Interview with Rock Star Romance Author, Anne Carol and a Giveaway

Hello, friend! 

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/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/annecarolauthor?si=2CpMJ5HSRW-LyTntS49ZKQ

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/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anne-carol

Interview with Anne Carol, Author of the Faithfully Yours Series

Hi guys! V. Joy Palmer here! Since we are all friends here, you guys can call me Joy. ; ) And since we are all friends, one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends, family, the teens I mentor, and everyone else at coffee shops/bookstores. Books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination, after all. So, consider this our virtual coffee shop. I’ll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with today’s guest. ;-)

We are chatting with Anne Carol, author of the Faithfull Yours Series!!! I'm super excited, so I'm going to stop babbling so we can finally talk!

 

Anne Carol grew up reading, writing, and listening to English rock bands, obsessing over one in particular. Continuing her fascination with musicians, she married a bass player, with whom she has two sons, both blessed with the music gene. Besides reading, writing, and music, Anne also loves traveling, visiting with friends, watching Netflix, and daydreaming on Pinterest. A native of Northern California, she occasionally indulges in good red wine and a square of dark chocolate.

 

Connect with Anne ~ Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Interview ~

First things first, would you order coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in our virtual coffee shop? Something else altogether? This is possibly the most important question…

 

Coffee, with a little half and half. I’m trying to stay away from sugary Starbucks coffees, but I do treat myself to a Peppermint Mocha during the holidays. In 2018, I need to work on cutting caffeine, so herbal tea will be my new friend.

 

I love Peppermint Mochas! I would pound those all year if I could. Haha! On to our second most important question: if you could order anything in the world to eat, what would it be?

 

(Assuming I’m not gluten-free or watching my carbs), I’d go for a big plate of creamy Fettucine Alfredo, along with a Caesar salad and a piece of parmesan-garlic bread. For dessert, a slice of cheesecake. Yum!

 

*dabs drool from chin* We should be lunch buddies. :-) Where is your favorite place to write? And why is that your favorite place?

 

Twelve years ago we added on to the back of our house, creating a family/TV room. That left the front room to become a peaceful area in front of the fireplace. The couch in that room is my “office”- at least until I can get my real office organized and set up! But I love this space because my husband and boys leave it alone, except for when they practice their instruments. I’ve stocked the coffee table with writing reference books, notebooks, reading glasses, and coasters for my water and coffee/tea.

 

That sounds so beautiful!! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. ;-)

 

Sometimes I get ideas for scenes or plots at random moments, either for my current project or a future project. That’s when I want to rush to the nearest pad of paper so I can jot them down. Another quirk I have is listening to the same three John Barry music scores while writing. I have a playlist which includes scores for “Somewhere in Time”, “The Scarlett Letter”, and “My Life.” I’ve also been known to make a playlist for each of my books. I’ll listen to these around the house while doing chores; it helps me think about my stories while doing mundane tasks.

 

I love the idea of making a playlist for your books, but I’ve never done it. *hangs head* What inspired you to write the Faithfully Yours Series?

 

I began reading young adult and teen romance novels around the time I had a mad crush on a member of the popular British band, Duran Duran, in the mid-1980s. Like many pre-teens and teens of that era, I fantasized about being swept off my feet by my favorite band member. So at the age of 11 ½, I started writing a story about a California girl who spends a summer in England and falls in love with an aspiring guitar player. I remember entertaining my close friends with the story, but I never did anything more with it. During high school, I sort of pushed my writing aside, though to this day I’m not sure why. Then one summer while I was home from college, I buried myself in this same story again. It was therapeutic after going through my first breakup. Fast forward fifteen years, the story resurfaced in my mind after I read the “Twilight” series. This time I decided to publish it. It was never going to leave me, so why not?

 

I love reading stories that have been with the author for years! There’s something so beautiful about them. What led you to write in this genre?

 

I self-published the first two books of the series in the general market. At the time, I was mostly reading mainstream romance novels and didn’t know much about the clean or inspirational romance markets. After I published my second book, I went through a dry spell. I lost the passion to write, and then I discovered Christian fiction. The more I read, the more I thought, “This is how I should be writing.” As a lifelong Christian, it just made sense. That was early 2016. Since then, I’ve done a lot of soul searching, reading Christian and clean fiction, studying Scripture (I joined Bible Study Fellowship in 2016), and getting to know other Christian writers. My motivation for writing has completely changed, and I finally feel like I’m following God’s plan.

 

That is so cool! I love how God faithfully led you to His plan. <3 What message do you hope to convey to your readers?

 

My current series, Faithfully Yours, takes the reader on a journey from the beginning of a romance, when the characters are teenagers, through the development and maturing of the relationship as adults. I want to show the messiness of young love and (eventually) marriage, and how a couple strives to hold it together, even during the dark times. Their faith gradually becomes stronger, and they learn how to become “one” with each other, with God by their side. 

 

Okay, I’m seriously loving this story concept! <3 It’s so hard to find stories with that kind of journey. Can you tell us a little about your next release?

 

I’m finishing up the third installment of the Faithfully Your series, Never Change. This is the continuing story of Beth and David, an American girl and her rock musician husband, who is now touring with his band, Vinyl Fog. It’s set in 1983-1984, in London and California. In this installment, they deal with some issues which began in the second book, Never Fall. They also embark on a new adventure and must learn to juggle additional responsibilities.

 

I also plan to change my first two books, Never Let Go and Never Fall, to fit into the clean general market. All three books will have faith weaved throughout the stories. New editions of #1 and #2 will be published prior to the release of Never Change. After the holidays, I plan to nail down a release date, but I’m aiming for April or May.

 

Yay! Sounds wonderful! I will be frantically checking for updates in April and May. :-) What is your favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you on a soul level?

 

My overall favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It’s a great verse to live by when you feel insecure about life and what’s up ahead.

 

But this year, Romans 8:28 seems to be my verse. Earlier this year, I read this verse in a devotional, and it felt like God was speaking directly to me. And then I kept seeing this verse everywhere, and now we’re actually studying Romans in BSF. It reads, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Two years ago when I stalled out on my writing, I know God was calling me to change my motivation for writing as well as the content of my books. It wasn’t easy, but I’ve been obedient to that call. However, I often struggle over the past and wish I’d done things differently to begin with. But I can’t change that. This verse reassures me that God will take my winding path and use it for a good purpose, as long as I follow His lead. It’s so comforting to know this!

 

Yes, yes, yes! All the hearts! God is awesome! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds – mine – want to know. :-)

 

I typically read four books concurrently: one audiobook, one Kindle, one paperback, and one nonfiction book. Right now, I’m reading The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen, The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon, Cowboy Lawman’s Christmas Reunion by Louise M. Gouge, and The Happiness Dare by Jennifer Dukes Lee.    

 

I should stop asking this question. My TBR pile always grows. Haha!

 

Thank you so much for answering all of my prying questions, Anne! I had a blast hanging out with you today!

 

You can check out the Faithfully Yours Series below, as well as the cover reveal for Book Three, Never Change!

 

Deep breath. In. Out. In. Out. Here we go! ;-) *squeals*

 The Faithfully Yours Series ~

Is it possible to find your soul mate on the other side of the world?

 

Beth Johnson is an ambitious high school senior from suburban California with a secret passion for writing. David Somers is a charming young Englishman who wants nothing more than to play guitar in his up-and-coming rock band. Though worlds apart, when fate brings Beth and David together in London in the summer of 1979, sparks fly. After Beth receives upsetting news from home, she finds herself drawn to David’s warm character, and an all-consuming love develops. Theirs is the kind of love one never forgets, and as Beth’s stay in London nears the end, the young devoted couple must face the inevitable question: will their romance fade with the passing of summer or will they realize their promise of never letting go?

“Your fairy tale is about to begin.”

Beth and David’s whirlwind romance has survived a year of long-distance dating—dodging exes, dealing with jealousy, and syncing future goals. Eager to move into the next chapter of their lives together, Beth leaves California after graduation to follow her heart, joining David in his native London.

While Beth keeps busy with her university courses, David focuses on building his music career—recording and touring with his band, Vinyl Fog. They’re young and in love with the world at their feet.

Life seems perfect.

But it doesn’t take long before a series of unforeseen events challenges them like never before. How will Beth and David cope with one battle after another, and ultimately hold each other up while life keeps trying to knock them down?

Falling in love was easy.
Surviving love is the challenge.

 

Two souls becoming one…

 

The marriage of David and Beth Somers has survived many challenges in its first three years. The London guitarist, still faithfully devoted to his wife, has a new dream which pushes him to remain strong as he recovers from drug and alcohol addiction.

Ready to take on a new adventure, Beth and David discover they still have a lot to learn about marriage. Through many ups and downs, the young couple realizes it takes more than love to make a relationship thrive.

It takes commitment.

When Beth and David are gifted with a new blessing, they feel rewarded for all the heartache and tragedy of the past few years. Life on the road with Vinyl Fog, David’s band, becomes a three-ring circus, yet the changes are embraced by all.

But just as things are going well, an illness hits a loved one, forcing Beth to leave the tour and move in with her parents. Temptations surround David, now that his wife is away. Meanwhile, Beth turns bitter as she questions David’s commitment to his family. Will their marriage survive this separation, or will their souls remain one, even as life changes around them?

I don't know about you guys, but I'm definitely going to check out this series! And can I just say that those cover are gorgeous!!! I want to draw a big heart around them. <3

Thanks for stopping by, my writerly, bookish friends! <3 See you next time!

Hugs,

V. Joy Palmer