Meet Book Blogger Carole Jarvis of The Power of Words!

Debra: Hi Carole! Thanks for visiting the Inkwell. How long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?

Carole: My blog is The Power of Words and the link is http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com

I started playing around at blogging back in 2008, mainly because I wanted to share about my three passions – art, music, and books – but it wasn’t until November of 2012 that I got serious about book reviews. (Actually, I still can’t believe that I’m a reviewer, because writing is very difficult for me. Let’s just say that no one could afford to pay me for my time!)

In addition to my main focus on books, I also feature a lot of art on my blog because beautiful paintings simply speak to me, although I can’t draw a straight line. And then there’s my favorite humorist, Erma Bombeck. Here’s a great Christmas post from one of her books: The Christmas Pageant. But my personal “art” is music, and I plan to start a regular feature called With a Song in My Heart. My first post featured Joni Eareckson Tada and the beloved gospel song, Farther Along.

Debra: What’s the best part of being a reviewer?

Carole:  As much as I enjoy reading and discovering new authors, I have to say that the best part is often getting to connect personally with the authors behind some of my favorite books. Getting to know them – their personalities and struggles – makes their writing come alive even more. And when I meet someone with such a great sense of humor as you, Debra … well, that’s even more special!

D: (blushing) That’s very sweet, Carole. I truly am impressed with all the work that bloggers do. And writing reviews is so very difficult for me that I am in awe of anyone who does it. That said…what’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?

C: That’s easy, and probably the same answer you would have, Debra – deadlines! Like most reviewers, I just can’t seem to say ‘no’ to a book that appeals, and get over-committed as a result. Reviews need to be posted in a timely manner for a book to succeed as it’s released, but that doesn’t mean I have to like tour deadlines!

D: Pushing to hit deadlines can take the fun out of it, that's for sure!

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

C: Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke, a World War II drama that, for me, has the “Wow!” factor. Reviewed at http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/2014/06/review-saving-amelie.html

D: Cathy Gohlke is an incredible author. I won “William Henry is a Fine Name” many years ago, and haven’t forgotten it.

What do you do when you aren’t making authors happy? (I assume you have a life outside of fiction. Maybe not!)

C:  I’m officially retired, but still work part time doing sermon research for my pastor, and I play the piano in our worship band.

D: Very nice! Being part of the worship team is a big commitment, but obviously it’s so much easier when it’s something you love.

What would you like to share about yourself that few people know?

C: As a retirement gift several years ago, my church gave me a trip to NYC where I attended a music conference at The Brooklyn Tabernacle, the highlight of which was singing with their world-famous choir on Sunday morning – a small taste of heaven on earth. Also on that trip, the father of one of my daughter’s friends, who was the producer of Law & Order: Criminal Intent at the time, invited us to their set – and I got to meet Chris Noth. He was very friendly and personable, and spent several minutes visiting with us.

D: That sounds incredible. Wow! And wow!

So, Carole, as far as fiction goes, what is your favorite setting? Place and time?  Genre?

C: Favorite setting: Anywhere in the British Isles

Place & time: Colonial America, especially during the American Revolution

Genre: Contemporary or historical drama, with murder mysteries being a close second

D: Oh yes! great choices. (and I think you'll enjoy Backcountry Brides, the Barbour Collection coming in May!) What’s your favorite movie to watch if you had a rainy afternoon alone?

C: The Sound of Music … So hard to choose only one! Top picks would also be The Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Music Man, and November Christmas (Hallmark).

Now here's a classic!

D:  One of my best friends would have said Sound of Music right away, too. I saw it in the theater when it came out...which was over fifty years ago. Gosh, that sounds crazy to me now. We went as a class trip. But I haven't seen Molly Brown in forever! Thanks for the reminder.

If you could wiggle your nose and be in a new career, what would it be?

C: My career has been music – church pianist, worship assistant, piano teacher – and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anything else.

D:  That’s something wonderful. So many of us might have made different choices, so I’m pleased for you! Congratulations! what a blessing to have done the thing that brings you so much joy.

What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?

C: I’m not a writer, but these are some things I’ve noticed from working with authors … Write the story that God puts on your heart, because that’s what will touch readers – and don’t get discouraged when doors are slow to open. Be persistent. Fellow authors and review bloggers are very supportive, so connect with a few of these and let them help.

And Debra, you are so very gracious in featuring review bloggers! It is a privilege to work with authors like you and I’m especially honored to be included. You bless us with your writing.

D- I’ve said it before. It just came to me one day. I tired of trying to come up with topics of interest and … this happened. Reviewers and Bloggers in particular put a lot of time into this very important part of the publishing world. For free!

Thanks so much for indulging me!

Here are more ways to find Carole online!

Facebook - Review page

Pinterest

Instagram 

Goodreads

Twitter

Google+


COME ON BACK for our party on Nov 29 when I collect all my past book blogger guests for a little virtual partying and some book giveaways from Inkwell Authors!

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