Interview With Author Carole Brown

 

 

What made you decide to start writing?

I didn’t decide. I can’t remember a time I didn’t write. From grade school up, I’ve always loved writing. It’s so much a part of me, I can’t imagine life without it. In my own mind, I think: Carole, and the image:  “writer/author”  pops up.

I worked hard to support my husband throughout our sons’ younger years, but once grown, I knew it was MY time. I needed to pursue writing--not as a hobby any longer--but as a creative job. Thankfully, I’ve had the support of my husband and family.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

 

Follow God’s leading. He really does know the direction we should take that will be the best and give us the most peace and happiness!

 

Pursue your dreams. I’m a big believer in this. I hate to see people working at jobs they dislike immensely (although I also understand it’s necessary sometimes).

 

Find YOUR writing journey and be true to it. Every writer has their own path to tread and that’s the one they should walk upon. My journey may not be yours, but it’s MINE.

 

Never give up. Enough said!

 

 

 

What does your writing schedule look like?

I never run out of ideas, so it’s usually pretty hectic. I always have more than one story going at a time and spend time alternating between them unless I’m on a deadline.

Now that I’m published, I find marketing takes a lot of my time (but I love it!), so have to be really disciplined to write. Unlike some writers, I find my best novel writing time is either late morning or afternoons.

By evening, my mind is too tired to novel-write, but I can work on extra writing activities: interviews, articles, or just spending time with my husband and family. I strive for at least 1000 words a day, but that doesn’t always happen.

 

Tell me about your latest release? What are the major themes?

 

For Tyrell Walker, God is in control. No matter what disappointments from your parents or from your own choices life hands you, if we wait and trust, God will direct our paths.

For Emma Jaine Rayner, patience and tolerance is a biggie. She is so impatient with her sisters’ choices and desires that she can be a little overbearing. If only they would listen! But God has an individual plan for each of us. Our choices for the other person may NOT be what God has planned.

 

Who is your favorite character in the story and why?

Since I love ALL the characters in this book, it’s hard to pick one. I’ll take a stab at it though.

Gertrude (Gertie to her friends) is an elderly, well dressed boarder in the Rayner Boarding home. She’s garrulous and smart and funny. Loyal to those she cares about but condescending to those she considers self-dramatists, she’s usually decked out in the best clothes and an overload of jewelry.

 

 Here’s a bit from With Music in Their Hearts, chapter 5:

            “I never get too friendly with strangers. But since you are going to be my neighbor—so to speak—you may call me Gertrude. Gertie to my friends, Reverend.”

“I’m Tyrell, ma’am.”

“Why haven’t you enlisted, Tyrell? A big, strong man like you.”

(Brusque and a little nosy.)

A little bit farther on:

Gertrude Hanover snorted, and in a voice calculated to reach its desired object, lashed out, “Shameless. Absolutely shameless, that one. She’s after anything in pants.”

“Nosy old witch.” Bette leaned forward to glare around Jerry, who separated her from Gertrude.

“Truth’s the truth, my dear.” Gertrude sniffed.

(A little intolerant of those individuals who constantly need drama.)

And one more example from a later Chapter:

The older lady’s eyes glittered, begging to be part of the excitement. “What decent girl is going to want him? I’d bet on another sleazy man. Want me to follow him?”

            “Absolutely not.” Tyrell gripped her hand. “Promise me, Miss Gertie, you won’t do anything foolish.”

“Of course not, Tyrell. Do you think I want to get killed?”

Tyrell’s blood chilled but he patted her hand.

“Now, listen, there’s more. Twice he’s come home in the middle of the day. Doesn’t stay long. Slips in, slips out. Doubt if anyone else in the house hears him.” She peered at him, and Tyrell was sure her tongue was in her cheek.

“What were you doing in Hank’s room a few days ago? Saw you opening his locked door, slick as a real burglar. Saved your bacon, didn’t I, calling Hank to hang a picture for me? Didn’t need him. Jonah Mason always does my handy work and does very well. But wanted to give you time to make your get-away. The movie characters always talk savvy, don’t they?”

So she had seen him entering Hank’s room. “Uh . . .”

            “Don’t answer. I’m sure you have your reasons. Never could abide Dawson. Emma Jaine should have more sense than to allow the likes of him into this house.” She sniffed. “Mark my words, she’ll rue the day she let him rent here.”

(Caring and helpful with those she cares about, eager to please within limits)

 

How do you like to spend your time when not writing?

First and foremost: family. Having two sons I love and now, three grandsons means family time is more important than ever. We’ve always spent a lot of time with our boys--reading, visiting and vacationing in interesting areas, devotional fun time, etc. That’s carrying on into our grandparent stage!

My husband and I enjoy traveling. Seeing and experiencing new areas and walks of life keeps life interesting and varied. We have a small hobby farm where we live quietly enjoying our hot tub, walks, garden pond, flowers, pets, a small vegetable garden and projects that go along with owning property.

 

How can readers contact you and/or learn more about you and your writing?

Here is my bio and contact information. I love to interact with old and new friends!

Brown not only has her award winning (RWA International Digital Awards Contest 2^nd place in Inspirational, Laurel Award finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist) debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase now, but a companion book called West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of Caralynne Hayman, filled with tidbits of information about West Virginia, quotes, recipes from West Virginia and from Caralynne’s life, pictures and discussion questions for the novel.

November, 2013, the first book in her mystery series, Hog Insane, released. It’s a fun, lighthearted novel introducing the characters, Denton and Alex Davies. Look for the second book, Bat Crazy, late winter.

Releasing November, 2014, is the first book in a new WWII romantic suspense series: With Music In Their Hearts. Three red-headed sisters. Three spies. Three stories.

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown 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 nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

 

Connect with her here:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

  

I also am part of several other blogs:

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/

 

 

With Music in Their Heart Blurb:

Angry at being rejected for military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a civilian spy within his own country. Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed ammunition to be used in the war. According to his FBI cousin, this spy favors pink stationery giving strong indications that a woman is involved.  

 

He’s instructed to obtain a room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up.  

 

While Tyrell searches for the murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong willed as she is.

 

As Tyrell works to keep his double life a secret and locate the traitor, he refuses to believe that Emma Jaine could be involved even when he sees a red-haired woman in the arms of another man. Could the handsome and svelte banker who’s also determined to win Emma Jaine’s hand for marriage, be the dangerous man he’s looking for? Is the trouble-making renter who hassles Emma Jaine serving as a flunky? Worse, is Papa Rayner so worried about his finances and keeping his girls in the style they’re used to, that he’ll stoop to espionage?

 

Will their love survive the danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?

 

With Music in Their Heart releases November 2014! Check out my personal links to keep in touch for availability! Then look for it on Amazon. Book Launch is scheduled for November 10 on Facebook.

 

Hog Insane: A Mystery Written by Carole Brown

By K. L. Bridgewater

Sleuths and Suspects welcomes back Carole Brown. Her latest book, Hog Insane, is a cozy mystery. Recently, I interviewed Carole Brown about writing and her latest book.

             1.)    How long have you been writing? Has it always been the suspense genre? What draws you to suspense?

 

I’ve written for almost as long as I can remember. Lots of my childhood books I read were mysteries (happy memories!), thus I composed many mystery short stories. I still adore suspense/mysteries. It’s a genre that intrigues me in reading and writing so it’s natural to do so.

2.)  Being a member of the ACFW and a Genesis Finalist, what is your favorite part of the organization?

Probably the fact that people are on the ball in providing up-to-date marketing/newsworthy information that is either interesting and/or beneficial to authors and readers. There are many talented, knowledgeable people within the group, and I must say, after being a member for numerous years, I give them credit for pushing me deeper into learning the current ropes of writing fiction. Without them I would never have met so many of my writing friends nor be at the place I am today. 

3.)  Tell me about your writing process. Are you a plotter or someone who writes without an outline?

Mostly a seat-of-the-pants author. I do have general ideas where I’m going; clues of what I want to include in the book, perhaps how it will end/begin. Certain items I know I’ll be including. I do a lot of research so that helps. But though I plot to a minor degree (in my eyes), I still love to see where the story goes. Of course, I have plenty of friends/critique partners that will jerk me back into line lest I stray too far! Lol

4.)  If there was one thing you could say to encourage unpublished writers, what would it be?

(What was the one piece of advice given to you that has improved or changed the way you write?)

The one that came at the time when I was ready to quit, was: don’t give up. God gave me the talent to write; use it. Keep writing. Be faithful. With no emotional feelings of victory, I followed that advice and the following spring, an editor asked for my ms of The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. It was published in October, 2013. The following month my first mystery: Hog Insane released. Now I have the first book in a trilogy, a WWII book releasing this fall (With Music in Their Hearts). Hopefully also, the second book in my mystery series will be out soon. God is good.

5.)  Tell me a little bit about your latest book, Hog Insane. The title is different, so how did the title come about?

            I love intriguing titles sometimes. This novel started as a short story, and I wanted something that automatically drew people’s attention. Later I developed it into a novel.

Two things:

Ÿ  The bike figured into the events and clues and

Ÿ  my hubby’s family loves bikes

Here’s a blurb about it:

Denton Davies has a guilt complex over the death of his nephew who died in a motorcycle accident after he taught him to ride. He blames himself and insists he hates them. Of course, his wife, Alex who is a little more than strong-minded about daring activities, wants to ride one.

This is a minor subplot within the book, but ties the story together.  Here is the blurb about the book:

A dead body, a missing motorcycle, a strange key, and dope are at the bottom of the trouble Denton and Alex Davies, and Taffy, their Jack Russell Terrier, run into when they head for their first stop in the Smoky Mountains immediately after early retirement.

All Denton wants is to fish and recapture his wife’s love. Instead, they find the body of Anthony Risler with a bullet hole in his head. None of the campground people, or even the sheriff, pretend to like Denton and his snoopy questions, and everyone seems to be lying.

Denton figures Risler’s missing bike has to hide some kind of evidence that incriminates the murderer. Archie McGhee, the campground manager is self-centered and greedy enough to hide the motorcycle for the murderer, so why doesn’t he know where the bike is now? The Stillwells, although good-looking and popular, brag way too much to suit the Davies. The expensive S-shaped, ruby watch they foist onto Alex ought to play into the mystery, yet Denton can find no evidence of it. The drug-using, gun-toting man who chases Taffy knows more than he’s telling and raises questions in Denton’s mind even when forced to partner with the man.

Why is the sheriff ignoring obvious clues, and why would he leave a bribery note lying around where Denton’s suspicious eyes can see it? When Denton finds the keys with the strange looking C charm Alex and Denton realize only their pastor’s wife, back in Ohio, and the small, cherry-wood box Risler gave her, can provide the final clue they need to reveal the killer.

Denton wrestles with his personal demons of self-blame over his nephew’s death while riding a bike. Alex resents Denton’s riding roughshod over her feelings. When he thinks her love is fading, he’s determined to woo her back. But if he doesn’t find the young man’s murderer, their love may stretch to the breaking point.

Carole Brown’s debut novel is entitled The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman (Selah Award Finalist and Semi-finalist in the Genesis), and her second novel introduced the characters of Denton and Alex Davies in the first book of her new mystery series: Hog Insane.  With Music in Their Hearts releases November 2014.

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 and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Please connect with her here:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Guys and Gals at Bits and Bytes:  http://geezerguysandgals.blogspot.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/

Here is my personal review of Hog Insane:   

The characters in the story were a nice break from typical suspense stories, which I love. I enjoyed seeing a couple trying to solve a mystery together instead of focusing on their emotions while trying to piece together the puzzle. The story is told from Denton’s point of view, an older gentleman just wanting to fish and spend time with his beautiful wife. Even though they have been married for a while, readers will still hear Denton’s thoughts about his aging wife. He still finds her attractive and can’t believe she has chosen him to stay with.  Denton and Alex were life-like and mystery lovers who impressed me with their skill to solve the mystery before the sheriff.

The story line was thought out and enjoyable. I wondered who killed the poor biker as different obstacles came across Denton and Alex’s path. Even though, I figured out who did the killing before Brown actually showed us, I still enjoyed the story. The challenges to solving the mystery range from watching someone move the motorcycle to seeing a letter on the sheriff’s desk hinting at blackmail to a missing pastor’s wife. The intertwining of the clues left me impressed with Brown’s skill to weave together a good mystery for mystery lovers.  

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, then I suggest going to Amazon and purchasing a copy for yourself. It is only $2.99, so it won’t hurt you. It is a full length novel and well worth the money.

I thank Carole Brown for giving me a digital copy of her book. I will be buying the rest of the books in this series as they become available. The opinions in this review are all my own.

Review of The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by Carole Brown is a suspenseful and emotional read. My only caution is that this book deals with cults and abuse, and so readers should keep in mind that it’s not a lighthearted read.

Caralynne lives in a cult of the Children of Righteous Cain. When Caralynne’s husband dies, the elders must make decisions about her future. At the same time, Dayne MacFarland, a friend from Caralynne’s past, returns to the cult as their preacher.

I was intrigued by this book because I’d heard it was about cults and had seen the cover, but wasn’t sure how the cover fit in. Anyway, if readers can handle the subject matter, I think they'll enjoy this suspense story, as I did. 

If you’d like to learn more about the author, Carole Brown, please view a July 2013 interview of her.

Interview and Giveaway with Carole Brown (Details on Giveaway at the End of the Post)

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: Do you have old-fashioned recipes (Cara loves to cook!) that you'd like to suggest for inclusion in a go-along book that will include links and names back to those chosen? 

(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.