Interview with Carol A. Spradling

Author of Beyond Hope

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

Although I was born in Florida, I was never a beach girl. Sun and sand were not for me. I spent my early childhood in Ohio where my love of wooded, hilly countryside developed. My family returned to Florida in my “tween” years and that’s where I stayed until my children were grown and living hundreds of miles away. With nothing to keep me in Florida, my husband and I re rooted ourselves to the North Carolina mountains.

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

Ah, my first book. It all started in an online, writers, chat room. I was basically stalking a chatroom where published and non-published authors hung out. One of the authors presented an exercise. Write a paragraph about two people in conflict. I created Abigail and William. I showed my daughter what I had written and she said she’d like to know more about them and how they solved their conflict.
By this time, my children had their driver’s licenses and no longer needed my taxi service to get them to events. What started as a means to fill my time became a passion.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I love the romance of the 1700 & 1800’s. A few of the stand alone books are set in Scotland. The Forever Time Travel Series features four sisters who live in the North Carolina area of the 1700s and present day. Each sister has the ability to time travel, but each one travels through time for a variety of reasons.
Faith Valentine time travels between a husband she has no memory of marrying and a husband bent on revenge and control.
Dr. Honor Moran brings more than medical knowledge to the past when Hunter Morgan accidentally time travels with her.
Grace Blackstone never wanted to be a time traveler and will do anything to free herself of the family “gift”.
Hope Blackstone wants it all but will sacrifice everything in order to have what she wants most.

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

I have a few different series and think my books have something for everyone.

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

How much other authors are willing to help fledgling authors. I’ve met some very nice people along the way.

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

Learn to type faster!!!

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

As many as possible.

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

Finding my audience. I know they are out there, but I can’t seem to find them.

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

Perseverance. It can be frustrating to spend months writing a book, knowing very few people will read it. I write because I like the story and want to see how it all turns out.

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

Knowing how to promote my books. I am more of an introvert and don’t know how to let everyone know they will enjoy my stories.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I have started the second book of the LET THAT BE A MYSTERY SERIES under the pen name of Victoria Mallory. THE GHOST OF BIRCH MOUNTAIN will be available in 2020. Here’s what you can expect:
Three hundred and eighty-two years ago, Adam Alexander was cursed to spend eternity on Birch Mountain, and he’s had enough of progress. Local residents, Hope La Claire and Jillian Waters have dealt with good-ole-boy politics, country club nepotism, and the murder of their best friend. An antiquated ghost is more of a nuisance than a problem.
TEE’D UP is the first book in the series where Hope and Jillian’s adventures begin.

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

I self publish and try to use all of the book sites.