Pay It Forward Author Week: Carrie Harris

If you joined us yesterday, you know that we've teamed up with some amazing writers at various stages in their journey to publication to spread good vibes and inspiration across the blogosphere. Some of these authors have book deals. Some of them have agents. All of them have "made it."

We hope you enjoyed yesterday's interview with the fabulous Kirsten Hubbard! Today, the hilarious and Richard Simmons obsessed Carrie Harris is joining us. She's repped by Kate Schafer Testerman and her debut novel NO PAIN, NO BRAIN is going to be published by Delacorte in 2011.

1. Tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
NO PAIN NO BRAIN explores a matter of grave importance: A battle of science geek versus zombies. (It's wise to put your money on the geek.)

2. Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Why didn't you?
Oh yeah. I remember getting so close to selling my first book so many times, and you’d THINK it would get easier each time, but of course it didn’t. But I think it helps for every writer to follow the zen of zombie, or zen of serial killer… heck, zen of assorted-movie-creature will do. Every time you think those suckers are dead, they rise up again. And the writers who manage to do that again and again are the ones you see on the shelves.


Of course, following the zen of zombie might get you sent to therapy too, but it’s a small price to pay for publication.

3. What has been the hardest part of your road to publication so far?
Well, the therapy bills are pretty hefty…

But seriously. In this business, there are very few cut and dried answers, and I had a tough time coming to terms with NOT KNOWING. If someone comes out with a book just like my fabulous WIP, should I scrap it? Should I write in present or past tense? Am I wasting my time!?! As much as you might try to reason things out, sometimes you just have to go with your gut and get the words down. How many other professions make business decisions based on their Magic 8 Ball? Not many. It’s both supremely cool and uber scary at the same time.

4. Super secret bonus question: Twizzlers or M&Ms?
I’m editing right now, so the answer is YES. The answer is also Hostess cupcakes and Cool Whip straight from the container.

Fun, right!?! Be sure to hop on over tomorrow for even more author porn. And don't forget to check out the blogs below!


Elana Johnson

Beth Revis

Leah Clifford

Victoria Schwab

Kirsten Hubbard

Carrie Harris

Kim Harrington

Suzette Saxton/Bethany Wiggins

Amy Holder

Kathy McCullough

Tiffany Schmidt

Susan Adrian

Dawn Metcalf

Gretchen McNeil


P.S. MAJOR props again to Elana Johnson for organizing this bad ass event. She still ROCKS!
P.P.S. Check out our guest blog in fellow Elevensie Julia Karr's neck of the woods!
P.P.P.S Tahereh, our brand new best friend, is hosting a Query Poetry Writing Contest on her blog that was MADE for me. Head over and enter or just head over!