Today, we’re interviewing Carole Brown, an accomplished writer of both children and adult fiction.  Her latest book was released just this week.  So, let’s see what Carole has to tell us.

Jim: Looks like you started out in newspaper. Give us a little phase of your writing career and how did you move to fiction?

Carole: Actually, most of it was while I was in school, although through the years I’ve participated in newspapers and newsletters quite often, as part of my husband’s ministry and for my own career as well.

From a child up I’ve loved books and early on learned that writing was a large part of me. It was easy to navigate toward fiction, entertaining my peers in grade school, dreaming away high school classes writing romantic, drama-filled poetry. When grownup life interfered for a time, I turned to short stories for children and middle-agers. But once I picked up writing seriously I wrote in the adult genre.

Jim:  Tell us a bit about your children’s books. And are you still writing those?

Carole:  I’m not focusing on them right now, although now and then I get a yearning to develop a story or so. Right now, I have too many adult books clamoring for my attention. But I am planning on re-printing the children’s books already written soon. Who knows? I may write one occasionally. J

Jim:  And now you’ve switched to adult fiction. Your debut novel in this area is The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. I’ve read the book and it’s a good bit removed from your children’s books. What prompted this move?

Carole:  When it seemed the time was right to pick up writing as a serious career, I knew I’d be writing adult fiction. The first novel my agent read, she loved and is shopping it still. Hopefully soon it will garner the attention of an editor somewhere!

Jim:  How about giving the readers a little preview of The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman?

Carole:  Here is a very brief blurb 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. This novel was a semifinalist in the Genesis contest and is receiving raving reviews!

Jim:  Sounds like a winner. Of course, I already know it is. What’s next in the adult fiction line?

Carole:  Thanks!

Ÿ  I also have a mystery releasing this fall, introducing the characters Denton and Alex Davies; a fun, lighter book than TRofCH

Ÿ  A second book about Caralynne and Dayne MacFarland.

Ÿ  I have books finished in two separate suspense series: a contemporary set in Montana, and a WWII suspense set in Cincinnati, Ohio

Ÿ  A historical set in the late 1800s I hope to have ready for publication at the end of this year, entitled: Caleb’s Destiny, a light suspense.

Jim:  Tell me a little about the Circle of Pens.

Carole:  I wanted to see if I could find local writers within driving distance of my home. After advertising, several joined, but in a few months, everyone realized that our goals were too different. Two young girls stayed, and I’ve mentored them since. One of them has become a great brainstorming asset to me. Now, I offer mentoring in various degrees to beginning writers both online and in person. Gives me an opportunity to give back to the writing community.

Jim:  Well, based on that, give us your best tip for writers.

Carole:  Oh, that’s easy. It’s my favorite! Never, never quit. If you’re a serious writer, dream big,  work hard.

Jim:  I understand you’ve worked with Native Americans. Will some of that show up in future books?

Carole:  Definitely, and yes, it already has. In my contemporary suspense set in Montana, the protagonist and an older Blackfoot work together to solve a crime. In book two and three, he will feature as her partner again. The book’s called Catch Me If You Can. My agent is shopping it, so hopefully, will get some attention soon.

My husband has Blackfoot in his ancestry blood, so it was a natural to choose that tribe. We’ve also enjoyed working with other tribes as well in our ministry work.

Jim:  And lastly, where can people look for your books, both children’s books and adult books?

Carole:  Ÿ  Release date for The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is October 21, 2013 from the Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, an ACFW approved publisher. The link to order is: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499948/

Ÿ  I will also have a companion book called: West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of Caralynne Hayman, filled with West Virginia tidbits and folklore, sayings and quotes, some facts, a few of Caralynne’s favorite recipes, the history of The Children of Righteous Cain, and some discussion questions. This should be up and ready for order at the same time as the novel.

Ÿ  My editor is scheduling my mystery, Hog Insane (and no, it’s not about pigs!) to be ready for order the last of October or first of November.

Ÿ  After launching these two books, I will concentrate on getting the children’s books sent to my editor

Jim:  Thanks, Carole, for a great interview.  And it sounds like we’ll be hearing (and reading) about you a lot in the future.  You can find out more about Carole by visiting her web site:  http://www.thesuspensezone.com/carole-brown/