Pull up a chair by the fire, grab yourself a big ol' cup of hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream, and get comfy. I am excited to introduce to you my friend and author, Anne Carol.
Anne Carol grew up reading, writing, and listening to English rock bands, obsessing over one in particular. Her obsession and endless daydreaming inspired her to write her first romance novel at age twelve. Over twenty years later she decided to re-write the story for publication. Never Let Go is the first book in her edgy inspirational series, Faithfully Yours, and is a story that has been a part of Anne since childhood. Anne lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.
So let's give a warm welcome.
CC: Hello, Carol!! I am so happy you were able to join us on the Diamond Mine. So tell us, what are you reading right now?
AC: I'm currently reading several books now! On my Kindle, I have Above the Fold by Rachel McDaniel, a historical romance set in the 1920s, and Her Cowboy Till Christmas, a Love Inspired romance by Jill Kemerer. On Audible, I’m listening to The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen, a Regency romance. In paperback, Adorning the Dark by musician-author Andrew Petersen. It’s a nonfiction book for Christians in the creative arts. Very good!
CC: Oh, I've read The Girl in the Gatehouse, very good, and I'm looking forward to picking up the others.
When you're not reading or writing, what do you like to do?
AC: I love networking on Facebook with writing pals from all over the country! I also enjoy watching Hallmark movies, having coffee with friends, wine tasting with my husband, getting together with our extended family, seeing live music shows, cooking/baking, and traveling.
CC: I am so glad for Facebook and our ability to stay connected, that's for sure. I love seeing all your activities and watching your boys grow. Bittersweet I know.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
AC: It varies. Right now, Hebrews 12:1-2a: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (NIV)
I feel like I've been battling negative emotions daily--insecurity, envy, comparison, pride--you name it, I've felt it! I keep telling myself I need to fix my eyes on what matters eternally, not on what the world values. If There's anything I can press into my kids' minds before they leave for college, it's the truth.
CC: Boy to I feel you, Anne. Those negative emotions are so difficult to overcome, but praise the Lord we have a savior we can fix our eyes on and continue running despite the emotions.
But running with your eyes on Jesus in your writing life wasn't always foremost in your mind. It's only been recently that you moved from "mainstream" romance to Christian romance. Can you tell us a little bit about what happened to change your direction?
AC: My husband and I were in a car accident about week before my second novel released. We weren’t seriously injured, but a woman in the other car that was hit passed away four days later. The accident itself, plus her death and what followed (testifying against the drunk driver in court), put my emotions into a tailspin. Add to that my second book didn’t seem to get the reaction of my first book, and I fell into depression. I decided to read some Christian fiction, and my eyes were opened. My soul just filled with peace, and I knew I had to adjust my writing to reflect my faith. I wanted to give others that sense of hope, while still giving them an emotional love story.
CC: What has God taught you along your publication journey?
AC: To trust and obey. Meaning, to trust that He has the best plan for my writing. Things work better when I follow His lead (that’s where obedience comes in).
CC: Such a simple yet hard lesson. We know it, but to follow through can be one of the most difficult things to do.
What does literary success look like to you?
AC: When my readers close my books with a smile and a sense of hope. (And want more!)
CC: I don't think that will be a problem once they get their hands on your books.
In fact, why don't you tell us a little about this series...
AC: I’m writing a four-book series about one couple, Beth and David. In the first book, they meet as teens when Beth (who’s from California) spends the summer in London, where David is an aspiring musician. The series chronicles their love story from young love (complicated by long-distance) to early marriage (when David becomes a full-fledged rock star) to starting a family, with all the challenges that entails, while managing the rock star life. The fourth book is currently in production, and it will continue exploring how Beth and David uphold marriage and family while pursuing their dreams. The series also includes themes of addiction and finding faith.
CC: When is your fourth book coming out?
AC: I plan to release Never Give Up (Faithfully Yours #4) next summer, fall at the latest. I’m trying to engage more with the reader community, so I’ve revamped my book group. The Green Room: Anne Carol’s Hangout is open for anyone who’d like to join! The name of the group reflects what I write about: musicians. We chat about books, music, and life! And I have special previews and giveaways just for members.
CC: I love the fact your group is called the Green Room, it's just so appropriate and it's a great place to keep up-to-date with your progress.
What is the hardest part about this writing journey for you? How can we support you?
AC: Transitioning has been a long, sometimes discouraging process. It’s taken me a while to figure out where I belong. Connecting with more seasoned writers who can mentor me has been a bust. God has brought some wonderful writing friends into my life, and I’m so grateful for them. But I could really use critique partners and a mentor.
CC: We will definitely be praying for those to come along. And we are so thankful you stopped by to let us get to know you better.
Readers, if you'd like to connect with Anne, check out her social media links below. Interested in winning a copy of the first book in her series? Comment with your favorite music band and your email. If we have five different commenters, then we'll pick a random winner!
Anne's Social Media
Website: https://annecarolauthor.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/annecarolauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneCarolAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annecarolauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorannecarol/
Amazon Page: https://amzn.to/2x30NHq
Newsletter Sign-up: https://wordpress.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c6c03f56e0230ca2e77e415eb&id=63056d0705
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/323139685086685/
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