On Saturday 15, 2020, Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, will feature Morrison author Carol Edwards. Her presentation begins at 1:00 p.m., in the Program Room, and is free and open to the public. She will introduce her second novel, Seeds of Hope ©2016. Rescuing Love was her premier novel in 2014.
“Both of these novels I have kept simple, [focusing on] right and wrong and what we need to do to support each other.” stated Edwards. “The third [book] is based on real people” as her German ancestors lived in the Maquoketa, IA, area. Jackson County history drives the plot. “They once lived; they deserve respect.” It will be published in 2020.
She grew up in Decorah, IA, and was graduated from Luther College, Dubuque, IA, with a Writing degree. She worked in business writing, correspondence, and nonfiction, before turning to inspirational fiction. Her plots involve messages of “starting over; the value of self-worth; what courage means to us.”
Edwards will read from her novels and autograph those that are purchased. To introduce herself, the author supplied previous interview questions and her responses.
How much of your Midwest upbringing is woven into Rescuing Love and Seeds of Hope? Growing up I had all the usual thoughts about leaving home and exploring the world, feeling sure that I would find something better beyond the Midwest. I have traveled and briefly considered living in other parts of the Country/world, but I truly love the Midwest. I love the people and the values found here, and I love the climate–yes, even the winter. The rural areas of the Midwest have a slower, simpler pace that encourages you to connect with others. It’s a very real way of living with values at the heart of everyday life.
How have your personal experiences affected your writing? I had a lot of unhappiness as a child. I think I draw on those feelings when I’’m working with my characters. I believe that you can use your past as an excuse not to move forward positively, or you can use your past to motivate yourself to overcome and excel. Hopefully, some of my characters will inspire readers as they go through tough times.
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment definitely is raising three, beautiful daughters. I can’t wait to see all they accomplish in their lives. I hope I have given them some of what I needed as a child. At times I watch and listen to them and am amazed at the people they have grown into. They inspire me in so many ways.
What are major themes of your work? A major theme of my published and unpublished writing is the struggle leading up to, and then [reaching], the happy ending. A value that has resonated in my life is that, if [something is] worth having, then it is worth the hard work of getting or creating and keeping it If you value what you have, then you will show that value by working hard to preserve whatever it is. Taking care of what you have includes working hard to preserve relationships that make your life meaningful.
Did you always want to write? Yes. I was reading adult level books by around eight and was 11 when I wrote my first historical romance novel. I remember reading it to my dad. He was a trooper and really encouraged my writing. I think his attitude towards my passion has helped shape the part of me that likes to work with other writers. I remember sage advice from a college professor. I confessed to her that I wanted to be a published author someday. Instead of laughing at me, she took me seriously. She said to always write what I know, and that sometimes you have to live life before you can write. That was over 20 years ago, and I just now feel that I have lived enough to write what I know.
Do you write for you or your audience? Who is your targeted audience? I write for myself. I try to write from my heart, and I hope that someone will appreciate it. I am a firm believer in staying true to yourself and following your passions; everything will fall into place as it should. It may not be exactly as you envisioned it, but it will seem perfect when it all comes together. I think my target audience will change with each new book.
How do you come up with characters and story line? If I am drawing a blank, then I just start with a descriptive paragraph and start writing. Sometimes that paragraph makes it into the story, and sometimes it doesn’t. I save news articles if I see something kind of unique. Sometimes I start with the basic character, who takes on a life of their own and creates the story line with me. I would say that it is incredibly difficult to make characters do something “they” don’t want to do! I always know when I’m [writing] down the wrong path with a character. It only feels at peace when I have gotten back on track.
Who inspires you? I have always loved people and been fascinated by other cultures. It is a joke in my family that I hate to shop (even getting groceries is shopping, to me), but I would go to a mall, sit, and watch people. So, I guess people inspire me. A few authors have had a huge impact in my life. Kathleen Norris (1880-1966) used her fiction to promote values–including the sanctity of marriage, the nobility of motherhood, and the importance of service to others. Her novels really invite the reader to examine what gives life value. I particularly like her novels set in the 1920s and 1930s. I also love Nicholas Sparks. I am always inspired by being a mother.
What advice would you give aspiring writers? I love to work with other writers. I co-founded The Red Barn Writers’ Guild in Dyersville, IA. You can visit my author website www.caroledwardsauthor.com; there is a page dedicated to the Red Barn group. We meet monthly and encourage each other. Some have aspirations to publish, and some write for the enjoyment of writing and the creative process. This group has an adult and a teen level. I would love to get others to join us through our private Facebook group. If anyone is interested they can send me a message through my author website. My advice would be the same as what my college professor told me, “Write what you know.”
