Sure! I write seaside stories filled with faith, flip flops, and waves of grace. My family and I make our home on California ’s central coast, and I’ve written five novels plus hundreds of published articles on everything from parenting, to team building in the workplace, to Christian surf dudes on a mission.
How did you become interested in writing?
My father wrote magazine articles on the side, including interviews with entertainers such as Fred Astaire and Fred MacMurray. Always loved that! I too became an article writer almost twenty years ago, but I always yearned to create fiction. I wrote two novels that did not sell, but as they say, third time’s a charm, and my debut novel, Chocolate Beach, released in 2007 (re-released with recipes in 2011 as an eBook). By that time, I had a renewed faith in God as well as a redefined focus on the kinds of stories he was leading me to write.
What compelled you to write a book on this subject?
Ever since the inception of the Otter Bay Novels with Sweet Waters, I’ve wanted to set a book with the famed Hearst Castle as its backdrop. So much intrigue and mystery about that real castle on the hill and its eccentric, yet astute owner. Of course, novels are more than their location. So after writing the 2nd of these stand-alone novels, A Shore Thing, even I longed to know what happened next for the big-hearted, single mom from that story. Fade to Blue satisfies that curiosity … J
What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?
Writing this story was much like holding a seashell, constantly turning it over in my hand. Though they’re often tossed into the sea with nary a glance, seashells are intricately beautiful—even when broken. The more I examined the shattered life of Suz—the heroine of Fade to Blue—the more beauty I found. Only the One who restores our souls can make that happen.
Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?
I hope readers get lost in the story and the beautiful setting, that they revel in God’s creation as much as I did while writing it. I also hope they experience the Good Shepherd’s gentle leading (Psalm 23), and fall in the love with the concepts of forgiveness, sacrifice, and grace—as much as they do the breathtaking locale.
What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
Although I’ve been compared to some amazing writers—something that humbles me—I also know that God made each one of us uniquely. I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5. One unique aspect of my books is the focus on God’s creation of the sea and everything in it. My characters have loved dolphins, sea lions, otters—even giant, glowing sea anemones. But they take that admiration a step further by drawing closer to the God who made such beauty.
This story reminds me not to dwell on the past, but to prayerfully, joyfully—and ‘hope’fully—move forward. Such lessons there! Suz Mitchell made mistakes in her past—so have I—yet healing brokenness and restoring souls is God’s business. Praise him for that!
Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?
I have more than one favorite, but this one’s been spinning in my mind again lately: Psalm 19:14 NIV, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
I love to comb the beach, to jog the sand with Charlie the Dog, and take coffee breaks with my husband—so adore that man!
As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that I hope people reading this are encouraged to follow their heart’s desires with the Good Shepherd as their guide. God took all the lows and highs in my life and created something new with them. Although I’d always wanted to write, I had no inkling that I’d be writing beach-themed novels one day. I just kept praying and writing and seeking until an idea popped into my head. I followed that idea, and now find myself talking about my fifth novel filled with ‘waves of grace.’ Be encouraged!
How can my readers find you and your new book on the Internet?
Website: www.juliecarobini.com
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
26 comments:
Good interview. I have read a few of Julie's books and this sounds good. Please add me.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Great interview, I would love to read Julie's book. Thanks for the chance.
Freda from Ontario.
i would love to read julie's latest novel...thanks for the chance :)
karenk...from pa
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I love the cover of Julie's newest book.
I've read three of her books and enjoy her characters. I got attached to Gaby in Truffles by the Sea. I was rooting for her to receive the man that God had for her.
I would love a chance at winning this new book.
Diane Marie
needmorewordscs[at]gmail[dot]com
I love Julie's books! Fade to Blue is a great summer beach read.
Denise, Fallbrook, CA
I forgot to tell you where I live. Since 1981 my home is in the mountains of Colorado Springs. I get to look at Pikes Peak everyday, but I miss, miss, miss being by water. I grew up in Illinois on Lake Michigan and spent everyday in the summer at the beach. I love the sounds of the waves and the smells, even the dead fish smell. :)
Diane Marie Shaw
Would love to win this book.
Mona G./Ohio
Would love a chance to read something set in a beautiful part of my world! Please enter me for the drawing.
Claire Koenig, SF Bay Area
I would love to win a free book.
ANGELA
FROM
kENTUCKY
Hi Everyone, Enjoying the comments. Thank you for stopping by Lena's blog! And thank you too, Lena, for hosting me today.
Please include me
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
It was a good interview. I would love to win "Fade To Blue".
God Bless,
Judy from IN
This sounds like a really great book. It also sounds like an encouraging book. Would enjoy reading it.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I've not had the opportunity to read any of Julie's books and would love to read this one.
Posting from the great state of Georgia!
edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com
I visited Hearst Castle as a child and it has always fascinated me, so I love the setting for Fade to Blue. Julie's books are always wonderful, please include me in the drawing. Thanks!
Merry in TX
Enjoyed the interview and I love the cover of Fade to Blue. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy. I live in Indiana.
Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Oh I'd love to win this book! Looks super good! Thank you!
Kari in Oregon
please enter me
I live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Your statement here "This story reminds me not to dwell on the past, but to prayerfully, joyfully—and ‘hope’fully—move forward. Such lessons there! Suz Mitchell made mistakes in her past—so have I—yet healing brokenness and restoring souls is God’s business. Praise him for that!" tells me that this book would help me through my trials and find the right answer to happiness. Please enter me in the contest to win this book.
Thanks!
Rebecca
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com
this looks good!! please enter me!!
afren07[at]gmail[dot]com from TN
This sounds like a wonderful book....I would love to win it,
Angela C./Ohio
Thanks so much for the chance to win Julie's book. :)
Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert, Arizona
Can't wait to read this follow up story!
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Enter me in contest.
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
Please enter me in the contest for this book, sounds really good.
Thanks, ST/Illinois
I want to read this. Thanks for the interview. I live in S. California.
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