Author Thursday with Carole Brown

 Carole is another writer I ‘met’ online when I won her book, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. This was a beautifully written story about a difficult subject. From there, I started following Carole (who name is spelled the same way as my daughter’s). Here’s a little more about her: 

First, she’s giving away a copy of Bat Crazy, print for US addresses and a digital copy for anything else.

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? 🙂

Here are a few questions I asked her:

Patricia: When and why did you begin writing?

Carole: I discovered I loved to write in elementary school. I explored poetry and short stories, but eventually found my way to novels, and haven’t looked back. Once I realized where my true talent and journey lay, I’ve been faithful to learn all I can and work hard to gain what success (God’s definition and my own) I have so far. All praise to him.

Patricia: Have you ever considered Indie publishing? What do you like/not like about it?

Carole: Yes, I not only considered it, but realized I was intrigued with the thought of Indie Publishing. I didn’t jump head-long into it, but read posts, researched, talked to other authors, before I made the leap. Now my leap was not quite so scary since I have a close friend who does most of the work for me as far as the publishing. I do the writing, of course, a little of the formatting and all of the marketing. It’s been a wonderful choice.

Patricia: I have a friend who is talented that way. How do you market your work?

Carole: These are a few of things that have worked for me:

• Facebook groups to announce sales, and ads to get my name “out there.”
• Inexpensive online marketing businesses for special kindle countdowns, etc.
• I do a lot of guest posts and interviews, again, to get my name better known.
• I post some on my own author page.

Patricia: What is the name of your latest book, and how would you summarize it in less than 20 words?

Carole: Bat Crazy, the second book in my Denton and Alex Davies mystery series.

A bit longer than 20 words, but in a short paragraph:

An ancient story, a bit of a map, a lost jewel and even a bat clan serve to provide the Davies and their sidekick, Taffy, the dog, their hardest case so far.

Patricia: How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to hitting send?

Carole: I’m not a super fast novelist, and haven’t written and published any under 50,000 words. Most of my suspense novels tend to be over 70,000 and can go as high as 90,000. Mysteries tend to be lower than that.

I like to give myself at least six months. Pushing harder could be a shorter length of time, but I always want to feel the satisfaction that I’ve done my research, my work and writing to the very best of my ability.

Patricia: I agree with the six months, although I’ve had to write a few in shorter time-frames. Not fun! What genre do you like to write in most?

Carole: No question for me: suspense and/or mystery. I grew up enjoying those genres and naturally accepted it as the genre for me. I do like to throw in secondary plots of romance, and touches of whimsy or comedy.

Patricia: What’s on your TBR Table?

Carole: Right now, I’m looking forward to reading Alice Arentz’ new book called An American Gothic.

Patricia: What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Carole: Never, never quit! Here are a few thoughts:

• Keep writing. Don’t stop. Don’t give up after one book. Keep writing!
• Find what God’s plan is for YOUR writing journey, and stick to that. Doesn’t matter what others do; follow and make your own path. We’re not all alike, so your journey will be unique and perfect for YOU.
• Study hard. Learn the rules and use as many as possible, but know what works for your style of writing and what doesn’t.
• Gain friends by caring. Share posts, tweet for others, promote, encourage, and help as you’re able. Never be afraid of helping others–that it might hinder your own work. Share, share, share.

Patricia: Great advice! Do you have another project in the works? If so, what is it?

Carole: My plans:

• The first novel, entitled: Sabotaged Christmas, in my new series: “The Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries, releases November, 2015
• Then for 2016, plans are for three releases:

1. The second book in my WWII Spies series, titled: A Flute in the Willows.
2. The second book in my new series, The Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries will release sometime in late summer of 2016. It’s called: A Knight in Shining Apron.
3. Last, but not least J, the third book in my Denton and Alex Davies mystery series, called Daffy’s Duck will release late fall of 2016.

As you can see, I’m going to be busy!

Patricia: Yes, you are going to be very busy! How can people contact you?

Carole: My blog is: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

• Wednesdays and/or Fridays: I publish tidbits of my life, book news, thoughts about writing and occasional posts on items that interest. I also promote other authors, by invitation, in interviews, guest posts and/or promotional type material.
• On Sundays, I publish a light devotional, peaceful type of post.
• Mondays, I offer thanks with lists of items that mean much to me.

I would love to invite everyone to follow my blog and any other online avenue you’d like to. I love making new friends and would love to have all of you check out my books on Amazon.

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Google+ page: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

You can also connect with me on these social sites:

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=67381031

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

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

You are one busy writer!  Carole has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of Bat Crazy.

Back Cover Blurb for Bat Crazy

Red-eyed Monster Bats that attack humans?

Denton doesn’t think so and Alex hopes not, but who are they to quibble with the local gossip?

Transmission problems and a blown tire land Denton and Alex Davies right in the middle of a dilapidated, unfriendly town that’s welcoming no strangers, least of all nosy ones with a bent toward solving mysteries.

But with support from the town detective–an admirer of the Davies–and their own tenacious personalities, Denton and Alex aren’t easily scared off. Not when warnings in the form of painted bats show up on the porch of their rented cabin, not when the mayor threatens to run them out of town and not even when Denton finds the bones . . .

An ancient story, a bit of a map, a lost jewel and even a bat clan serve to provide the Davies and their sidekick, Taffy, the dog, their hardest case so far.

Available on Amazon and other online stores.

a Rafflecopter giveaway