Author name: HL Carpenter
Genre: We’re multi-genre authors. We write mysteries for adults, young adult and middle grade fantasy, coming of age, and mystery novels and novellas, space operas, and short stories. All of our books are family-friendly, with minimal offensive language and sweet romance.
Books:
Murder by the Books, mystery
Taxing Pecksniffery, space opera
The Ghost in The Gardens, middle grade mystery
“The Demise of Fyne Literature,” allegorical short story
Walled In, middle grade/young adult
A Cause for Murder, cozy mystery
Pirate Summer, middle grade/young adult fantasy
The SkyHorse, middle grade/young adult fantasy
Jack and The Fountain of Youth, middle grade/young adult fantasy
Dream Stealer, a middle grade/young adult fantasy
When did you begin your writing career? Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Or maybe just yesterday. We lose track of time when writing and each story is a fresh beginning.
What’s your approach to writing? Are you a “pantser” or a planner? As you can probably tell by the varied list of genres above, we resist being boxed in. We like the freedom provided by structure, and we also like freedom from structure. This is one of the true benefits of writing with a partner—we balance each other.
What’s your working style—morning or late-night writer? This depends on the flow of the story. When the words of the first draft are tumbling over each other, the writing session that begins in early morning can last until late night.
Do you work at a computer or write long-hand? The computer for intense sessions; long-hand for those times when random ideas strike.
What gets those words flowing, coffee or tea? Water, please, either plain or with a twist of lemon. And hot chocolate on cold days. With whipped cream. Lots of whipped cream! 🙂
Favorite book: [Loud discussion arises] We have to pick just one? [Hems and haws around for a few minutes] Okay, this question should not be so difficult. Let’s just tell the truth here—our favorite book is the one we are currently reading.
Favorite movie: The last movie we watched in the theatre was Mission Impossible #4,569. Probably not a fave, though we do like Tom Cruise’s acting. We did get a good chuckle out of the longest motorcycle chase in the history of movies.
Favorite musician: This can vary depending on the book. Handel’s Water Music plays a role in our cozy mystery, and we enjoyed listening to it while writing.
Links:
Website: hlcarpenter.com
Twitter: @hl_carpenter
Pinterest: HL Carpenter, Author
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Thanks for visiting – come back soon!
Great interview! I share many commonalities and just loved the Star Wars reference!
Thanks Kristin and thanks for taking the time to get to know the HL duo!
Thanks, Kristin!
I thought they are a mother/daughter team, but I checked out their website just to make sure. How cool! I love that they write in so many genres, too. Thanks for the introduction, Barbara!
Isn’t that cool? They have so much energy and so many interests – thanks for reading and commenting, Jill!
Thanks for visiting Carpenter Country, Jill!
I did not realise that HL Carpenter was two people. Interesting to learn about both of them, Barbara.
Hi Robbie – maybe you and your mother should write more books together! Thanks for visiting. Have a great weekend – I’ll be over soon to say hi – it’s been a busy week for me!
It is not easy writing with another person. We are planning another book but I will only be completed next year.
Hi Robbie – that’s exciting for you – is it another memoir or are you writing something different with your mother? Thanks for stopping in to meet another writing team!
Hi Barbara, it is the next part of her memoir. I ended the first book at D-Day so the next one will include the end of the war and post-war Britain.
Thanks for visiting, Robbie!
I enjoyed this post.
Loved the interview. I’ve been reading their awesome books for years.
Thank you for your continued support, Gina! You are a treasure!
You’re welcome!
That’s great – thanks for stopping by, Gina!
My pleasure.
Good to get to know these authors! Didn’t the last Mission Impossible movie come out quite a while ago? Not big movie goers, I guess (which is totally fine!)…and yes that was an extremely long motorcycle chase! haha!
Eeek – I’m so behind in my movie watching and therefore know nothing about this scene! Thanks for saying hi to HL Carpenter!
MI6, Fallout, came out in July 2018. We probably saw it in August.
We used to do movies more often. Not sure what happened…hmmm. May be time to check the movie schedule!
A talented and lovely duo, mother and daughter, who write in different genres. They have been guests on my blog. It’s nice to see them here too. Best of luck, Helen & Lorri, with all your wonderful books! 😘🤗 Thank you, Barbara, for featuring them.
Awww! Thank you, Janice! And thanks for sharing your blog with us too!
It has been my pleasure – thanks for stopping by and saying hello – have a great weekend!
A lovely, accessible and interesting interview. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by and nice to see you here!