Charlene Carr
Author Interview - Charlene Carr
Author of Hold My Girl
Two women. Two eggs. One life-changing switch.
After years of infertility, Katherine and Tess have both undergone the arduous journey of IVF. While Katherine births a healthy daughter named Rose, Tess faces the devastating loss of her unborn baby, Hanna. Months later, when Rose is nearing a year old, the fertility clinic reveals that the women's eggs have been switched. What follows is a tumultuous custody battle amid a heart-wrenching exploration of race, loss, betrayal, and motherhood.
Author Interview - Charlene Carr
Author I draw inspiration from:
It’s impossible to pick just one. I was very into the classics growing up – probably starting with Laura Ingles Wilder, Louisa May Alcott, anything L.M. Montgomery and C.S. Lewis, and I loved The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
As I moved into my tween and teen years, it was books by Austen, the Bronte’s, and Tolkien. Then I discovered Margaret Atwood, and a few of her works still hold a pivotal place in my mind and heart. Really, though, I’m constantly discovering authors who I draw inspiration from, who motivate me to dig deeper as an author – both artistically and emotionally.
Author Interview - Charlene Carr | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
My ultimate favourite place was this little secluded nook along the rocks, with water lapping near my feet on the outskirts of Quidi Vidi Harbour in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Unfortunately, I don’t live there anymore. So my new favourite place would be anywhere outside, where I can find a comfy seat and am unlikely to be interrupted!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
Oooh! This is hard. There’s so many. But if I have to pick, maybe Jay Gatsby, of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald? And I'd like to talk to him after his death, once he’s had time to contemplate his life and choices. I have a feeling he’d have some interesting perspectives, and maybe some important words of wisdom.
Author Interview - Charlene Carr | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
It’s too long ago to remember. Being an author has always been a part of my personal narrative. I don’t remember much before the age of five, but in my mind I’ve always wanted to be an author, so I probably made the decision before that age.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
Paperback.
The last book I read:
The Change by Kirsten Miller. I never would have thought I could get so much delight out of a book focused on vigilante justice, but wow.👌🏽 It was such a fun listen, with moments of deep importance.
Author Interview - Charlene Carr | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
Both. Pen and paper for story discovery. Computer for actually writing the story, simply because it's so much faster.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
It's hard to say now, but when I was child definitely Emily from Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery.
Author Interview - Charlene Carr | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
English Professor.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
1950s.
Place I’d most like to travel:
Greece. Whenever I see scenes from the coastal villages there, something about it just speaks to my soul. And Machu Picchu. And Switzerland. And Japan. And . . . okay, the list goes on and on. I've travelled to 17 countries and my thirst for exploration isn't nearly sated - hopefully once my daughter is older I can start more actively again!
My signature drink:
Egg nog
Favorite artist:
I assume you mean visual? J.M.W. Turner. His use of light captivates me.
Number one on my bucket list:
Become a Reese's or Oprah's Book Club pick? Though, that's largely out of my control, so of what I have more control of . . . to do my best to find contentment wherever I'm at in life.
Anything else you'd like to add:
For those who have a story in them, but feel they don't have the time - you do! So long as you want it enough. I wrote the first draft of Hold My Girl often in 15-25 minute spurts when my daughter was napping (she was never a great napper) and at night when it would have been much easier to lounge in front of the TV. I set a moderate goal - 300 words, four times a week, and as long as I sat down to write four times a week, even if I didn't reach my word count goal, I considered it success. Some days I only wrote maybe 50 or 100 words. But those words added up!
Find more from the author:
Instagram: charlenecarrauthor
Facebook: Charlene Carr - Writing Life
Twitter: charcarr1
Who is Charlene Carr?
CHARLENE CARR spent much of her childhood creating elaborate, multi-faceted storylines for her dolls and reading under the blankets with a flashlight when she was supposed to be asleep. After travelling the globe working an array of mostly writing related jobs, she decided the time had come to focus exclusively on her true love—novel writing. She lives in Nova Scotia, Canada with her husband and young daughter. Hold My Girl is her tenth novel.
