I’M SO GLAD YOU ASKED
My bio in my recent Writer’s Digest article says, “When she’s not writing or teaching, Carol enjoys cheering at her grandchildren’s sporting events, twisting into ridiculous yoga contortions, and gardening.”
To be honest, like many authors, much of my “spare” time goes to “non-writing” writing work.
- Replying to emails or following up on contacts.
- Writing proposals for educators and library conferences.
- Preparing PowerPoints for library or community presentations.
- Posting this blog. Besides my occasional review or writing update like today, most weeks that means working with teen and tween reviewers on their submissions. I enjoy mentoring young writers and watching them take flight!
- Assembling the quarterly newsletter, Talking Story, which I co-publish with Rebecca Wheeler. (Speaking of which, you do subscribe to that—don’t you? If not, please subscribe here several giveaways in each issue). Our July issue is on Refugees.
- Catching up on my Write2Ignite work as the Master Class co-director. Here’s a link to our September class on writing for the Christian kids magazine market. I hope you’ll consider attending.
- working on my volunteer publicity job for Monarch Educational Press. We now have clean read books for the whole family!
HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
As opportunities arise, I teach at schools, libraries or camps, and also participate in book clubs or fairs. Call me a nerd, but I think it’s fun to teach writing and interact with new readers. In fact, each time I have a chance to teach, I am blessed as a result!
Some highlights from the last few months:
Click here for a short video with a new Half-Truths reader!
UPCOMING EVENTS
This is what I’m looking forward. I’d be delighted to see you at one of these events:
August 15, 2026 11-4. 2020 West Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC.
I’m giving three free workshops:
- Back to School: Six Ways to Improve Your Kids’ Writing
- Breaking Into Writing for Children and Teens
- The Long Game: Building a Writing Career
READING!
Since Out of the Flame has morphed into a time travel book (more on that soon), I’m attempting to immerse myself in time travel MG books. Here’s my list:
HOW ABOUT YOU?
If you’re an author, how do you spend your spare time? If you’re a reader, do you have other questions for authors? And what do you do in your time off? What are you reading? Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
Carol!! You’re doing awesome work and it’s so fun to see you sharing more about yourself and all you’re doing. Thanks! Blessings on all you’re doing!
Thanks, Marci. I actually feel a bit self-conscious with a post like this–so I appreciate your comment!
It sounds like you’re super busy, Carol!
and that’s why it’s hard to find time to actually write!
And, when do you eat and sleep? Jean
ha ha. Eating right now–before I take a nap!!! Trust me, those are in my days too. :)
I enjoyed this peek into your writing day1 isn’t it amazing how much we have to do in addition to just writing our stories! It looks like you have some fun events planned for the next few months!
YEs, it is so much more than I ever dreamed of. But it’s fun!!
Wow, you have a very full schedule. It shows that you enjoy what you do. Keep on inspiring others to pursue their writing pursuits.
Thank you, O’Nika! It’s part of the job–and I love it too! Carol
You are welcome!