Monday, March 6, 2017

Interview with Carol Brown

Fire and Ice Book Reviews 
Interview with Carol Brown

1.  Tell us a little about you. How many books have you written?
I’ve written seven so far, and hope to have at least two more out this year. I’m a fairly slow writer because I also love, love, love my family and traveling. We live on a small hobby farm and piddle (now that’s an interesting word!) with a few animals, a small garden (veggies and flowers), garden pond, etc. We have two sons, one daughter in law, and three grand boys. If you are around me long enough I always insist on equal (or a little more! Lol) time to brag on the grand boys. ( I’ve had a lot of interests through the years, but right now focus on my writing, scrap booking, traveling and being with family and friends.

2.  When writing is there something you keep next to you at all times like water or a snack?
I love water, so I usually have a bottle on my desk close at hand. Once in awhile I’ll crave a sweet, and have a container of some favorites near by, but I always try to limit how much. (  Homemade treats (like brownies or real cheesecake) are my favorite, so I’m not too tempted by other things.

But in the evenings, many times I enjoy popcorn and a little ice cream.


3.  What’s one random fact about you that not many people know?
In our travels, I’ve worked with the Native Americans, eaten both hot, hot, hot and boring, unflavored stews, shucked corn with a witch doctor’s wife, visited in a hogan, and tried weaving and fry bread making.

4.  Do you listen to music while writing? If yes, what do you listen to?
Sometimes. When I do, I LOVE oldies (that makes me pick up my heels, so it’s hard to sit in my chair and write!) and/or classic country (that either makes me sigh sappily or cry) I also enjoy occasionally, concert or classical music (that gives me the feeling, usually, that I can conquer all!). Lol. Probably depends on certain scenes I’m writing.


5.  Tell us about your books.
I’ve written seven so far:
The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman (debut novel). It’s a stand alone, but another may be in the works for the future.
The Denton and Alex Davies Mystery series. This involves a early-retired, married couple who travel the U.S. in their RV and with their Jack Russell, Taffy. As all good amateur detectives do, they land in mysteries that are interesting and intriguing. So far, they’ve solved one in Tennessee and one in New Mexico. The third book will be set in Colorado. Hog Insane. Bat Crazy (and coming…Daffy’s Duck)
The WWII Spies Series. With Music in Their Hearts was the first book and featured the first red-headed Rayner sister: Emma Jaine and the spy, Tyrell Walker. The second book, coming soon…A Flute in the Willows.
The Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series. These are about the people and friends of the fictitious town of Appleton, each book featuring a friend, her love life and possible heroes, and the mystery. So far, I’ve written: Sabotaged Christmas, Knight in Shining Apron, and Undiscovered Treasures. The fourth book, coming soon…will feature the first book with a male as the main protagonist: Toby’s Troubles.


6.  Is there a particular book that you wrote that you are most proud of? Why?
My debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, is a serious (with lots of fun touches to ease the suspense), look at what cults can do, how abuse injures, and what the heart is capable of, both good and bad. It’s touched many hearts, and has won or finaled in several different contests. The book idea came from my husband and his editing help with scenes and dialogues, helped make it what it became.


7.  Out of all your books is there a character you connect to the most? If yes, who is it, and feel free to explain why.
Hmmm. I love them all, but perhaps the first book in my WWII Spies series: With Music in Their Heart, Emma Jaine Rayner. I modeled her after my mother, her young girl-hood tales and pictures from her past. Emma Jaine’s spunky, a bit bossy, determined, and well capable of running the boarding room business she begins in her own home. A young lady caught up in caring for her younger sisters and semi-retired ship captain father, but also a person longing for the right man to come along and sweep her off her feet. I think I connect mostly because it so aptly portrays what I envision my mother’s life could-have-been!


8.  What are you currently working on?
I’m finishing up the second book in my WWII Spies Suspense series: A Flute in the Willows (featuring the second, red-headed daughter). I’m also planning to finish the third book in my Denton and Alex Davies Mystery series: Daffy’s Duck. I love this one because of the Down’s Syndrome young woman who will be part of the story.

9.  Tell you what inspired you to start writing.
I think books have been the key to my writing. I’ve always loved reading from childhood up, and eventually found my muse in the genre Suspense/Mystery (throwing in touches of whimsy and romance now and then). But reading took me places, and my imagination whipped up my own childhood tales that I either penned or described (along with my hands).

10.  Do you have any tips for those inspiring authors out there that is taking that first step and hoping to publish someday?

Find out what type of person you are. Are you a go-getter, as a writer, love going out on your own to find your own way? Or do you prefer following the trends, the rules, the guidelines? Do you love writing your own desires because that’s what you want to write/enjoy/feel? Or do you prefer to study the market--money wise and/or demand wise, and follow that course? If you can answer these questions, then you’ll be close to identifying your desired genre.
Find out what type of writer you are:  do you plan each and every detail? Follow your own muse as inspiration hits? Or somewhere in between. This can help you to see whether you’re a seat of the pantser or outliner. Do you lean toward true life stories, fiction or non fiction books? Knowing what interests you will help you move toward writing that will best suit you.
Most of all, and my favorite:  Never, never, never quit. No matter the rejections, discouragements, defeats, lack of inspirations--don’t quit.



About Carole Brown:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy 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 and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?


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