Interview with author Carmen Norris

April 3, 2025

Interview with author Carmen Norris

Talking with author Carmen Norris

What inspired you to write this book?

There are so many people who aren’t believed when something terrible things happens to them. I wanted to address that from the perspective of a character that the reader may also misunderstand or question.

How did you choose the title? Does it hold special meaning to you?

It’s a common phrase usually used in a lighter context, but in a darker way that fits so well with the book, and I loved that about it.

Can you share your process of writing and how long it took to complete the book?

it took me several months. It’s hard to say with all of the starting and stopping. I will outline in great detail, then send it off to editors, make changes, do a final review, and then it’s done.

4. Were there any challenges you faced while writing or publishing it?

Just finding the time. Also, marketing is hard. I have so many fun ideas, but never enough time to execute them.

5. How do you feel about sharing your work with the world?

It’s one of those things where I like to talk about it and shut out the noise. I don’t read reviews or chat with people about what they think could’ve been done differently. Once I’ve put it out, that’s it for me.

6. Are there any parts or characters in the book that are especially personal or meaningful to you?

The idea of family not only being by blood. I feel like so many of us are closest to people we aren’t biologically related to, and it’s a beautiful thing.

7. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

I hope they trust themselves and those they care about when something feels wrong or when something happens that makes them uncomfortable in the least.

8. Did you experience any memorable moments during the research or creation of the book?

No, but there are some characters that felt cathartic to right.

9. What surprised you the most about the publishing journey?

How many things I’d really soaked in from before I ever published. I really encouraged others to learn a lot beforehand. It helps a ton.

10. Do you already have ideas or plans for your next project?

Yes, I have a short story, novella, and two podcast seasons in the works.

Learn about Author Carmen Norris – bio

Carmen Norris is the writer and producer of the Bad Alibi podcast. She grew up in the south with her mother, sister, and brother who instilled a love of reading at a young age. She now writes stories from the home she shares with her husband and their dog.