Wednesday, October 7, 2009

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.

20 comments:

Linda said...

This sounds like a beautiful story. And when I clicked on the title and saw the lovely reviews on Amazon, I was convinced I wanted to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

Sue said...

I'd love a chance to read this. Thanks for the giveaway.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Daniel Lear said...

As editor of Four Branches, a small hard-copy press, I'm proud to be publishing a wonderful short story from Carol in our spring issue, and can't wait to get my hands on Without Grace.

Debbie F said...

Please include me - this sounds like a wonderful read! Thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Debbie F said...

Please include me - this sounds like a wonderful read! Thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Charlene said...

Hi Carol,

I would love to win an autographed copy of "Without Grace." Not only is it about finding yourself but also accepting your family and letting go of the past. Life lessons we could all benefit from.

Becky said...

Great interview. Sounds like a good story.

zeuzlaben(at)yahoo(dot)com

holdenj said...

What a great interview, Carol sounds wonderful and the book looks good too.
Thanks for the chance to win it!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

DarcyO said...

This sounds like a wonderful book. Please count me in!

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

KR said...

This sounds great!

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the interesting interview with an inspiring writer! I admire Carol's work and would love to win a signed copy of WITHOUT GRACE.

Thanks,
lydia.hirt @ gmail.com

mrsshukra said...

I would like to be entered, nice to meet Carol Hoenig here!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

traveler said...

What a wonderful story. I enjoyed the lovely interview. Thanks for this chance. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Suko said...

After having read this interview, I'd love to win Without Grace. Thank you!

suko95(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book! Whether I win it here or buy it later, I'm definitely going to read it.

rjkeller(dot)wfs(at)gmail(dot)com

Carolina Baker said...

Please include me. Sonds like a great read!

rubynreba said...

Enjoyed the review. Would love to be entered.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Wrighty said...

I would love a chance to read this one. Thank you for your giveaway!

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Esme said...

Thanks for the interview-please enter me.

chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

Mitzy said...

this book looks good! I sure wish I was more creative...


just1linmichele@yahoo.com