Carol J. Post Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?
A. I got my start writing articles for religious and children’s publications back in the mid 1990s, then decided to try my hand at writing a novel. After several stops and starts, along with returning to school to get my degree, I finally decided in 2010 that I was going to stick with it until I got published. I got the call from Harlequin in January 2012 that they were buying my story for the Love Inspired Suspense line. That was Midnight Shadows, published in January 2013. So far, I have stayed in the inspirational romantic suspense genre, but plan this year to write for Love Inspired also.

Q: What does your writing space look like?
A: I don’t have an office. I am inspired by nature, so I do most of my writing in my screen room, surrounded by plants, with my two cats and dog keeping me company. Fortunately, I live in Florida, so I’m able to be outside pretty much year around.

Q: In this busy world, how do you find time to connect with God and how does this impact your writing?
A. I like to connect with God first thing in the morning. I feel much more ready to tackle the day when I’ve spent time with the Lord. I am relaxed and at peace when I’m out in nature, so often while I am walking the dog, I am also talking to the Lord.

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?
A. Shifting gears. Once a book is completed and turned in, the work isn’t over. Even if there are no revisions, it comes back for line edits, then copy edits, then the final read-through before it goes to print (AAs or galleys). Or course, during this process I’m working on other projects. So it’s a lot of juggling.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Shattered Haven?
A: Here’s the book blurb: Allison Winchester’s old Victorian house contains a valuable secret code, one that someone is dead set on uncovering. After her house is ransacked and her life is threatened, she has no choice but to accept the protection of injured ex-cop Blake Townsend. Allison never thought she’d trust a man with secrets again—and Blake is as much a mystery as the man who is stalking her. The lawman vows to shield her from the dangerous criminal. But can Blake and Allison decipher the mysterious code before their island safe haven becomes their ultimate resting place?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?
A: This story is set in Cedar Key, Florida. My husband and I discovered Cedar Key several years ago when we were boating in the area and sailed in to buy gas and restock supplies. We were so impressed with the friendliness of the people, that when I wanted to write a series of books set in an island community, I decided Cedar Key would be the perfect place.

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her.
A: I like writing strong heroines, and Allison is no exception. When her husband was murdered and the truth came out about his secret criminal activities, she sold everything, boarded her boat and sailed alone from Rhode Island to Cedar Key, Florida. One of my hobbies is sailing, and I always wanted to write a hero or heroine who sails. Setting a story in an island community gave me the opportunity to do that.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
A: What I enjoyed most – research! When I was starting work on the series, I knew I would need to visit Cedar Key several times. It’s about three hours from where I live, so I asked my three critique partners if they wanted to do a mini-writers retreat with me. We rented a cottage on the Gulf and, besides my research, we had some great plotting sessions for each of us. Our Cedar Key trips have since become quarterly events.

As far as what I liked least? I honestly can’t think of anything. I really enjoyed writing this book. Cedar Key was such a fun setting, and I loved working in the boating/sailing. The secret code was lots of fun, too!

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?
A: Accepting and forgiving oneself. Both Allison and Blake had regrets over things that happened in their pasts. Allison repeatedly kicked herself for allowing her deceased husband to dupe her, and Blake accidentally killed someone in a drug bust gone bad. They both had to learn to forgive and accept themselves before being free to love each other.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I am currently working on the third book in my Cedar Key series, which will release in December 2015. Here’s the blurb on this one:

Six months ago, Darci Tucker landed her dream job. It’s getting ready to turn into a nightmare. First, she overhears a conversation, then discovers hidden files on her computer. Further digging uncovers signs of laundering money. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Her employer has left a trail, and it leads straight to her.
Conner Stephenson’s sister disappeared, leaving him to raise her seven-year-old son. He suspects foul play and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth, including getting close to Darci, hired to take his sister’s place. It doesn’t take him long to figure out that Darci is in over her head. And if they don’t get to the bottom of it, she will likely end up in jail…or dead.
Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A. My favorite hobby is sailing. I love being on the water—the sound of the wind in the sails and the water rushing past the hull, the smell of the clean salt air and the feel of the sun on my face. That is my favorite place to write, kicked back on the deck with my computer in my lap.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?
A. I have been involved in ministry for most of my life, and a lot of it has been rewarding, but one that specifically comes to mind is work we did with a marriage enrichment program. Many years ago, my husband and I worked as a team couple with Marriage Encounter. Throughout the weekend, the team couples would do “talks,” sharing our experiences, then everyone would break off to write a letter to his/her spouse on the topic, then come together and discuss the issues as a couple. Sometimes during a talk, I would think, “I can’t believe I’m telling 50 strangers this!” Then before the weekend was over, several couples would thank us for sharing and say that it helped them work through some serious problems in their own relationships.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?
A. My website (www.caroljpost.com), Facebook (facebook.com/caroljpost.author) and Twitter (@caroljpost). I love to connect with readers! For news and fun contests, sign up for my newsletter. (See link on web site.)

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
A. I love animals! I have two cats and a long-haired dachshund, and I usually work at least one pet into my stories. In Shattered Haven, Blake has a young Doberman named Brinks.

Thank you, Susan, for having me as a guest on your blog. I’ve really enjoyed the visit!