PLEASE WELCOME CAROLE BROWN TO THE SUSPENSE SISTERS
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/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
I also am part of several
other blogs:
Geezers Guys and Gals: http://geezerguysandgals.blogspot.com/
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/
Carole has graciously agreed to answer a few questions for us and she's even sharing the first page of her story!
Carol, welcome to Suspense
Sisters! We’re so glad you could stop by and visit with us a bit.
Can you tell us a little
about yourself?
I live in
Southeast Ohio with Dan, my husband, and an array of animals. We are the
parents of two sons--one of whom is married, and have three adorable
grandsons--two adopted and one birth. I’m always on the lookout for catchy
titles and suspenseful plots. Along with my adult novels, I’ve written five
children’s books--Racy, the Rabbit--dealing with character traits, I’ve also
won two awards for a couple different poems.
We’ve
traveled extensively throughout the United States ministering and counseling
and have particularly enjoyed the western states where we’ve labored with the
Native Americans. I love gathering information in different states to use as
folder my writing. We continue to enjoy traveling, our grandsons, the country
life and city lights, gardens, and good food, and did I mention our grandsons?
What was your journey to
publication like?
I’ve written all my life, but was so busy with other
ministries it was several years before I got back into writing fiction
seriously. When I did I quickly learned how much I needed to re-learn, but put
in time studying, gathering critique partners, attending classes and conferences,
gaining an agent, and finally a publisher! Time-consuming and hard work, but
very much worth it all!
When did you first know you
wanted to be a writer? Who or what
inspired you?
The first time I remember writing anything significantly was
in the sixth grade when we were required to write a week-long journal of a cave
family. Loved doing that, and wish I still had it. I’d probably not share it,
but it would be nice to see how far I’ve come. :)
I can’t say any particular person inspired me. I’ve always known
I was to write. It was just finding the right time. My husband, sons, and close friends have encouraged me so
much to keep on. And without God’s help I wouldn’t be here today.
How long did you write before
you were published?
Once I got back into writing fiction seriously, it was a few
years. Five? Six? Enough time to complete several novels.
Where did you get the inspiration for your newest release?
It was my husband’s idea. We like to keep up on current
events, and the cult group in Texas awhile back caught our attention, we began
a “what if” session, and the plot exploded from there.
Looking back, which scene was
your favorite?
In this current book? Hmmm. I enjoyed
writing the first three chapers, but probably my favorite is the last chapter.
I loved writing the courtroom scene (with some help from one of my critique
partners who also is an attorney) and the very last part when a spark of faith
blooms within Caralynne’s heart.
Which scene was the hardest
to write?
Not sure if there was a “hardest” one.
The only times it’s hard to write is when I get writing block. I know then it’s
time to brainstorm with friends or my husband. Once I’m past there, I’m good to
go again. :)
If The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman
was turned into a movie, which actors do you think would best
portray what you imagined for your main characters? Can you describe a few main
physical features that they have?
This is always a toughie for me, because
unlike most writers, I seldom can picture my characters as any actor. Sometimes
some traits are similar; but the faces and their lives get in the way.
Do you have any other books
in the making? Can you give us a sneak peak of what it’s going to be about?
I’ve already been encouraged to do two
more books, but I’m not sure about that! J
The second book
(unnamed yet) after The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman begins with a
kidnapping. Elder Simmons, the antagonist, will not let go. He is determined to
wreck vengence upon the MacFarlands, even if he has to do it from prison.
Cara and Dayne, now
happily married, go through trials that will shatter their self-complacency and
test their love. Dayne will be lied about and like Joseph in the Bible must
hold steady for God’s timing. Cara has suffered hurts and abuse from her former
marriage. With Dayne she thought everything would be smooth sailing. But when
the lies surface, can she trust him, does she love him enough to stay strong
for his sake? Will her mustard seed faith grow or be uprooted?
I’m always working on
several novels at a time. I have several new ones, one of which my agent is
beginning to shop, set in Montana about an inexperienced detective who’s out to
solve the mystery of her older brother’s murder. In the meantime she has to
find the psychopath who’s out to destroy Jamieson’s Outfitters.
I’m working on the
second book of a suspense series set in the WWII era, a historical, and several
other “second” books in series I’ve begun.
A writer never runs
out of ideas!
Do you like to read as much
as you like to write? Who is your
favorite author?
I
don’t have any specific favorite writer. I love so many secular and
inspirational writers. This past year I parted with many books, but I’ve
learned that some books are keepers--those which are particularly enjoyable and
have made an impact on me, and those of friends whose books I’ve received or
purchased. I love seeing rows of books from classics to childhood to friends,
fiction and non-fiction, lining my shelves. J
What are two things that
people wouldn't normally know about you as a writer and or person?
* I work best when home alone (not at a
eating/coffee place). Too many people to watch to concentrate on writing.
* I love a man’s ability to play a sax or
piano more than a woman. I don’t know why; just appreciate their touch, I think,
more than a woman’s.
Anything else about writing,
yourself, or your books you’d like to add? Where can readers find out more
about your books?
The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is
about a cult, abuse, revenge and redemption. It’s about Hope Shining Through
the Darkness. Release date is September 30, but it’s ON SALE RIGHT NOW (print)
here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499948/
I also have a mystery coming out in
October called, Hog Insane, and no, it’s not about pigs. Denton and Alex
Davies, retirees, and their dog, Taffy, are traveling several months a year.
When they venture to Tennessee they are on the lookout for their minister and
his wife’s nephew, to pass on a message. Instead they find his body.
What question would you like
to ask your readers?
Would you rather laugh throughout a book
or be stirred to action? (nothing wrong with either!)
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. Release date is September 30,
2013 from the Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, an ACFW approved
publisher. The preorder link for the book which is on SALE NOW is: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499948/
THE FIRST PAGE
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.
I enjoyed this interview with Carole and look forward to the release of THE REDEMPTION OF CARALYNNE HAYMAN!
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