Today we’d like to introduce you to Carter Pugh
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Writing’s always been something I’ve loved since I was a kid. I started reading at three, and in high school, I was in a writer’s club, kind of like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis’s The Inklings.
After high school, I ended up going a different route, attending beauty school, and eventually co-founding a salon and photography business with my husband. Things got busy, and my love for writing and reading took a backseat for a while.
But when the pandemic hit and salons shut down for two months, I finally had the time to slow down and reflect. That’s when I rediscovered my passion for writing and decided to go for it. Over the next couple of years, I really focused on developing my ideas and figuring out the story I wanted to tell.
I decided to write a series that combines some of my favorite genres—murder mysteries, fantasy, and romance—and set it in North Carolina where I was born and raised.
On September 9, 2023, I self-published Death Rattle, my debut novel, and finally made that long-held dream a reality.
My husband, who’s an artist and graphic designer, did all the cover art and branding for my book. He’s also been a huge help in fine-tuning my ideas along the way.
I started reaching out to local bookstores to get Death Rattle on their shelves, and Trope Bookshop was the first one to carry it. Katie, the owner, was also the first person to host me for a book signing, which was such an amazing experience.
From there, my following and community grew. This year, we’re traveling for events and appearances across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Our next book is coming out this summer, and we’re having a launch party at Trope Bookshop—where it all began! Katie’s also just opened her brick-and-mortar store in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte. We’re also planning a two-month book tour in July and August.
Book sales have been growing, and I’ve started reaching out to literary agents with the goal of pursuing this as a full-time career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been an exciting learning experience. I’ve always been someone who believes in the “fake it ’til you make it” mindset, and I’ve found that I learn best by jumping in and doing. I truly believe we’ve been lucky—seemingly, the universe keeps putting the right people in our path at just the right time. I feel like we all have a purpose, and when you’re aligned with that, things just seem to fall into place.
It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s also been incredibly gratifying and rewarding. This journey has renewed my spirit and helped me fall back in love with my life. Every day brings something new.
The most challenging part has been learning the book industry and understanding what it really takes to succeed. Marketing through social media has been a huge learning curve, and I still have a lot to figure out. But I’m willing to keep learning because this is something I truly want with all my heart.
This industry has already given me so much, and I’m beyond grateful for it. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an indie author who writes fast paced murder mystery/ fantasy books. I’m known for my spicy undertones and relatable characters. I’m most proud to see people reading my stories and feeling seen when they read them.
I’d say the most unique thing about me is my ability to pivot and follow my passions, even after stepping away for a while.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family means everything to me. My husband has always been my biggest supporter, just as I’ve been for him. One of the most special things about writing books together is that it combines both of our passions into something we can share. It’s made something I’ve always loved even more meaningful because I get to do it with my best friend. I truly couldn’t have done it without him.
Growing up, we both felt like outcasts, never quite fitting in. But when we found each other, we knew we’d never have to face the world alone again. We’re both artists with an undeniable urge to create, and we’ve realized we do our best work when we collaborate.
This career gives us the opportunity to spend more time together, and honestly, that’s all either of us really wants—time and space to create side by side.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carterpughwrites/profilecard/?igsh=MWc5aXE0NWJiajJuNg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAq1V4pcP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@carterpughwrites?_t=ZT-8uVE2EXApn4&_r=1
