Wednesday, August 31, 2016

6+ Questions from the Porch Swing for Carole Brown

This week, I'm taking a break from my character interviews to share an interview with a different character -- fellow author, Carole Brown. Carole gamely agreed to answer the same questions I've been posing to the characters that populate Casting the First Stone and Chasing a Second Chance. 


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 southeast 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? 

Welcome to the Porch Swing, Carole! Where will we find you when you’re not reading or writing?
CB: My first love is being with my family. Since I (finally!) became a grandmother, there’s not much that exceeds my joy than being with our grandsons, sons, and of course, my husband. Traveling, eating together--whether out or at home, special dates at fun places--all of these serve to keep us busy and together.

Scrapbooking is a fairly recent interest, and when I can, I enjoy building memories through that. Right now, I’ve been creating albums for our grandsons, but I also intend to work on some for our sons and their growing up years, my mother and also perhaps a few of our current church family. My gardens, water pond and side porch are all relaxing and beautiful areas where I can enjoy reading, sharing a meal with family, and meditating. 

What’s something we’d be surprised to know about you?
CB: Hmmm. I probably have several, but I had to pick one so I’ll say: I hate being late. I would much rather be an hour early as to be late. In fact, it irritates me so much, I’ve had to learn to be patient with my husband who never really finishes all the things that needs done (there’s always more to add to the list!), and seems to feel they have to be before he can leave. Lol. 

What are your thoughts on children and literature?
CB: Reading is one of the most important things a child can learn. Teach a child to read, and he will never be lonely or unhappy. Or at least, he shouldn’t be. We taught our boys to read BEFORE they began conventional schooling, and to this day, reading is one of their favorite habits. 

What regrets do you have?
CB: I do wish I’d begun writing earlier, but we did have such a busy married life, traveling, ministry, raising our boys, home schooling--that perhaps it wasn’t meant for ME to begin earlier. I do know that I reached a point where I knew it was time to start writing seriously. I hadn’t had that epiphany earlier.

Whom do you admire?
CB: My husband, Dan is one person I've always admired. He has a lot of everyday sense AND is very perceptive and wise. He’s kind, mannerly, and strives very hard to please me. He works hard and is faithful in his devotion to God. 

Pixabay
I love the way he says unexpected sweet comments to me, the way he surprises me with small gifts from the peppermints I enjoy, to a pie from McDonalds that I occasionally eat, to bouquets of flowers, either wild or tame. I’ve saved many of his notes and cards to me. I love to hear him sing (and he’s not a professional singer) and speak because I can feel God helping him and because he enjoys it so much. I like watching his manual labor (when needed), and the strength he carries about himself. 
To me, he well deserves my admiration.

What are you working on now?
CB: I’m completing the last part of my WWII Spies series, Book 2: A Flute in the Willows. It should be edited and ready to go by December, if all goes well. 


Anything else you’d like to tell us? 
CB: Yes, I hope your readers will check out my newest cozy mystery series: The Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mysteries. The First Book is: Sabotaged Christmas, followed by A Knight in Shining Apron, the second book. 


Check Carole out on social media

Twitter  



Starli Cameron gave up her plans to be a concert pianist to marry the man of her dreams, but he turned out to be a nightmare. When he dies in a car accident, Starli uses the insurance money to build Apple Blossoms, a successful and upscale restaurant. There, threats from someone determined to ruin her life and romantic advances from her new chef force Starli to search her heart and turn to God for real healing.

Sir Joel Peterman-Blair, top notch chef from England, is roped by his uncle into filling in as head Chef at Apple Blossoms. Joel has always laughed and flirted his way through life, but now, he has to prove his sincerity and depth of character to his icy-cold employer. Can his love for God and for this woman rescue her from her own mistrust and bitterness? 

And can they both work together to find the source of threats that seem to be coming from Starli’s past? 



3 comments:

  1. Thanks, Lisa, for hosting me! Enjoyed the questions, and sharing and tweeting.

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  2. Enjoyed the interview with Carole. I am a big fan of hers. I have read and loved all of her books.

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  3. Glad you could visit, Ann! And Carole, you're welcome any time!

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