Carmen DeSousa

    We authors are an eclectic bunch ; we have to be. How else could we design the multitude of characters needed to create a work of fiction? In every story there must be a protagonist, most know this. But without an archenemy, be it a person, a character flaw, or a psychosis, where would the conflict stem? If we as writers cannot imagine —get into the heads of—different emotional aspects of characters , how could ALL the characters be believable? It's easy to design a protagonist after yourself or even someone you know. But how do you create a character whose mind you never really want to be a part of in the first place? Research is one way, tons of it . But you also have to possess the ability to identify with the psyche of someone you'd rather not understand. You have to put yourself in their shoes, recognize they are people. They may be the "bad guys," but they typically have families , go to work, and play just like the rest of us. ...

  Many novels and movies are about the ever-curious question, ‘What if?’ What if I’d been the popular cheerleader or the star quarterback? What if I studied harder and got a scholarship to an Ivy League college? What if I asked that girl or guy out in college? What if I waited for that great position instead of taking an entry level? What if? What if? What if? I’ll warn you ahead of time; I put most of my protagonists through hell before I dangle a ‘happily ever after’ in front of them. Sometimes, I don’t even provide a glimmer of light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. I always give them hope, though, something to cling to or a want  to prove their worth, mostly the innate desire to succeed and overcome. And since I believe all stories need  a little romance, I usually give them a confidant or helper along the way. The most surprising thing throughout all of this is that once my character makes it to the end of the story … they ...

A passionate romantic -suspense story of love, betrayal, and obsession, She Belongs to Me will have you falling in love and wondering if you can trust anyone right up to the last page. Charlotte police officer Jordan Monroe is used to being in control. Ever since his father died, he has provided for his mother and sisters and even hired his two brothers-in-law to help run his successful construction company. On a chance business trip, however, he meets the one person who throws his life into a whirlwind--Jaynee. Jaynee has lived a tragic life and has sworn off all men. That is until a rugged southern gentleman lands in her seating area, refusing to take no for an answer. From the moment they meet, Jordan sweeps her off her feet, assuring her that happiness exists. But can she really escape her past? Five years later, Jordan finds Jaynee on their back porch with a gunshot wound to the head. While Jaynee lies in a coma, Jordan has to go back to their beginning and figure o...

Coming Soon! If you haven't read  The Depot , please skip this sample and grab the FREE book via one of the links at the bottom of this post. Since we are close to publishing, this is the last week of chapter one. You can catch up   here . Excerpt: “Friends?” Mark uncrossed his arms and sat on the edge of the brick wall, hoping she’d loosen up a bit. Normally when he crossed his arms in reaction to a witness’ pose and then uncrossed them, they’d follow suit. Jay remained where she was, however, her arms folded over her chest to protect her from anyone getting too close. If she were sitting, she’d have her legs crossed too, he suspected. “Did Buck belong to a book club?” he asked. She bit down on her lip, her head lowering in her distress. “No. Buck was homeless. We have many homeless people who loiter around the library, especially as the temperature starts to drop . They stay as late as possible, then usually find a place to slee...