Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Carol Fragale Brill is the author of two novels, PEACE BY PIECE and CAPE MAYBE. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her fiction received recognition from Poets and Writers and was a reader’s favorite for The Best of Philadelphia Stories. Her works have also appeared in Wide Array, New York Journal of Books, the Press of Atlantic City, and various online e-zines and business journals. In her “day job” as a Leadership Coach and educator she frequently uses stories in training.
Find her book reviews for New York Journal of Books at http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/reviewer/carol-brill
And her blog at http://4broadminds.blogspot.com/search/label/Carol
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
CAPE MAYBE is my latest novel. It was inspired by Katie, the narrator, who just started talking to me one day with an urgency to tell her story. The setting, beautiful, seaside, Victorian, Cape May, NJ, is where I live and also my favorite place on earth. Readers often tell me, my passion for Cape May comes through in how the setting is conveyed in the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Years ago, after my husband, Jim read a line about 64 crayons in a very early draft of my first novel, PEACE BY PIECE, he bought me a green and yellow box of 96 crayons—equipped with a built-in sharpener. For over a dozen years, that box has sat on my desk reminding me of Jim’s unwavering support. No one ever colors with my crayons, but browsing through the colors often recharges my creative batteries.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Where to begin? Andriana Trigiani, Michele Richmond, Kaye Gibbons, Marisa de los Santos, Sara Gruen, Sue Monk Kidd, Patricia Gaffney, Sue Miller, Anita Shreve, and let’s not forget, The Brother’s Grimm. My list goes on and on.
What are you working on now?
Lately, I’m writing non-fiction, my blog at http://bit.ly/1jNIjO0, some pieces about Cancer–I was diagnosed with uterine cancer in June 2014, and I write book reviews for New York Journal of Books. I’m toying with writing a children’s story and a new blog or non-fiction book about my cancer journey.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Of course, I love Awesomegang. And, I’ve had some success with KDP free days and countdowns. My favorite method of promoting is more grassroots, visiting local book clubs and giving book talks.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Put in the time to learn the craft of writing, show don’t tell, developing characters and plot, POV. Network with other writers, attend conferences, find a writing group and critique partners for support. And, the sooner you learn that good writing is all about rewriting, the sooner you’ll become the best writer you can be.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Related to writing, the same advice I give other writer–put in the time to learn the craft.
What are you reading now?
Just finished Jodi Picoult’s wonderful, Leaving Time and wrote a review for New York Journal of Books, http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/leaving-time
Now I’m reading Orphan Train
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing, for now non-fiction, but who knows what the future will bring.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Book Thief, To Kill a Mockingbird, Queen of the Big Time, and maybe a classic I’ve never read, like Ulysses.
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