Author Julie Carobini - TRUFFLES BY THE SEA - Free Book

I can't think of anything better than two of my favorite things together--chocolate and a large body of salt water with a nice beach. That's why Julie Carobini's books caught my attention.

Welcome, Julie. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

Life is tough, so I like to write books that incorporate aspects of humor and faith into trials. Frankly, this is how God has worked in my life.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Marrying my husband Dan because that set the stage for many other happy days, like giving birth to my kids—and my books :-)

How has being published changed your life?

Finally seeing my books in print is a dream come true, but I have found that there’s less time to write because of all the marketing that is required—ha! Yet ‘getting the word out’ is important so that readers can find my books, so I’m learning ways to balance it all. Sometimes, though, I just chuck the work and go to the beach ;)

What are you reading right now?

Jane Austen’s Emma.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on the story of a woman’s quest to honor her father’s memory by talking her sisters into moving back to their small, coastal hometown. Once there, she uncovers secrets that destroy the fairy tale life she believed they all had once lived.

Sounds interesting. What would be your dream vacation?

I long to relax on a sunny beach in a swimsuit that’s kind to me, hee-hee! Seriously, I’m not someone who likes to fill every minute of vacation with stuff to do. Instead, I’d love to wander and linger and not have to set foot in a kitchen.

My kind of vacation, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I set my books in coastal areas as a way to point readers to God’s infinite creativity. I also choose places that have quirky, interesting qualities, so that the setting is almost a character in itself.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Wow, what a fun question! I’d probably hang out with Brittany Spears and tell her about Jesus.

Interesting that you should say that. I've prayed for her salvation and for Paris Hilton's for years. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

With three kiddos and a career, there’s not a whole lot of extra time for hobbies, however, in spring and summer, my husband and I love to kayak in local waters. And my teen daughter and I regularly watch chick-flicks together—bonding time, you know.

I often take my daughter and granddaughters to chick clicks. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Focus. My mind works fast—too fast sometimes, and I’ve got to work hard to rein it in and finish the task at hand. I give myself treats, like a dog, to stay motivated (although my treat of choice is a hunk of chocolate as opposed to a bone ;).

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Surrender the career stuff to God through prayer, and learn the craft because strong writing draws interest. Some ways to do this: take an editing or journalism class at your local college (I did this as a refresher and learned a ton), attend writing conferences and practice what you’re taught, and study books on craft, such as Jim Bell’s Plot and Structure.

Now, Julie, tell us about the featured book.

Sure! Truffles by the Sea is the story of Gaby Flores, a gal with a penchant for disaster. After breaking off another relationship, watching her apartment building burn to the ground, and discovering that her dippy delivery guy has run off with most of her business, our heroine decides it’s time to turn things around.

So she moves to a tiny waterfront loft and takes on a new motto: “Be gullible no more!” But when legal troubles and quirky neighbors and two surprising romances enter her beachy world, Gaby’s motto and fledgling faith are put to the test.

And, of course, there are the truffles…

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Thanks so much for having me here today Lena! Readers, for more info please stop by my website at www.juliecarobini.com or blog, where I occasionally give away chocolates ;): www.juliecarobini.blogspot.com

Thank you, Julie, we'll all have to check out your web site and blog. Who wouldn't want to win chocolate.

Readers, want to win a free copy of Truffles by the Sea? Leave a comment.