Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California! Today I have the joy of interviewing multi-published author Carol Grace Stratton. Carol’s here to tell us about her latest novel!
Welcome, Carol! Please tell us about your book, Deep End of the Lake.
Ally Cervantes has all she wants in life—an upcoming wedding, a chance to prove herself with writing gig, and two great kids. But her life turns for the worse when the unexpected happen and she soon finds herself struggling with a rebellious teen daughter, a shaky job, and a shakier engagement.
What inspired you to write this book?
I know many women struggle with priorities so I wanted to explore what happens when those priorities get out of whack. Finding her roots in Christ, my character learns God’s plan for her life will ultimately be more satisfying than her own plans.
Sounds wonderful! What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
I hope my readers will take a moment to survey their own lives and see if their goals are to find prestige and status in life or to serve God for a deeper purpose.
How do you share Christ in your writing?
I like fiction because I can indirectly show my characters growing in the Lord. I don’t have to preach salvation, repentance, and the joy of the Lord. Instead, I allow my characters to discover these on their own.
How has being a writer impacted your relationship with Christ?
Because writing is so hard, I’ve learned to depend on the Lord for any project I do. I know my ideas are dropped into my head by God. I’ve often thought of how there are completed books sitting on a shelf in a heavenly library and in the right season God downloads them into our mind. It’s His creativity that inspires us as writers.
When did you first recognize God’s call to write for Him?
After 9/11 I wrote an essay about that day. I was literally driven to put my thoughts down on paper. Showing up at the office of our town’s newspaper in Zionsville, Indiana, I read it to the editor (not the recommended protocol). He accepted it on the spot and that was the moment I felt the call to write.
Why do you write women’s fiction?
I love speaking to women (through stories) about their everyday problems.
What ministries are you involved in, and why?
I started a button ministry where I wear a button when I am out and about that says, “How can I pray for you?” This little button has opened all kinds of doors for me to talk to people. I’ve sent them all over the country and even have a Facebook page for people to share their stories. It’s a way to reach out to my community.
How fascinating! Do you have a “day job” or a previous career? Does it influence what or how you write?
Years ago I worked in an autistic classroom and that was what inspired the Lake Surrender series. I have a heart for parents of children with special needs.
Tell us about your favorite library memory.
While growing up I loved going to story hour at our local library in Palo Alto. It had a cozy outdoor grassy area, surrounded by trees, and the librarian did a great job of creating a magical setting for the books she read. When I went back and visited it as an adult, I was amazed at how tiny the space was!
Amazing how our perspective shifts! So what are you working on now? Please tell us about your next project.
As my protagonist is a cook at a camp, I’d love to do a cookbook featuring Michigan recipes, especially anything with blueberries.
Blueberries are the best! Thanks for sharing with us, Carol!
To learn more about Carol and her books, please visit Carol’s website at https://www.carolgstratton.com/ and Carol’s blog at https://www.carolgstratton.com/blog/ .
Writing for Him,
Sarah Sundin
Sarah’s website: https://www.sarahsundin.com/
