I’m so excited right now, I
can barely speak…or should I say type? I have a treat for y’all. We have
Carlene Havel right here on the Diamond Mine! She’s even giving away $$$! Well,
a $10.00 Amazon gift card…same thing, right? Are you ready? I am…let’s get this
show on the Road.
Renee: Hey, Carlene,
welcome to the Diamond Mine. Everybody’s on the edge of their seat so I guess, we
should get right on with the interview.
Carlene: Fine with me…let’s
go.
Renee: Is writing easy or
hard for you? How about editing?
Carlene: Some of each. I
am easily sidetracked until I get started writing, but once the fingers are on
the keyboard the words flow. The first half of a book rips along at top speed.
Then, somewhere between 50 and 60% into the story, I slow down because I start
to despise it. The plot seems trite, the characters unbelievable, the whole
thing a stupid, hateful mess no one in their right mind would ever read. I give
it a few days of rest, plow through a few more chapters, and start to think the
book may be all right after all. Toward the end, I get excited again,
recovering from those gut-wrenching insecurities. Strange as it may seem, this
pattern has repeated with each book I’ve written. Editing comes naturally. If
there’s a typo on a page, my eyes fly to that spot instantly—provided I’m
reading something I didn’t write myself. Someone else has to edit my work. I
simply cannot spot my own errors. This probably says something I’d rather not
admit about myself!
Renee: LOL My husband has
a shirt that says, “I may have my faults but being wrong isn’t one of them.”
Maybe I should send you one. But then again, you do let others edit your work! Do
you have a particular “way” you write or do you just “wing” it?
Carlene: First, I write
out a brief outline on paper, nursing the delusion my story will unfold
accordingly. Then I do some preliminary work, which includes a short sketch of
the main characters, a time line of major events, and the physical layout of
any important building or home. After a few chapters I have a better idea, abandon
the outline and fly by the seat of my pants from there on. Makes me wonder why
I bother with the outline in the first place.
Renee: For the good
scratch paper later on? If anything, I could see how it you’re your brain
going. Kind of like my character sketches do for me. But what do like the most
about your job and why? Dislike?
Carlene: Funny, I never
think of writing as a job. For me, it is a pleasure. I’ve always loved word
games, puns, crossword puzzles, and words themselves. There is something
immensely satisfying about conveying emotions, describing people, and building books
from words. I enjoy creating a story that makes a reader laugh, or cry, or
both. The most frustrating result of this love affair is to sense the need for
the “perfect” word, feel certain it exists, and be unable to think of it. I’ll
give it a day or so before calling on one of the fellow word lovers among my
friends for help.
Renee:
Writing is a joy for me as well. But if I don’t treat it as a job, I’d do it
ALL the time. I’ve had to learn time management. Back to writing, what’s
special or unique about your book?
Carlene:
My latest release is dedicated to my father, who passed away this summer after
a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Henry Youngblood, the hero of “Baxter Road Miracle,” is a man of great faith, who expects and receives miraculous help
from God to plant a church. My dad, of course, was the model for Rev. Youngblood.
Renee: I’m so sorry,
Carlene. Both for your loss and his struggle. It's awesome that you modeled and dedicated Baxter Road to him though. Life can be difficult. What would you do if you couldn’t write anymore?
Carlene: After giving up
the piano because of an uncooperative finger, I learned the importance of adjusting
to a new normal in such situations. If I could no longer write, I’d mourn for a
while then fire up my kindle and read a bushel of books. Then I’d crochet, sew,
maybe study a new language.
Renee: But not give up. That’s
why I admire writers. They are a special breed and know how to persevere. Let
me see, what should I ask for this last question? I know…if you could spend a
week anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Carlene: Interesting
question! I would choose Paris, for its
romance, elegant architecture, fascinating people and fabulous food. Now that’s for a week’s visit. I can’t imagine making my permanent home
anywhere other than Texas.
Renee:
Of course you wouldn’t! You’re a true Texan gal. Thanks for stopping by the
Diamond Mine, Carlene. It’s been a pleasure.
$10 Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY
 |
| Amazon $10 Gift Card |
Carlene’s
giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one person this week. How do you enter?
It’s rather simple. We all have a favorite...something…color, dessert? Take a
guess as to one of Carlene Havel’s favorites and you’re entered in the drawing!
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without it.
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About the Author, Carlene Havel:
Carlene Havel writes
Christian-themed romances and historical novels. She has lived in Turkey,
Republic of the Philippines, and numerous US states. After a career in human
resources and software development, she began writing in 2005. The Havels live
in Texas, surrounded by their extended family.
Links:
“Baxter Road Miracle” on
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Baxter-Road-Miracle-Carlene-Havel-ebook/dp/B00RUHHETQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorcarlene
About the Book, "Baxter Road Miracle":
Henry Youngblood is
determined to plant a new church in Buffalo Creek, despite seemingly insurmountable
obstacles. Meanwhile, his pregnant wife worries about paying the bills. One
daughter dreams of a college education she cannot afford, and the other wants
nothing more than popularity. It will take a miracle for the Youngblood
family’s dreams to come true.
