Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book: Another Day to Love – Sunday Morning Ramblings. It took me until I was 50 years old to say out loud, “I am a writer.” Jane Austen and I are born on the same day. She’s my much older soul sister! This little known fact didn’t actually have anything to do with my book. However, it just tickles me that it’s true!
At the age of six, I began writing poetry, prose, and short stories underneath her bed. Bits of scrap paper, spiral notebooks and journals filled with words traveled with me. They very rarely made it outside for anyone to see. Writing meant hiding.
Then one day over 40 years later I decided to share a poem with a nice online poetry community in Lebanon, the country. They published it on their website. Then, they published another one. By this time, my life had crumbled. With the help of a few friends who read my Sunday ramblings each week on Facebook, I began to heal. I didn’t know I was healing, just like I didn’t know I was writing a book. Until, one day in August of 2019, I was done rambling. Six years later, my first book, Another Day to Love, was published on the Winter Solstice 2019.
This book is based on my real life, in the moment. It took me until the age of 50 to acknowledge that I am a writer. Once I found my voice I decided to listen to it and write.
Besides being an author, I am an artist and counselor with my own private practice, facilitating groups, workshops, and speaking engagements. I am the founder of an organization called FreeToFindPearls, which assists people in finding their pearls in life. I’m also a singer/songwriter performing alongside my husband of 20+ years. Our teenage sons join us occasionally. Besides music, art and people I LOVE nature. Hiking is my inspiration!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Another Day to Love began as the musings of one woman and her broken heart. After being rejected and slandered by 250 of her former church friends, Kolein found her voice through her pen. With Sundays now free, she began to examine religion, love, true communion, friendship and the voices in her head and heart. Through these words, all of them written at the moment on dozens of Sunday mornings – never planned out – simply Kolein and her morning cup of coffee sitting in front of her laptop – she allowed the voice within her to speak. Nearly all of her ramblings were shared on social media over the course of 6+ years. The words, written as a list, often include the goings-on of her sweet family life with her husband, their two sons, their art and music, their pain and joy. Each list ends with the same words: “It’s Sunday. Another day to love. Happy Sunday.” This is her first book. However, she has several others that exist in her mind and laptop waiting to be released. Her hope is that at the very least you, the reader, will find a piece of yourself in her words. If you do, please let her know. She is truly honored that you are here. You can reach out to her at freetofindpearls@gmail.com. Kolein is available for counseling, speaking engagements, workshops, singing performances and book signings worldwide.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing tools are a nicely sharpened pencil and a notebook. I was told by a screenwriter friend that it was unusual to see my works handwritten. He thought it was a lost art. However, typing is the bomb!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carl Jung, Plato,
What are you working on now?
My next book will be a book of poetry. After that, I have two novels dangling in the air waiting to land. This spring I’ll be traveling to England to do research for one of those novels. It’s been 10+ years in the making!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no best method at the moment. This process is all very new to me. Any suggestions would be very helpful!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Since I am a new author I will offer this: Write and never stop! My older brother told me that. It meant so much to me. It’s my inspiration.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write and never stop! (see above) Also, Anne Lamott said we all have a story. It’s our story. Go and tell it. So I am.
What are you reading now?
Several books are always available on my bedside table. This week it is Thomas Merton’s Daily Meditations and New Seeds of Contemplation, also Anne Lamott’s Small Victories, Aletheia Luna and Mateo Sol’s The Spiritual Awakening and my book, Another Day to Love – Sunday Morning Ramblings. These books are chosen partly for research, inspiration and also a book club I facilitate each month.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My first EVER book launch party is happening in March 2020. We are working on flyers and gifts, food and music, advertising and books. It’s very exciting!
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?
Ohh…probably Pride and Prejudice, Love Poems from God, Essays and Poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson and some herbal/natural remedy book, emphasis on desert flora and fauna!
Author Websites and Profiles
Kolein Carlson Website
Kolein Carlson Amazon Profile
Kolein Carlson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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