I’m doing something I haven’t done for a while–interview an author. I’m thrilled to have my friend Cara Grandle with us today sharing about her recent release, The Ribbon. I’m reading it now, and enjoying it. Cara has graciously offered to giveaway two books: a print and an e-book copy of her book so be sure to enter!
INTERVIEW WITH CARA
Thanks for joining us today, Cara! Tell us your FAVORITE…
Place to visit?
The beach. I live about two hours from the Oregon coast and I just got back from a trip. I’m always inspired by beauty and there is nothing like the magnitude of standing next to the sea to bring life into perspective—that feeling of how big the ocean is and how small I am is creates a healthy humble feeling.
Spot to write?
I have a big mission style desk that was made by Amish folks a long time ago. It sits in front of a big window that overlooks a memorial flower garden I made for my mom. I love it.
Fictional character?
The ones I know best are the ones in my stories. So, I’ll answer with my own favorite characters. I have a tendency to love the odd ball side characters. The first one that popped into my mind was Jiggy Jones a logger in my new book The Ribbon. He is small man running from his past. He is feisty, ready to fight and quite debonair.
How does living in Oregon influence your storylines?
A loooooong time ago, I tried to write a book set in England. I was so chicken of writing about a place I’d never been. And then one day I pulled into a very old graveyard that is really close to my house. It was the town founders who were some of the first to come across the Oregon Trail and it was so close to home that I found my security blanket. I love the local history and the rugged and beautiful land. I can’t imagine writing anything different.
You’ve likened The Ribbon to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. What similarities do the two stories share?
The Ribbon is set in Oregon Territory. It has a bunch of scroungy-backed woodsman in it. They aren’t brothers, but you get the good old fashioned warm fuzzies at the conclusion of the romance as you do with that old movie. And there is more crossover, but it would give away the good stuff.
Besides writing, what other hobbies do you enjoy?
I am an avid gardener. A serious planner and pen snob. I love to draw, paint, and birdwatch. ANNNNNND, I have a new lab puppy that I love to pieces.
How have you sensed the Lord’s hand on your writing journey?
I think I’ve learned more about myself, with the Lord’s guidance, as a writer than anything else in my life. I’ve learned how to do hard things, how to face impatience issues head on, I’ve learned that I’m more than what I do or accomplish, and I’ve learned the importance of learning to be still and rest to name a few. But there is so many more vital things. And I’m sure there will be more.
What take-away value do you want readers to gain from your novel?
I want readers to find a true, restful, joyful escape from the hardness of life. And I want them to find hope and encouragement that Jesus sees them, He knows them, He talks to them, and He cares for them.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
Well, right now, I’m working on editing book three called The Rose. It’s bases off the premise, it takes a thief to catch a thief. I love the intrigue this book has to offer and I love the belonging my heroine finds in the end. Ahhhh, all the feels.
Sounds good, Cara. Thanks for the insights!
Thank you, Cynthia for having me on your blog. I sure appreciate you and your friendship over the last several years. And thank you to your readers.
Always a joy! God bless your writing journey!
Cara Grandle is an author, acquisitions editor, and publicist for WhiteFire Publishing. She has several years of experience in the writing industry, enough to know it’s hard. It takes courage. Connect with her at caragrandle.com.
INSPIRING READS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie & the Civil War Era
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads Bookbub and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for a chance to win either a print (US addresses only) or e-book copy. There will be two winners chosen.
My favorite getaway is on the mountains in a cabin.
Yes! That would be mine too, Alicia!! Thanks for stopping by!
For summers there is never a getaway for me. But if I could go somewhere, I’d go visit family east or west of where I live. And my first choice would be my kids and grandkids in MO.
A visit to grandchildren sounds like a joy. I have yet to have any, but look forward to that time if God blesses us with some. We don’t get much opportunity to vacation either, Linda. The farmer’s life is pretty busy year round (though less in winter).
I need to read one of Cara’s novels! I remember her doing some videos for Kate Breslin and her voice was just so warm and welcoming. I am also a pen snob, I love a Cross pen but only have a few because they’re expensive.
Cara is a sweetie. She and I met at the ACFW conference in 2014. Very much the extravert, she took this shy, country, introvert under her wing and we’ve been friends and Skype partners ever since. The best to you in the giveaway, Perrianne.
I can only imagine what the Oregon Trail pioneers experienced while traveling and settling a new land. I’ve been as far west as Colorado and as far south as Texas.
Hi Beth! Yes. That would have been quite an experience. You’ve traveled quite a distance then. Thanks for stopping by!
I live in the South and it’s pretty hot in the summer, so we actually like to go to the beach in spring or early fall!
Hi Patty! Yes. I’ve heard the humidity is quite something down that way. The beach would be a treat for sure. Thanks for entering!
If I could take a vacation right now I would love to go somewhere with a beach so I can hear the ocean waves and a beach where the temps aren’t too hot.
Hi Stephanie! Sounds very relaxing. Thanks for stopping by.
I don’t really have a favorite summer getaway. I like being where I control the A/C in the summer!
LOL! I completely understand that, Trudy. Thanks! We’re not big travelers either.
My favorite getaway is to someplace with water, usually a beach.
That seems to be a popular place to visit! We’re not near any beaches, but do enjoy hiking around lakes. Thanks, Betsy!
What’s a getaway? The farthest I get is my backyard. Haha
LOL! I know the feeling, Lucy! We’re lucky to go for a day trip for our anniversary!
My favorite summer getaway is to the beach, which I get to do often, because it is only 20 minutes from my house.
What a treat to live so close to a beach, Linda! A very popular spot. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m gonna have to read this! Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of my favorite movies ever!
Mine too! Great movie. Thanks for entering, Charity!
I also love to go to the beach. Listening to and walking along the shore is very relaxing and I am very grateful to God for creating the ocean.
You all are making me long for a trip to the ocean! LOL! I live smack dab in the middle of the heartland with endless miles of corn and bean fields. No beaches for many miles! My husband has never been to a beach. Gonna have to make that trip someday. Thanks, Linda!
I live in Virginia. My favorite getaway is Emerald Isle, North Carolina.
Hi Connie! Both Virginia and NC both sound like pretty places. What is it about Emerald Isle that draws you? I’ve not heard of it, but it sounds nice! Thanks for stopping by to enter.