Interview with Carole Bumpus

Author of Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I grew up in the Midwest and Colorado, but have lived in California for the past twenty years.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was born during WWII in the south on a Army Base, but moved with my family to Nebraska, later to Colorado for thirty years, then on to California. Moved from Colorado to California due to my husband’s software company being purchased. I feel I spent thirty years in the Colorado Rockies, and I plan to remain on the California beaches for at least thirty years, then see where I love living best. But, the sailing and beaches have stolen my heart. Not something you can enjoy back in Colorado.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

As a retired family therapist, I began writing about families and their relationship to food and traditions in France and Italy when I stumbled upon the compelling stories of women and war in France. My historical novel, A Cup of Redemption, which was published October 2014, was followed by my rather unique companion cookbook, Recipes for Redemption: A Companion Cookbook to A Cup of Redemption. It was published August 2015, both by She Writes Press. My most recent book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table is the first book of my Savoring the Olde Ways series. It is the actual culinary travelogue I wrote while traveling through regions of France with my dear friend, Josiane. She was one of my main characters along with her elderly mother, Marcelle, in my award-winning books noted previously. I felt compelled to share the actual stories and recipes that were shared with me as I traveled from one region to another.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

As a reviewer described my book in Pink Pangea: 10/27/19 – Warning: Do not read this book if you are hungry or within reach of a credit card. You will end up cooking (and eating) all of the included recipes or buying a ticket for the next flight to France, or both – all while devouring this book. Because, much like the dishes and stories she describes, Carole Bumpus’ writing is simply delectable.”

Another review: “Highly recommended: This book is compelling reading, its pages overflow with memorable moments, family secrets, and delicious recipes. It will hold a prized place on the bookshelf of readers who love France, its food, people and history. Mouth-wateringly delicious, evocative and utterly charming. Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table is the first in what promises to be an exquisite series of culinary travel memoirs. This book follows Bumpus, her husband, and her dear friend and interpreter Josiane as they travel through Champagne, Lorraine, Alsace, and Ile de France on a quest for traditional French recipes and the family histories that accompany them.”

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Francophiles, history aficionados, WWII buffs,cookbook lovers, arm-chair travelers–any one who loves a good story, a French recipe, and a connection to the families of France.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Even though I was writing about the importance of food within families, I was most interested in what brought families to the table. I found that traditions and favorite recipes brought them forward, but it is the love of family that kept them coming back. Plus, the stories of war fought on their doorsteps (WWII) which gave an understanding of life as a refugee in their own country, and the importance of never losing family members to war or to returning to war ever again.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

It took me over twelve years to sort out all of the stories I collected, but I think, all in all, that was the process I needed to follow in order to give me insight into the people and the stories they shared before developing (1) an historical novel; (2) a companion cookbook; (3) a culinary travelogue times three for the next books to follow in the series.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Internationally, thousands! Nationally, even more!

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Probably public relations and self promotion. It’s hard work, and takes a great deal of time and money to push each book forward.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My passion for the French people I write about and the stories they have shared with me.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Marketing. I’m not always very adept at social media, and I find it difficult to push myself out there and into newsprint and onto pod casts. But, once I have completed it, I feel a real sense of joy–in the connection with these new people I have met along the way. A gift that keeps on giving.

When do you think you will write your next book?

My next book is being edited right now. It is the second book in my series, Savoring the Olde Ways, and is the second part of my French culinary travelogue through other regions of France–and with my main character, Josiane.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I have used a hybrid publisher, She Writes Press, for my past three books and am under contract with them for the next two books coming up in 2020 and 2021.