Interview with Carol
Muskoron
Interview by Jenna Glatzer
When Carol, an
author from North London, saw a documentary about Internet strippers, she
decided she wanted to give it a try-- but with a twist that some may find a bit
bizarre: she decided to become the world's first Naked Novelist. Every
day, visitors can visit her site to watch her writing her novel, My
Middle Class Girl... in the nude.
Prior to this endeavor, Carol was a journalist for Essentials Magazine,
and has written short fiction for a spin-off magazine published by Penthouse.
Let's get right to the heart of it: why are you
doing this?
I am doing this because, having come up with the idea of the Naked
Novelist, I was too serious about my fiction not to do it! I decided I didn't
want to get to 80 and think, 'why didn't I try that?'. I am also doing it
because I enjoy it - it has turned novel writing from a solitary experience into
a very interactive one. I don't think I could give up writing on the internet
now! I love having fans contact me - people who love my writing. They often love
my body, too. And that's fine.
Are you an exhibitionist in general?
The novelist part of nakednovelist.com is the part that has always been a part
of me (I've always written). The naked part is new. I am not an exhibitionist by
nature. And some days it does feel odd to bare my all in front of the webcam,
but I have kind of got used to getting my kit off in public. And even feel quite
relaxed in front of the camera these days.
What does your husband think about it?
My husband's very supportive of my writing and of the site. He's so proud of
my bravery. And he thinks it's funny that I get so many proposals of marriage
everyday and so many people saying what a lucky man he is!
You say that, initially, you were doing this to get a
book deal. How has your motivation changed?
I still want to get a book deal but I really am enjoying running the site and I
wouldn't want to give that up.
Who visits your site? Are people visiting just to
see you naked, or to read your work, or both?
Of the people who visit my site come many come to see the spectacle of the Naked
Novelist, but most come to read the fiction. I get a lot of fellow writers
logging on. Lots admire my bravado and love the mix of nudity and literature.
There are many sites devoted entirely to nudity , so I don't think many people
come to me purely for that - although I'm sure there are some. A lot of people
say they visit for the nudity and find themselves loving my stories.
Has the website helped you to attract agents or
publishers?
Agents and publishers are approaching me regularly now. It feels wonderful after
years of approaching them!
What is your writing process like? Do you
outline, or write more spontaneously?
I do outline my work before I write. But I'm also spontaneous. So I have a plan
but sometimes characters force me to change that plan! I always trust that my
characters know what is best!
Does the simple fact that you're naked and "on
display" affect the way you write? (Is it distracting? Do you
find yourself thinking more erotically? Is "erotically" even a
word?)
Writing naked is odd - but on the whole, it's an inspiration! It is hard to
concentrate sometimes when naked. Occasionally, I have to put my clothes back
on! I think erotically is a word, incidentally!
You have a very nice body. If you were older and
"out of shape," would you still be doing this? Do you think
people would still visit the site?
Glad you like the body. But I'm not a model, am I? I'm just an ordinary woman. I
didn't diet to do this. If I were older and out of shape, I'd still give it a
go!
There must be some critics who say that you're making
literature into a beauty contest-- how would you respond if someone criticized
you for using nudity to sell books?
A lot of modern young novelists sell on the fact that they're attractive. It's
not really fair or relevant, but that's how the world works sometimes. To
be honest, I'm a writer, I want to make a living as a writer, I want to be read
- and if I have to get my kit off for all that happen, that's fine with me.
Do you encourage feedback on your novel-in-progress?
Do you take reader suggestions?
I do encourage feedback on all my work and I always listen to criticism.
Sometimes readers discover things I wasn't aware of about my work. I love that.
Writers aren't always aware of every level that their writing works on.
Are you at all worried about copyright infringement or
cutting off your potential audience by posting it all online?
I'm not worried about copyright any more than other published author because my
site has had such coverage it would be ridiculous for anyone to try to pass off
my work as their own.
My fans all say they can't wait to buy the book .
I find that I probably look pretty boring during my
writing days... most of the time I'm just sitting and thinking, and sometimes
moving a couple of fingers on my typewriter. Is your webcam on 24 hours a
day, or just in segments? How do you keep it entertaining to watch?
The webcam is not on all the time but there is always new film daily on the
site. Keeping it interesting is a challenge but it's a fun one. We recently had
Dinosaur week with a host of different plastic models joining me in the garret.
Fans loved it.
Visit Carol's website at http://www.nakednovelist.com.
