Interview & Giveaway! Carey Jane Clark ~ Author of After the Snow Falls!!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Carey!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks for having me, Melanie! I'm a homeschooling mother and expat living in China. My debut novel, After the Snow Falls released December 2011.

What is After the Snow Falls about?

After the Snow Falls is the story of Celia Bennett, whose eight-year-old son collapses on a soccer field in the middle of a drill. His diagnosis blindsides her, bringing her face-to-face with every parent's worst nightmare.

Desperate to save her son’s life, Celia pursues a cure through alternative medicine, but her quest ends in frustration and disappointment. Facing despair, hope walks in on the most unlikely set of legs, when her father returns after a 30-year absence. It is the story of her struggle to release her pain and embrace hope before it's too late.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 

I married my husband after less than a year knowing him. He proposed to me after we'd known each other three weeks. We joke that we had an arranged marriage. Our courtship was short, but it's a rather long story. I tell it in more detail on my website: http://careyjaneclark.com/my-story/arranged-marriage/

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always loved books--loved escaping to other worlds in their pages--but it was when I read Anne of Green Gables for the first time that I first began to dream of becoming a writer.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

If I get stuck while writing, I have to open a new document so I can think on a blank page. But I can't afford to have too many quirks, since when I get a moment or two to write, I have to take advantage of it. I have to be very practical about my writing. In order to give me space to think in a busy house, I often listen to music while writing. My favorite selections are movie scores and classical music collections designed to inspire creativity and concentration.

Where do you like to write?

On Pinterest, I've pinned pictures of writing retreats or rooms that are my dream places and spaces to write, but I write just about anywhere I can find a space. I have to use my imagination as much about my physical space as the places I'm writing about in my books. But our new home in China looks out on a mountain, and has a balcony that gives me a quiet spot. My writing desk is just inside the door from the balcony, so our new home has the nicest writing space I've ever had.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer? 

I'm probably not supposed to say this, but the new atmosphere for writers in today's competitive market is that they are responsible for much of their own promotion. That's probably my least favorite part. I'd rather be actually writing. My favorite thing is meeting and chatting with readers or other writers--whether virtually or in real life.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to read, but I don't have nearly enough time to do that. I'm busy now improving my Chinese. But I enjoy blogging, and I enjoy my time with my children--I really enjoy homeschooling them.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

Lots! I haven't seen all of Asia I'd like to see--not even all of China I'd like to see. And I've never been to Paris or even to visit my sister, who lives in Germany.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

I'm a sucker for romantic comedies, which is kind of funny because I rarely read romance novels. I like stories that touch the heart and have the power to change.

What is your favorite dessert?

Key lime pie with chocolate crumb crust. This was one of my principle cravings when I was pregnant with my son.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 

Matthew 6:33: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.

Here are a few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms?

Snowstorms. As long as I'm stocked with plenty of hot chocolate and popcorn. A nice fireplace doesn't hurt.

Tea or Coffee?

Herbal tea.

Facebook or Twitter? 

Facebook. I have friends on Twitter, but I'm a details person. You can't share many details in 140 characters.

Early-bird or Night-owl?

Early bird.

Cats or Dogs?

I like dogs, but we've rescued two cats while here in China, so I guess I'll have to say cats. Prior to moving here, however, our family owned two ferrets. If I had to choose a favorite pet, they'd win, hands down.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? Thanks so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web? 

I am just finishing the first draft of my next book. It’s a middle-grade novel this time, about a young boy who stumbles on a stunning discovery while visiting with missionary relatives in the Amazon. After it’s well on it’s way, I plan to work on another contemporary fiction involving events leading up to a school shooting. It’s an idea I was working on long before Newtown, but it’s been made even more timely by recent events.

You can find more about me, my writing, and my wild adventures in China at:

http://www.careyjaneclark.com
http://www.afterthesnowfalls.com
Twitter: @CareyJaneClark
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/CareyJaneClark

Giveaway!

Enter to win an eBook copy of After the Snow Falls by Carey Jane Clark! Open Internationally!

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