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Sunday, April 27, 2008

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.

26 comments:

  1. I really appreciate these interviews because I learn so much! I love seacoast settings, and look forward to the release of Julie's current work in progress.

    "Truffles by the Sea" sounds like a delightful read, and I appreciate the opportunity to win a copy.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  2. I've heard alot about this one, sounds great!

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  3. great interview and fascinating book. I'd enjoy reading it. And thanks for the comment on Britney Spears. Sometimes we throw bricks when we ought to share some love.

    sumballo [at] blogspot [dot] com

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  4. Happy Sunday! I like the idea that this author likes to put humor in her books! Life is hard enough. Reading should be an escape! Please enter me n your book drawing. I appreciate it.
    Many thanks,Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  5. I would love to win this book! Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

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  6. Cute title-- sounds like a good book.

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  7. This book sounds YUMMY!

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  8. Hi Everybody! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and visit. I'm enjoying your comments!

    Sweet grace,
    Julie C.

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  9. Oh, this sounds like a wonderful book. I'd love to win. I always love to read your interviews.

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  10. I've been waiting for this one to come out, I really enjoyed the first one.

    jarduini(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  11. Yummy, what an attractive title and cover pic. Best wishes on your book Julie!!!

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  12. Great interview, and I would LOVE to win this book! Thanks for offering it :-)

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  13. If I win the book, please draw again . I already bought my copy at Mount Hermon and had Julie sign it. She is one of the most gracious people I've met. Her book is a real keeper. For you people who don't win the drawing, I'd suggest you buy your copy now. The inside was just as delicious as ehe cover!!!
    Donald James Parker

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  14. This was a great interview. I would love to be entered into the contest to win this book.

    Thanks again,
    Ronel

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  15. WOW! My favorite things - chocolate and the beach and since I live in Florida--this would be the perfect book to take along to read while I am lying under my umbrella. I loved the interview--she liked her suggestions to writers. Thanks for an opportunity to win this book!

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  16. I would love to read this novel. Julie this was a great interview. A little daunting about all the time needed "getting the word out" but if you can go to the beach ever yonce in a while thats great. Please enter me in the drawing. runninmama[at]sbcglobal]dot]net

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  17. I'd love a chance to win this book. Please include me. Thanks.

    btmoody(at)charter(dot)net

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  18. Anonymous8:30 PM

    this book sounds so yummy!
    great interview, thanks for sharing :)

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  19. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks!

    ckbarker[at]gmail[dot]com

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  20. I would love to read this book, please enter me, thanks!

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  21. It sounds like a great story
    mce1011[at]aol[dot]com

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  22. Great interview! Would love to win this book.

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  23. This is one that I haven't read, but would like to. Please put my name in the hat.

    MJ
    cherryblossommj (at) gmail (dot) com

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  24. I visit Julie's blog quite often.
    Her books sound so fun. Please enter me in the drawing.

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  25. Anonymous7:23 PM

    You had me at truffles

    dolls123[at]gmail[dot]com

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