With debut books, not many readers expect a perfect story. But, there are always some authors that turn it around. Author William F. Carter is definitely one of them. His debut book ‘Fire & Wrath’ is a suspenseful fast-paced thriller filled with emotional depth and mystery.
With the release of Fire and Wrath, William F. Carter’s debut novel, we had the pleasure of having an engaging conversation with the author. He shared insights into his personal life, his writing journey, and the intriguing details behind his captivating story.
Before we dive into this discussion, let’s take a moment to learn more about William and his creative background!
About the Author: William F. Carter
William F. Carter is a talented author, musician, and a creative mind. Fire and Wrath, his debut novel released in 2024, marks a significant milestone in his writing career.
He developed a passion for writing at a young age, which led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Harvard University. Through his work, William aims to explore the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions.
Born in Boston in the early 1970s, William has lived on the South Shore of Massachusetts all his life – though in various towns over the years. He met his wife in Vietnam back in 2015 and they were married in January 2017. He proudly mentions that these past eight years have been the happiest in his entire life.
In addition to his literary pursuits, William is also a musician, playing guitar in the rock band Faded Halo, and he actively participates in community theater, showcasing his diverse artistic talents.
He currently resides in the suburbs outside of Boston with his wife and two daughters, where he continues to write and inspire others with his creative endeavors.
What were you like at school? Any childhood memory you would like to share?
I was very quiet and studious as a child for most of my primary education. My budding writing talent certainly shone through from an early age.
When I was twelve, everyone in my grade was asked to write an essay on Memorial Day, with the best three to be read in front of the entire school. I was one of those three winners and delivered it to the assembled students, teachers, and parents.
What are your educational/professional qualifications?
I have earned my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in literature and creative writing from Harvard University. I’ve also taken several business writing classes through my job and I have earned a reputation for my excellent communication skills.
What is your biggest achievement till today?
Earning my college degrees and getting published are way up there, but ultimately my greatest gifts to the world are my two daughters.
Which writers inspire you?
Charles Dickens, Jack London, Harper Lee, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Carver, JRR Tolkien, Richard Stark (Donald Westlake), Shane Stevens, and Dennis Lehane have all had a deep impact on me as a writer and a reader.
Writing is stressful at times. How do you relax your mind?
I have learned when to take a break if things get too intense. I’ll leave the current project alone for a few days and either work on something else or play guitar for a while to regain whatever balance or peace of mind is needed.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
I believe it was said by Neil Gaiman and is as simple as it is profound:
“Imagine, create, persist, persist.”
What advice would you give to your younger self?
“Don’t be afraid to swing for the fences. Trust your voice and your instincts.”
What books do you like to read personally? What are you reading currently?
I like a wide variety of genres, from science fiction to fantasy to crime. I’m currently rereading the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Now that I’ve learned a great deal about the first and second ages of Middle Earth, the Rings books will have much more meaning and resonance than before.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
A Tale of Two Cities, no question. It’s such a sweeping epic of love, sacrifice, war, revenge, and forgiveness that nothing else could ever equal it in my eyes.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing?
I did it just for fun or for school assignments until I received an award in the seventh grade that read “Excellent Writer – Future Author” from my English teacher. From then on, it became a serious vocation.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
My day is usually pretty hectic, so I get to my desk early and write a bit before I begin work. It’s been a great system for years now.
What is the reason you write for; is it for the readers or your own self or some other thing?
I write to exorcise my own demons or to offer something unlike what else might be out there. For many years, it was just for myself but now it’s certainly done to please my growing readership.
About your Book: Fire and Wrath
“Fire and Wrath” is a gripping novel that dives deep into the dark world of arson and its devastating consequences. William F. Carter crafts a narrative that is both haunting and thought-provoking.
The story follows a team of investigators as they unravel a series of tragic arsons that have claimed innocent lives. As they dig deeper, they confront not only the mystery of the arsonist but also their own emotional struggles. This book is a compelling blend of suspense, character exploration, and moral dilemmas that will keep you turning the pages.
What genre is your book? What draws you to this genre?
My book is in the crime thriller genre. I love this type of story for its traditionally stylish narrative and dialogue as well as its biting tension and suspense.
What makes ‘Fire and Wrath’ stand out in this genre?
I believe Fire and Wrath stands out because of its deep emotional core and themes of revenge and redemption. It’s not just a fast-paced thriller but a poignant tale of grief, guilt, and the quest to redress old wrongs and make up for past mistakes.
What/Who was the inspiration behind the characters of Jack and Vance?
Jack Coyle started as a minor character in a sweeping crime novel I wrote in 2006. But he just leaped off the page in such an unexpected way that I became fascinated with him and wanted to further explore his adventures.
Over the years, I’ve crafted him into the clever, erratic, and somewhat tragic figure he’s now become. Vance was created to be his foil – equally tough and laconic but with a more selfish streak and an ambitious, relentless spirit.
What should a reader expect from ‘Fire and Wrath’?
A reader can expect a story with a driving velocity, a good amount of twists and turns, and some powerful scenes that may linger long after the final page is read. A huge amount of time, effort, and care went into crafting the narrative to be what I hope is a very satisfying experience.
The story brilliantly mixes suspense and thrill with characters having real emotional depth. What was the hardest & the easiest thing while writing this book?
The hardest part of the project were the logistics behind the scenes. Bridging the modern-day action with an extended thirty-year flashback presented many challenges and I had to account for the movements and activities of several characters between 1990 and 2024.
My agent and I went through many drafts and revisions before we were happy with how everything dovetailed together. The easiest part was writing the story from Coyle’s point of view. His cynical humor, sharp intelligence, and a sincere desire to redeem his sins made the novel a joy to write.
Any special experience about ‘Fire and Wrath’ that you would like to share.
A big step in the process came a few years back when my agent asked a very high-profile editor to look at the manuscript. He liked it and offered some incredibly helpful ideas that ended up making the story exponentially better.
But the biggest deal to me is that he didn’t laugh me out of the room. It was at that point that I knew my work could stand toe-to-toe with that of other professional authors.
Future Plans
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Finally getting published is a dream come true. Now, I just want to find ways to bring more visibility to my work and get it into as many hands as possible. I would love to be able to write full-time one day, but I’m a long way off from that. We’ll see what happens in the days to come.
Are you working on your new project? What will be your next book about?
Yes, I’m well into the next Jack Coyle thriller. It picks up right where Fire and Wrath left off and should be another fun story for anyone interested in his further exploits.
What does success mean to you as an Author?
Success to me is a happy reader. Writers make an unspoken pact with their audience – that they are offering something worthy of the reader’s time and attention. To get the glowing feedback I’ve received from readers is the greatest currency in the world.
What are your views on self-publishing and traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing is of course the gold standard, but I know first-hand how difficult it is to break into the industry. It’s about talent but also about being in the right place at the right time.
I encourage any aspiring authors to pursue that path but not to get frustrated with the inevitable obstacles and pitfalls. Self-publishing has certainly become much more legitimate than in past years and is always a valid alternative to explore if the traditional path doesn’t work. I would strongly recommend hiring an editor as well as getting the best cover art and design possible.
One learning that you’d like to pass on to young debut authors.
Be patient, put in the long hours, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Constructive criticism is inevitable but it is the best way to help you grow as a writer.
Your opinion about Vowelor.
It’s been a positive experience with Vowelor so far. I’m looking forward to the next steps, especially building my author website together.
