Today we talk about Double Trip Threes, a book by CP Carrington published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author CP Carrington to get to know him better, where he found the inspiration that led him to the writing of his book Double Trip Threes, as well as how his passion for writing started.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Where did you find the inspiration to write your book?
Like many people, I’d always had the intention to write a book. Over the years I had many ideas for stories I wanted write about but always found an excuse (the timing was never right, the story wasn’t strong enough, etc.) Then, one night, I had a very vivid dream. I awoke with a particular image in my head and literally got up and started writing. With such a stark image (which was reproduced on the cover of my first book, ‘The Ghost of Carter’s Caravan’). I thought about why the person would find herself in this particular situation. I wrote the opening chapter that night and then sat down to work out the central message of the story and how the various storylines and set pieces could come together to make a compelling and exciting read. Once I started, I could not stop (hence turning that original thought into a trilogy).
- What is the message you want to send out with your writing?
There appears to be a distinction between being an author and a storyteller. The trilogy is very much on the storytelling side of writing, but with some more fundamental ideas explored within the thriller narrative. I wanted to write a book that was inclusive – accessible to both my friends’ teenage children and my elderly mother. It was written as both a page-turning thriller while also addressing some deeper issues of human existence. Therefore, giving the reader the option of reading it however they want to. Fundamentally, the primary objective of a book is engaging the reader enough to want them to know more. In essence, all writing should be a joy with the reader wanting to know what happens next. Some of the most critically acclaimed books are incredibly difficult to read and, if the reader is not engaged or enjoying the experience, it defeats the objective of writing.
- How did your passion for writing start?
I never enjoyed English at school and found writing difficult or boring. However, in my teenage years, I found writing poetry to be incredibly therapeutic. It also led to a passion for reading – that quest for knowledge and greater understanding. I loved writing my postdoctoral thesis (which was the first substantial thing I ever wrote) and provided the basis for my subsequent career in politics, media management and public relations where writing has always been a critical element. Whether it is drafting Parliamentary reports or press releases and articles for the media (or social media posts today), writing is about the narrative you want to create – identifying what the story is and communicating it to an audience in a compelling and informative way. Also, reading other authors heightens one’s passion for the written word. From the storytelling skill of Jeffrey Archer to the sublime imagination of Angela Carter both are inspiring. Having Jeffrey Archer say he enjoyed my storytelling ability was immensely satisfying.
- How was your publishing experience?
In essence, writing a book was gratifying enough in itself, and it was a dream to actually be a published author – that can’t be taken away. But is only half the story! Honestly, as an inexperienced author, I have found the post-writing aspect the hardest part of the process. Proofreading of the book can take longer than writing it. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it can identify glaring errors which you just don’t see when you’re so immersed in creating the book itself. Equally, designing the cover can also be a real challenge. An author is so invested in their creativity (to some their book is almost as precious as a child!). It can be frustrating for an author when it appears a publisher is not as enthusiastic or invested in ‘their baby’. This frustration carries over into the critical area of post-publication promotion. I’m sure every writer thinks they have written the next bestseller (why write something if you don’t think anyone will want to read it?). I’m realistic to understand that publishers need to make money and thousands of books are published every year, but I’ve found the industry to be very conservative and insular. It seems to be dominated by ‘celebrity’ authors who guarantee marketing opportunities (for both publishers and book stores). I get it is an industry which needs profits, but it is almost impossible to get any attention for your books when starting out.
- Are you planning to write more books? Can you tell us more about it?
‘Double Trip Threes’ is the second book in what has become the Melrose Trilogy, so finishing writing the third, and final instalment, is the next objective. The central element of the trilogy means that it could be applied to any point in time (the past or the future). Ending this particular trilogy will not deny me the opportunity to explore new possibilities and creating new characters in a different setting while remaining faithful to the fundamental issues at the heart of Melrose. It is very much open to franchise opportunities. Previously, I have had many ideas for the other books (which many people have told me I must put into a book). I believe writing from your own experiences provides some authenticity to one’s storytelling. To that end, I have many funny and revealing stories from my time working in British politics and the media, which would provide a platform for a very interesting read. Equally, my experience of living and working in the Middle East proved to be both fascinating and thought-provoking. Creating a narrative has been a critical element throughout my career and I perceive myself as a storyteller. However, I dream of writing with the imagination and flair of Angela Carter.
Europe Books thanks the author CP Carrington once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book Double Trip Threes. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my dear reader, may this engage you and provide you with food for thought that can be useful for you and your everyday life.
So, my dear readers, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your Editor!