We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carol Baldwin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carol below.

Alright, Carol thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Becoming a novelist is not an overnight business. Before I started Half-Truths, I wrote for newspapers and magazines and published two nonfiction books. After receiving success in those endeavors, I started working on my dream–writing a book for young people.

Although I had written non-fiction, plunging into fiction was harder. I didn’t know where to begin or how to write a novel. I read a lot of craft books, took classes, attended writing workshops and conferences, and soaked up every bit of information I could. I was already a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) which provided networking opportunities. I started and led a local SCBWI critique group for many years. Each experience added to my fund of knowledge.

I could have sped things up by not trying to perfect my first draft. I should have just “opened a vein” and written! I remember spending a month on each chapter before I let my critique group see it. Now, I would write forward and realize there would be time for revision later. Since I write historical fiction, I wouldn’t have taken so much time to look up information. I would have left placeholders and returned to fill in what I needed.

Every novelist needs perseverance, a willingness to learn the writing craft, and openness to receiving feedback on her work.

The only obstacle was my own impatience to get on with the work! I could have spent even more time working through books about writing craft.

Carol, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been writing since I was a kid—but back then, it was to pen pals and in my diary! I began by publishing articles in newspapers and magazines, but I always wanted to write for kids. I enjoy reading books about family relationships and gravitated to writing about them. I also enjoy making history more accessible to tweens and tweens. I am thrilled to be published by Monarch Educational Services because they are dedicated to providing clean-read books for readers from K-12. I’m very proud of my debut novel, Half-Truths. It has taken me 18 years to write—but advanced readers are giving it 5-star reviews! I am excited to get it into the hands of teen readers. Since the book takes place in 1950, there is a crossover market for adults who enjoy historical fiction. I also teach writing to kids and adults which is fun and fulfilling.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Since Half-Truths takes place in the Jim Crow South, it shows the racial prejudice that existed then. My main character is White, but the most important secondary character is Black. After spending several years writing from the White girl’s point of view (POV), an editor at a SCBWI conference suggested that I write the book from both girls’ POV. That was a daunting task, and by the time I finished that draft—about two years later—I was told that since I am White, it would not be received well by publishers. After wrestling with that news, I returned to my original idea of writing the story from the White girl’s POV. Despite this detour, my book is richer for exploring the Black girl’s thoughts, emotions, and history.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’ve learned that not everyone will love my book as much as I do. I tend to be a person who wants people’s approval; it’s hard when I don’t receive it. But I am learning that what matters is if I am proud of my book and have accomplished a life goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carolbaldwinbooks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolbaldwin121/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorCarolBaldwin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-baldwin-0b823715/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBaldwinAuthor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK0ukKt6nRR58QCGYzTismQ
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carolannbaldwin/

  Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Carol-Baldwin/author/B001JOVCBW

  My blog:https://carolbaldwinbooks.com/grid-of-posts-2×3/

Image Credits

Courtesy of Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.