I am thrilled to host award-winning author, Rachel Hauck, as a guest on my blog today. Rachel’s book, Sweet Caroline, won ACFW’s Book of the Year in the Lits category. I read Sweet Caroline last year and loved it!
Having initially met Rachel at an American Christian Fiction Writer’s conference a few years ago, I’ve gotten to know her better through My Book Therapy, a story crafting and book therapy service owned by award-winning author, Susan May Warren. Rachel has a beautiful voice and a heart for Jesus. I’m honored to call her friend.
This interview was originally posted at VineWay Cafe, a blog dedicated to VineWay Christian Bookstore, but I asked Marcie if I could cross-post it on my blog.
At the end of the interview, I posted a review of Sweet Caroline. Be sure to read it and visit VineWay Christian Bookstore to buy your copy of Sweet Caroline today.
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Tell us a little about yourself.
RH: I'm married to my best friend. We don't have children, but many spiritual children we love to call our own. I am a graduate of Ohio State University, am a big Buckeyes football fan. I love sports and going to the gym, but I also love French fries. Clearly, I'm in conflict with myself. ;) I am a dog lover, too.
You left the corporate world to become a full-time writer. When did you realize you needed to make that transition?
RH: After the 2003 ACFW Conference in Houston, it was clear God was breathing on my writing. I'd sold a Heartsong, and was gaining some favor and interest in my chick lit from Steeple Hill editors. I went part time on my job, but after a year, between writing, work and ministry, the stress was physically effecting me for the first time in my life. I'd worked my way through college and handled stress well. But this time, I wasn't. After praying with my husband, we decided to put all our eggs in the writing basket. It was a hard decision. Even working part time, I made as much money as my husband's pastor salary.
What inspires you to write Christian fiction?
RH: I started reading Christian fiction in the early '90s. What inspired me to read then write from a Christian world view was the ability to weave in a spiritual message. God is so much a part of who I am I can't imagine not including His fragrance in my work.
What (or who) was your inspiration for Caroline & Sweet Caroline?
RH: I'm not really sure! She sort of came alive in my heart when I was working on the book and became her "own" person. She's not like me so I had to interview friends who had more of her traits to understand her motivation.
What attracted you to the Lowcountry?
RH: Initially, I saw it as a literary hot spot. Many books set in the Lowcountry sell well and authors like Anne Rivers Siddon, Pat Conroy, and Cassandra King live in the Lowcountry. I thought it was a great place to investigate for setting. Then, a friend of mine wrote a song called Praise House based on a picture he'd seen on the internet. Praise House was in Beaufort, SC and when I saw home video of my friend's trip, I knew I wanted to set a book in the same beautiful locale. Plus, a car trip to Beaufort is six hours from my house.
As a wife to a former Marine, I loved the quirky group of retired Marines—Luke, DuPree, & Pastor Winnie. They added ambience to the Frogmore Café. Which one of the men was your favorite to develop? Why?
RH: Those men were a hoot. I loved all three of them. Pastor Winnie for his wisdom. Luke for his serving, tender heart, DuPree for his gruffness and honesty. I think those three reflected the heart of the story at various stages. They were great foils for Caroline.
What type of writer are you—a plotter or seat-of-the-pantser?
RH: I'm a plantster. I plot but the story unfolds as I do. I have an idea of the characters, their goals and motivation, where I need the story to go, then I start writing. I use my outline as a guide to keep the flow of writing in bounds. I've tried to be a strict plotter, but that doesn't work. Neither does seat-of-the-pants. So I am convinced the combination is the way I work best. ;)
Did you learn anything new about yourself while working on this book?
RH: I always learn something about myself during the writing process. With this one, I had to lean completely on Jesus. It was an incredibly hard book to write and I felt guilty about it. After all, it's chick lit, not War and Peace. I learned God hears our prayers. I learned all things DO work together for good. I learned my friends will support me on my darkest days!
What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? In what ways has this passage encouraged or strengthened you in your life and writing career?
RH: I love Song of Solomon 4:9 - You've ravished my heart my sister my bride with a single glance of your eyes. The verse speaks of the purity of Jesus love for us and His ability to be moved by our hearts. Once I started to grasp the depth of His love for me, my emotional chemistry began to change. It impacted my heart, my view of myself and others and feed any need to be "special." It's easier to rest and trust in Him when I keep this depth of love in view.
Recently you mentioned the ending of Sweet Caroline wasn’t what some readers expected. Yet, you have peace about the ending. Did you always plan the story to end the way it did, or did you have a different ending in mind?
RH: I'm not sure how I wanted the story to end. But once Caroline accepted Mitch's proposal, it just never felt right to me. I knew she had to go on her own journey, see what God had deposited in her. I love the contrast between the opening scene where she's driving to her job in a broken down '67 Mustang and the ending scene where she's flying to her job on a jet! God does take us to new heights when we surrender our hearts to Him!
What advice do you have for writers, no matter what where they are on their journeys?
RH: Let God lead. Trust Him. It's about learning to love and lean. Look at your life and assess when He moved the most powerful. What were you praying, doing, seeking? God has always moved mightily in my life when I've come to a place of complete surrender. Like, "I've done all I can do... please, take over." Or, "God, I have nothing! No children, no career, no ministry. If I'm not at church, someone else will lead worship. I know you'll keep Hubby in mind, but what do YOU want to do? I'm 100% available! And You're SO good, whatever it is, I'll love it!" Amazing things happened after that prayer. So, look at your history in God and determine those places and times when He's broken into your life in a big way.
What is a fun fact your readers may be surprised to learn about you?
RH: I have a tattoo. ;)
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Sweet Caroline Review
Back cover blurb:
When a Southern waitress inherits the Lowcountry cafe where she works, she suddenly has to balance more than just her next food order.
Caroline Sweeney has always done the right thing--the responsible, dependable thing--unlike her mother who abandoned her family. But when her best friend challenges to accept an exciting job adventure in Barcelona, Spain, Caroline says “yes” to a new destiny.
Then, without warning, ownership of the run-down cafe where she’s been waitressing falls right into Caroline’s lap. While she’s trying to determine the cafe’s future, handsome Deputy Sheriff J.D. Rand captures Caroline’s heart.
But when her first love, Mitch O’Neal, comes back to town, fresh from the heat of his newly-found fame as a country music singer in Nashville, Caroline must make some hard choices about love and the pursuit of the sweet life.
Lisa’s musings--I bought Sweet Caroline at the 2008 ACFW conference and had Rachel sign it. I bought it because the setting intrigued me. I was married in the Lowcountry, lived there for 18 months, and our oldest son was born there. That section of South Carolina will always hold a special place in my heart. Another reason I bought Sweet Caroline is because I was a former waitress and met my husband in the restaurant where I was working.
I started reading Love Starts With Elle, the sequel to Sweet Caroline, and fell in love with the characters. I had to read more. I was caught up in Caroline’s plight immediately as her poor classic Mustang gave her fits. She is portrayed as a wonderful person who puts others ahead of herself, including her own dreams. The quirky cast of characters season the story with a wonderful aroma without detracting from the main plot. The setting provides a rich, beautiful backdrop and becomes a character all of it’s own. Caroline’s life changed when a man died and she accepted her inheritance. Caroline must make a decision about her future, and she finds there comes a time when obtaining her own dreams means saying no, even to those she loves. Rachel weaves a spiritual thread that shows how we are given an inheritance when Jesus died for us. It’s up to us to accept or not. Sweet setting, quirky cast, and a unique ending create a savory dish for readers!
