There’s always something of myself in each of my characters,
even the ones that are completely dissimilar to me. I find it’s easier to
relate to them if I give them some of my own quirks or background. For example,
Melody in Brunch at Bittersweet Café
graduated high school at sixteen, just as I did. In my recent release, The
Solid Grounds Coffee Company, Ana is the same personality and Enneagram
type I am, though I’m not quite as type A as she is.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I don’t think of myself as particularly quirky, though it
may surprise people to know that while my books are all about modern career
women, I love many old-fashioned arts: I’m an avid knitter and crocheter, and I
can cross-stitch and do blackwork embroidery. Years ago, I used to make
historically accurate costumes, but I no longer find sewing relaxing so I only
do it when I have to.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I’ve wanted to write for as long as I can remember. I spent
all my free time as a kid writing short stories—when I wasn’t reading, that is.
I knew that someday I would publish a book; I just didn’t expect it to take
until I was 35!
It took me until I
was 40. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read very widely, both in Christian fiction and general
market. I love romance, women’s fiction, literary fiction, fantasy, science
fiction, suspense, memoir, you name it. The only thing I won’t read is horror.
I’ve never really had the stomach for it.
I don’t read horror
either, even the Christian horror books. How do you keep your sanity in our
run, run, run world?
It’s an ongoing process, for sure, because I can easily get
caught up in the need to do more all the time. It’s helped to block out my
time: I only work on publishing-related tasks while my kids are at school. When
they’re home, it’s family time. And I make sure to schedule myself time every
day for reading, prayer, and exercise. Having boundaries helps me ensure I’m
not getting too caught up in one thing or another.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Usually, they just come to me. I’m very “auditory”—what they
sound like is important. Once I’ve come up with potential names, I then check them
against my favorite naming tool, The
Secret Universe of Names. It’s about naming convention based on language
theory and lists personalities according to sounds contained in the name. Every
time a name hasn’t quite worked for me, I’ve checked the book and found that
the stated personality was not right for the character. Now I just go there
first.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Personally, my proudest accomplishment is raising two boys
who are turning into Christlike young men. Professionally, I’m fairly pleased
with having published twelve books in seven years.
What is your favorite
food?
Indian butter chicken. I order it any time it’s on the menu
at an Indian restaurant and make it at least once a month at home.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
It’s not necessarily related to writing itself, but rather
the business of writing. I have the tendency to overextend myself and then get
stressed out, so in the last seven years, I’ve learned to differentiate between
the “must dos” and the “nice to dos.” Once all the “must dos” are finished, I
can move on to the other stuff, but otherwise I have to let it go. Let’s just
say I’m a work in progress on this count.
Tell us about the
featured book.
The Solid Grounds Coffee Company is the third book in my Supper
Club series, featuring characters we’ve seen in the first two books: crisis
publicist Analyn Sanchez and professional climber Bryan Shaw. As the book opens,
they both experience devastating professional setbacks: Bryan loses his sponsorships because of a
poor decision, and Ana gets put on leave when she refuses to compromise her
morals for a client. When Bryan buys a coffee
farm in Colombia with the
intention of starting a roasting business in Colorado , Ana and her marketing savvy are
his only hopes for success. Despite their wildly different personalities and
approaches to life, romance blossoms in the process, as does a deeper
understanding of who they are in Christ.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
You can always find me at my website, on Facebook, or on Instagram.
Subscribers to my mailing list also receive a free romance novella. I
love to hear from readers, so please get in touch!
Thank you, Carla, for
sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here are links to the book.
THE SOLID GROUNDS COFFEE COMPANY - Christianbook.com PaperbackThe Solid Grounds Coffee Company (The Saturday Night Supper Club) Amazon.com Paperback
The Solid Grounds Coffee Company (The Saturday Night Supper Club) Kindle
The Solid Grounds Coffee Company - Audio book
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
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pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on
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10 comments:
Thanks for the lovely interview, Lena and Carla! I enjoyed reading it. Thanks, also, for the chance to win a copy of this book! It sounds wonderful!
Winnie T. from Utah
I love her books and am anxious to read this one! Thanks for your giveaway.
Jackie S. in GA
Great review! I like learning about Carla's character naming process and how she shares a trait with each character. Thanks for the giveaway!
Chanel M. In PA
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and am looking forward to reading Ana's story. Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win The Solid Grounds Coffee Company.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the interview. Blessings from WV.
This looks good. And I love coffee! 😁
Abigail in VA
Thanks for your enthusiasm, friends! I'm looking forward to sharing the book with you. Good luck in the giveaway!
Sounds like a fun read!
Caryl K in TEXAS
I loved The Saturday Night Supper Club and look forward to reading this one! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Pam G. in Ohio
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
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