Introducing Carrie Hewlett

I first met Carrie Hewlett on a Zoom meeting and was amazed at how many short stories she’d had published. I have yet to meet her face to face but perhaps next year?

I asked her a few questions to find out about her Pocket Novels and how she’d got interested in writing them.

What made you first decide to write a Pocket Novel, Carrie?

I wanted to know if I could write something longer. I’d written loads of short stories and poems, but wanted to push myself. It’s nice to explore characters in greater depth too, and see where they lead you.

I was nervous about writing so many words – 50,000 sounds a lot! But with encouragement from fellow writers, in the end, I had to cut the story. I’ll always be grateful to the then Pocket Novel editor of My Weekly, Maggie Swinburne, for her words of wisdom and support too. And, actually, it was she who gave me the idea for my second Pocket Novel that’s due out next February, Written in the Stars. I’m a lover of astrology so the idea of having an astrologer solving a mystical puzzle and crime seemed too good an opportunity to miss! 

For my first Pocket Novel, I based it on a short story I’d written that hadn’t sold. It was set on a cruise ship, and I think wanted to be made into a much longer read. As I’ve been lucky enough to go on four cruises, I could picture the ship in my head as I wrote. The characteristics of the protagonist and other characters grew – do characters talk to others? They seem to with me! I had a notebook (always useful presents for writers) and wrote down the salient points, adding bits as I went along. And I loved it so much I couldn’t wait to write another. The writing longer length fiction bug had most definitely hit!

Do you usually submit to My Weekly or People’s Friend or do you submit to both?

I’ve only written Pocket Novels for My Weekly so far, but I’d like to try writing one for The People’s Friend too. Though in saying that I think you have more leeway with writing grittier stuff with My Weekly. They’re longer, but subject matter does count and I rather like adding some danger. Still, never say never. I wasn’t sure I could write one Pocket Novel let alone two so who knows what I’ll do next!

Are all your Pocket Novels set in the same era?

Hmm. Yes, I guess they are. But it’s something to think about for the future. All books require research, so you have to factor that in as you don’t want to make any faux pas. My first Pocket Novel was set at sea. My second is on dry land. But both are set in modern day. Maybe I should write more historical short stories first and see how I go? I have written some short stories set in wartime eras, as well as one set in the 18^th Century. I’ve also set short stories in the sixties, seventies and eighties. I like to stretch myself so maybe I could see if I could come up with a good idea.

Do you have any books published? If so, where are they available?

I have one Pocket Novel published so far which came out in June 2022. My second book comes out next February, 2023. Both are with D.C. Thomson. I have written some children’s/YA books but as of yet no takers, though I’ll keep plugging away. In fact, I’ve just finished writing a children’s chapter book (again based on a short story.) In saying that, my first Pocket Novel has just been accepted by Ulverscroft for their large print Linford Romance range, so that will hopefully appear in libraries soon. I also have a short story included in the Writers for Ukraine book, available from Amazon. And short stories in several annuals with My Weekly.

Which is your favourite of all the pocket novels that you’ve had published and why?

 Can I say both of them for different reasons?! I loved writing and almost reliving my cruising days (though I hasten to add there was no murder on board as far as I’m aware when I was sailing!) And with astrology being so close to my heart it was lovely to expand on the subject. In fact, anything mystical or magical grabs my attention. Hmm. Maybe I should write a Pocket Novel based around a magic show?!

Finally, Carrie, what are you currently working on?

I’ve just finished writing a children’s chapter book but I also write a lot of short stories. It’s quite a different discipline writing shorter, punchier stories to being able to let loose with a longer theme and letting the characters grow. I’ve been lucky enough to have had short stories published in all the main women’s magazines and loved writing each and every one. 

I have a website which my nephew kindly set up for me as I’m a bit of a dinosaur and am being dragged into the technological age!  Carrie’s website can be found here

As for writing another Pocket Novel – yes. I’ve written a synopsis (which will change as I write I’m sure) I just need to make a start.

Thanks so much Dawn for inviting me onto your blog – it’s been fun 😊

If you’d like to know more about the Pocket Novelists who I’ve featured, you can find their details here:

Enid Reece here
Alan C. Williams here
Sue Cook here