Find yourself in faith-filled contemporary romances that are sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits.
Exclusive Interview
In Conversation with Carrie Padgett
Q. You have a new release–Lauren’s Second Chance. Can you tell us about the characters’ faith journeys without giving away any spoilers?
A. Both Lauren and Mason learn something about what came between them as young adults. They both must find a way to forgive and start over from where they are now. No longer fresh out of high school, they now have a few years of growth and maturity which helps them reconnect.
Q. Do you have any future projects or sequels related to this novel?
A. Lauren’s Second Chance is the second of three short novels. Each can be read as a standalone, but they do have cross-over characters. Each one features a different kind of reality dating show. Lauren’s show is Re:United. The producers have found all the hero’s exes (plus a few new women) and invited them to be on the show. Mason and Lauren are both shocked to see each other. And sparks immediately fly.
Q. What’s your top pick for a book-release celebration meal (calories don’t count)?
A. I love anything cheesy and gooey. So probably a pasta? Oh, I also love a good juicy burger and fries. With cheese, of course.
Q. What inspired you to start writing?
A. I’ve always been a voracious reader and aspired to be a writer. I tried a Nancy Drew-esque novel after high school, and it was terrible. Even I could see that. So, I put writing aside, figuring I was destined to be a reader only. But as an adult, I prepared a talk for the women at my church. I gave my notes to a neighbor who had a book published. She told me it was “really good,” and I should consider turning it into an article. I did and continued to write and publish non-fiction devotionals and articles about homeschooling. Then I learned that writing is more than something you’re born knowing how to do. I began to study the craft,and it wasn’t long before I dipped my toes into fiction.
Q. How do you develop your characters and their arcs?
A. This is hard for me. I usually begin with a few character traits and descriptors and then sit down with them and ask them a lot of questions. Then I do it again. And again. And again. Until they feel like a longtime friend, one of those that you pick up your conversation where you left off. Even if it was years ago.
Q. What challenged you most about your latest book?
A. I always struggle with plot. I can come up with characters but figuring out what’s happening to them is hard. An early mentor told me I’m too nice to my characters. I need to make things tougher for them. So that’s often what I think about. What will make life or circumstances hard? What would be a set back?
Q. How do you handle writer’s block or creative slumps?
A. I often go for a walk. I find that rhythmic feeling of putting down one foot after the other opens up a creative path. I’ll also sprint with other writer friends. We share our goals for our session, then write for a set amount of time.
Q. What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your books?
A. Almost all my stories come back to reconciliation. Between family members or friends. I hope to encourage readers to think about Romans 12:18: If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Q. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life?
A. I have an incredibly supportive husband. I still work part-time at a day job, so he respects my office door and will often bring me snacks or meals. He’s amazing. I also try to socialize regularly with my family and close friends.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
A. Join writing organizations. Take courses. Read craft books. Read books in your genre. Read books in other genres. Watch movies and dissect the plot.
Q. What’s been the most rewarding part of your writing journey so far?
A. The amazing people I’ve met and grown to know and love. I can’t imagine my life without them.
Q. Coffee, tea, soda, or water–what will readers find in your mug or glass?
A. Often it’s something sparkling. Either Diet Coke or La Croix water.
Praise for Carrie Padgett
‘‘ – Brooke Runs Away Amazon Review
Victoria Pitts Caine
‘ – Brooke Runs Away Amazon Review
Abbie Crist
‘‘ – Brooke Runs Away Amazon Review
Ososmom
Lauren's Second Chance
Lauren is only in Los Angeles because her best friend back in Harts Leap insisted she audition for a reality dating show, which is the most pointless exercise in futility. Lauren only agreed so she’d generate publicity for the new charitable foundation she’s setting up. The last bachelor she expected to meet was the man who broke her heart a decade ago.
Mason would like to walk out of the penthouse and out of this crazy show his sister convinced him to do. Until he sees the woman who walked away from him once upon a time.
Get Cozy in Your Favorite Chair!
Join the world of reality television with Lauren and Mason in this adventure of Hollywood mishaps and second chances.
Carrie Padgett
Carrie Padgett has lived in every part of California, and currently
writes from her office with a view of the Sierra Nevada. She thinks nuts
take up room where chocolate ought to be and chips and dip should be its own food group. She and her husband have been married for far longer than most reality shows last. She has two daughters, two sons-in-law, and six
grandkids who call her Grammie. She can be found at carriepadgett.com.
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