Recently, I interviewed author Carole Brown.
Author
Bio
Carole Brown’s debut novel, The
Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, was a semi-finalist in the Genesis contest.
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, she
enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She
loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of
romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and
catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and
counseled across the country. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling,
gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Connect with her at http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/ or
at https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Author
Interview
WHAT
MADE YOU DECIDE TO START WRITING?
I’m
not sure I “decided” to start writing. The first time I remember writing
something that “stood out” was in sixth grade for a writing project: A
week-long diary of a caveman family. FUN! I loved it. From then on you could
catch me (and any friends even vaguely interested) writing as much as I could.
Research papers were enjoyable, and when other college students groaned at the
length, I was eager to dig in. But I seriously pursued writing just a few years
ago by relearning all the “rules,” acquiring an agent, and finishing
manuscripts for full length novels. It’s an adventurous journey, and now I’m
seeing the results with my first traditionally pubbed novel: The Redemption
of Caralynne Hayman.
WHAT
ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING AUTHORS?
My
favorite is: never, never give up. Pursue your dreams with all your heart.
WHAT
DOES YOUR WRITING SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?
Hectic!
I usually work on more than one manuscript at a time. It’s a good practice for
me and keeps me inspired to write. Along with that and the research involved,
now I have intense marketing to do, plus I participate in several writing
groups, keep up with my own blog, facebook, twitter, etc. I also help out with
the ACFWbookclub, Suspense Zone reviews, and the Barn Door Book Loft interviews
for authors. So, again, I say, hectic. J
WHY
DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CURRENT GENRE?
It’s
what I love. No matter what genre I write, I love including suspense, a little
mystery, romance, and some whimsy--in various doses. But always suspense.
TELL
ME ABOUT YOUR LATEST RELEASE. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR THEMES?
Forgiveness
and hope.
WHO
IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THE NOVEL AND WHY?
In
The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, I would have to choose Cara. She’s such a
spunky woman who, in spite of her ignorance about real Christianity, is
determined to achieve her goals, misguided that they are. Her tender heart and
love for her daughters is a biggie in my eyes.
HOW
MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND IN RESEARCH BEFORE YOU WRITE A STORY?
Normally,
lots. Some of my research could feel notebooks two or three inches thick (and
have!), others not so much. Still I love research and gather much more than I
need sometimes.
WHAT
IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR RESEARCH?
For
my debut novel, the cult followers all get tattoos once they are married, or
committed to marriage. Studying the diverse range of tattoos and deciding on an
appropriate one for my story was both fascinating and time-consuming.
HOW
DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU'RE NOT WRITING?
This
is an easy one! I love spending time with family, and friends. Our family loves
vacationing together, but whether home or away, we enjoy swimming, picnicking,
boating, fishing, hunting, grilling, etc. together. The Smokies in Tennessee is
one of our favorite places to spend together.
HOW
CAN READERS CONTACT YOU AND/OR LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WRITING?
I
would love to have everyone connect with me on my
Blog:
http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook
author page: https://facebook.com/CaroleBrown,author
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/browncarole212
They
can keep updated on the exact date when The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman releases
(September, 2013). I’m holding frequent contests in honor of its release, but
you have to keep in touch to know when the contests occur. Also if anyone wants
to review my book, or join Carole’s Champions, let me know. I’d be happy to
talk with you!
Thank
you, Heidi, so much for inviting me to visit Sleuths and Suspects. It’s been
great!
Book Excerpt
The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman
Carole Brown
Chapter One
Twenty years earlier
The shadow creatures on
the wall shook their wings and legs. Heads with horns nodded. Scary, dark faces
watched.
The little girl clasped
her floppy-eared rabbit against her chest and stared into the dark.
“Mmm …” Mommy’s murmur
reached to her through the walls, and the giggles from her mother tiptoed in,
shooing the fear away.
Whoosh. She blew out a
breath and squeezed her rabbit tighter. “Mommy has a friend with her, Ramsey.
She loves me just like I love you and will give me hugs in the morning after
the man leaves.”
Ramsey said nothing. She
ran her fingers over his face and could feel his black button eyes staring at
her, trusting her to protect him.
“And she’ll read to us
and I’ll sit on her lap and we’ll snuggle—all of us together.” She nodded and
tugged on Ramsey’s left ear then rolled over.
Real live whispers and
laughter floated into the room.
Opening her mouth in a
wide yawn, she patted Ramsey’s tummy and whispered again, “Don’t be afraid. I’m
right here.”
“Please. That hurts.”
“Mommy?” The little girl
frowned but her eyes wouldn’t open. Just like they did when she and mommy put
cucumbers slices on their eyes.
“Stop it—”
Rubbing at her eyes the little girl sat up.
Mommy had never sounded like this before, and neither had any of the men—the
men who brought flowers and candy and money.
About the Book
How far would YOU go to avenge a
daughter’s cruel death? Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to
befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand
against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the
way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes
too far?
The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through
the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance and was a semifinalist
in the Genesis contest. Release date is September, 2013 from the Lighthouse
Publishing of the Carolinas, an ACFW approved publisher. Look for it on Amazon
or request it at your favorite book store or library!
Book
Giveaway
Carole
has graciously agreed to give away a copy of the novel (paperback OR ebook for U.S. residents, ebook only for non-U.S. residents).
In
order to be entered, you must
(1) Follow
this blog. You can join today. It’s easy!
(2) Please answer the following question:
(3) Provide
your email address. If you are concerned about spam, you may spell out the
address, for example, yourname(at)gmail(dot)com.
I
will contact the winner on 7/22/13 and give him or her one week to respond. If the winner does not
respond, an alternate winner will be chosen.
Thanks for having me visit, Heidi!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you would call the recipe old fashioned or not but I make my grandma's potato salad, runzas and lasagna and I will not eat any other's of those items. Thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletegriperang at embarqmail dot com
Grandparents recipes are super ones to use! Thanks for the comment, Angela. So glad to have you stop by.
ReplyDeleteHi. I signed up up through feedburner. I have recipes from my Mom and Mom-in-law. I don't think they are too old, but they are something I plan on passing to my children, even some of my own. Thanks for the giveaway. This book sounds good and a little bit scary. Would love to win.
ReplyDeletesweetdarknectar at gmail dot com
Love your advice for aspiring authors. It is a tough business and it takes more time than you'd think.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a recipe. I loved my grandma's choc chip cookies. When I finally got the recipe and made it - they didn't taste like hers. She had some secret she didn't share or didn't realize she was doing.
wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
Sid, it is a tough business and I'm finding that out! But what fun. I try to keep everything in perspective. God is in control: I've given this book to him--and my writing--and will do my best to keep it there! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Boos Mum, it is a little scary, but I so love the hope that shines throughout it. How ugly sin is and how wonderful God's grace is. I think passing recipes on to our children is a precious tradition!
ReplyDeleteWendy, sometimes that happens. I know I can never make certain recipes from my mother taste like she did!
ReplyDeleteCaroline, I am so looking forward to reading your book! Thank you for offering a copy.
ReplyDeleteI have many old, family recipes. I have all of my grandmother's recipes. She was born in 1903 and all of my mother's recipes. I am working on a family cookbook to share with my extended family. My grandmother's Date Roll and Butter Sauce was always a family favorite. I still make it for holidays. My aunt's Oatmeal Cake with Broiled-on Topping is wonderful warm or cold. My mom's Cranberry Relish is one dish my children all look forward to at Thanksgiving and Christmas. For Easter, I taught my young granddaughter how to make my mom's 5-Cup Salad. It's fun to pass down family recipes.
I am a new follower by email. (different address)
I will also add you to my readers.
may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com
I am a follower of this blog.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be included in your cookbook but don't have my recipes with me.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow, KayM, sounds like you have a great heritage of recipes! They sound delightful. And thank you for wanting to read my book; sincerely hope you enjoy it. Check out my blog and touch base w/me on fb. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteLibrary Lady, Hope you check out my blog and touch base with me on facebook. Sounds like you have some recipes. Be sure to check out my book too! Blessings
ReplyDeleteI have no recipes. I'm not much of a cook :( The book sounds very interesting. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteRecipes or no, Veronica, I hope you will read my book! Thanks so much for your comment.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heidi, for inviting me to visit your lovely blog! I've so enjoyed participating in my first author interview. Blessings on your writing!
ReplyDeleteKay M is the winner. Thanks to everyone else for participating!
ReplyDelete