Today in The Loft: Author Caroline Clemmons!

Joining me in The Loft today is western romance author Caroline Clemmons. The author of  eight series, including The Kincaids, Surprise Brides, Widows of Wildcat Ridge, and The Men of Stone Mountain, Texas, Caroline is an Amazon bestselling author and the recipient of numerous awards.  She writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains, though she is quick to point out that she was not born on a Texas ranch. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country, where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. 

Author Caroline Clemmons

S:  Good morning, Caroline! Thanks so much for joining me today and thanks for bringing some Texas kolaches! The Texas version is more of a breakfast sandwich than a pastry--something my Slovak grandma made--but they are still delicious! (Seelie takes a big bite.)

Tell me, why do you write romance?

C:  Romance not only entertains, it offers hope. Romance teaches the importance of family and friends. Romance teaches us that even in the face of terrible roadblocks, we can rise above our challenges and accomplish worthwhile goals.

S:  (Nods.) No doubt that's one of the reasons  romance is the bestselling book genre. 

How do you define romance?

C:  When the happiness of the other person is more important than yours and when the plans you make together are more important than your own.

S:  (Nibbles on a kolache.) That's actually a very good definition. Unless you're willing to put someone else's needs before your own, you're not ready for romance or love.

What, for you, is the perfect romantic evening?

C:  Being with the person you love makes any evening romantic—you don’t have to go anywhere or do anything in particular.

S:  Do you believe you only fall in love once?

C:  I think the human heart is capable of loving many times, but I believe we only have one soul mate. I’m grateful to have found mine in my sweet husband, who I call Hero.

 Some of Caroline Clemmons' most recent books

S:  Where do you do your best thinking?

C:  In my office or in bed.

S:  What would you like people to know about you?

C:  That I do the best I can do.

S:  If someone wrote a song about you, what would be the title?

C:  "Still Crazy After All These Years." (Laughs.) 

S:  (Grins.) I think that's a good thing!

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

C:  Don’t let anyone steal your dream!

S:  Complete this sentence:  “Writing is….”

C:  Writing is an inseparable part of me.

S:  What do you consider your greatest achievement?

C:  My daughters.

S:  If you could live in any period of time, when would it be and why? 

C:  While history fascinates me, I am fond of my air conditioning, car, washing machine and dryer, and other creature comforts. There’s no time like the present as far as I’m concerned.

S:  (Nods.) I'm always amused when people yearn for a simpler time. They don't seem to realize that means they wouldn't have a cell phone, a microwave, cars that prevent you from backing into others...

If a paranormal invited you to host a dinner with five guests, all prominent figures in history who are now deceased. Who would you invite and why

C:  Oooh, what a lovely question but narrowing the list to five is difficult. I’d start with Mother Theresa and then invite Thomas Jefferson, Queen Victoria, Louis L’Amour, and Tony Hillerman. For different reasons, I admire each of those people.  

S:  Sounds like an interesting and lively dinner conversation!

A genie grants you one wish. What is it?

C:  Good health for my family.

S:  What is your favorite day of the year?

C:  December 23. Christmas is almost here and the plans are made, decorations are up, and presents wrapped and under the tree. There’s the anticipation of impending joy. After the gifts are opened Christmas Eve, the Christmas service attended, and the stockings opened Christmas morning, I’m always a little sad it’s over.

S:  (Smiles.) That's why I keep my tree up all year long and turn on the lights occasionally. It's a good reminder of all the joy that season brings.

What do you crave?

C:  Chocolate and Cherry Dr. Pepper, then chips and Cherry Dr. Pepper, then chocolate… you get the picture.

S:  (Laughs.) I certainly get the chocolate part!

If you could have any animal in the universe as a pet, what would it be and why?

C:  A golden lab/German shepherd mix, which we had before in our dog Molly. She was such a sweet dog and I miss her.

S:  You are offered one of the following gifts: a day back in time, a glimpse into heaven, or perfect health. Which would you take and why?

C:  Perfect health. Through faith, I know what heaven will be, through research I can learn what a day back in time would be, but I have been in poor health my entire life and would welcome perfect health.

S:  As an MS Warrior, I can certainly understand valuing perfect health. Most people have no idea what it's like to have a a chronic illness or health problems. 

More books by Caroline Clemons

Caroline, thanks so much for joining me today. And thanks for the kolaches! If you would like to learn more about Caroline and her books, please visit--

Website:  http://www.carolineclemmons.com/

Blog:  http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorcarolineclemmons

Twitter:  @CarolineClemmons

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/

Next week in The Loft:  Leona Bushman!