fun . . .

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
My critters, books, tequila.

My bio:
Carolyn Haines is the USA Today bestselling author of the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series and a number of other books. An animal advocate, she lives on a small Alabama farm with numerous dogs, cats, and horses.