Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Carol Hoenig

Today we've got the fabulous Carol Hoenig here to chat. Carol does it all-- she writes books, she gives guidance to other authors, and she even blogs for the Huffington Post!

We'll be chatting with Carol about her novel, WITHOUT GRACE, and Carol's been generous enough to offer to give away a signed copy of her book! Deets on how to enter are below.

1. Tell us about your most recent novel in 25 words or less.

“Without Grace” is a heartening portrait of small-town life and a tender, triumphant coming of age tale.

2. When did you first begin writing?

I’ve written for as long as I can recall, but it took me years before I felt comfortable calling myself a writer.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Mostly about the topics that interest me and sometimes make me angry. It’s usually my curiosity that inspires me to write.

4. What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a memoir with the working title of “Getting Back Home.” It’s about my journey of buying back the house that my ex and I sold due to our divorce agreement in 2002 and, after serendipity stepped in, how I managed to get it back. There’s also a spiritual journey thread that runs through the memoir, but one that may surprise readers.

5. What are you reading right now?

“The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal” by Sean Dixon. I just love this book! It’s intelligent and humorous.

6. How do you fight writer’s block?

Instead of having writer’s block, I actually find it difficult to make time to write everything that inspires me. I do a lot of blogging, most notably on The Huffington Post and Red Room and never seem to be at a loss for words. So, I split my time between my business, which is being a fulltime freelance writer and publishing consultant, with writing blogs and working on my memoir.

7. If your book were to become a movie, who would you cast?

Ah, I used to have different characters in mind, but now they’ve all gotten too old.

8. What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?

My favorite part of writing is the creative process. I love the rewriting, which leads me to the least favorite part: Writing that first draft. I equate it trying to get to know strangers, some you like, others not so much, but you have to accept them for who they are and be honest in the writing. Once I’ve fleshed out the characters in the first draft then I feel the story will develop. I love being surprised, as much as the reader, when it comes to seeing what my characters will do, which lets me know that they more than puppets to be manipulated.

9. What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?

Keep writing and don’t be too quick to try to find a publisher. Make your manuscript the best it can be and begin building your fan base very early on by being active on the many social media outlets that are available. Create a Web site. And most of all, have fun!

10. How do you usually begin your stories, with a character or with a plot?

Character, for sure.

11. Do a quick character study on yourself.

Hmm…I have three adult children, two of whom I adopted from South Korea when they were infants. I own my own business and am grateful everyday that I don’t have to report to anyone but myself.

Thanks so much, Brenda, for inviting me to do this interview. It’s been a lot of fun!


Thanks so much for stopping by, Carol! And thanks for giving away copies of your latest book!

To enter to win a signed copy of WITHOUT GRACE, just leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

The lucky winners will be announced on October 21st.