Several of her adult fiction titles are Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
The following is a September 2014 interview with Melody.
AT THE END OF
THE INTERVIEW
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My Amish Boyfriend
by Melody Carlson
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Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from
12-26 September NZDT
I live in a small tourist town in Central Oregon, with my husband of 36 years. We also spend a fair amount of time at our little cabin at the beach—in another small tourist town. I have two grown sons, a delightful ten year old granddaughter, and a yellow Labrador dog named Audrey. I treat writing as a fulltime job, but enjoy traveling and spending time in the great outdoors when not working. Although, right now, we’re in the midst of remodeling a “down-sized” home that we just moved into. That will be keeping us busy for awhile.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I always loved writing—telling stories—but it took me awhile to figure out that I could become a published novelist. Because writing came “easily” to me, I took it for granted and didn’t think it was special. But I reached an age (when my boys were entering adolescence) when I felt a strong compulsion to write. I didn’t even know what I wanted to write, but I managed to crank our several novels while trying to figure it all out.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
There are so many different genres of Christian fiction, and yet they have a commonality of hope and redemption and life-changing faith. While I tend to handle faith elements “lightly” I take my faith very seriously and pray that God speaks to readers even if it is between the lines.
I try to impart a good portion of grace and forgiveness into all my books. I do this by creating characters with problems (like real life) and my hope is that as the reader gets to know these flawed people, they will feel empathy and sympathy…and ultimately grace. And then I hope this will translate into readers’ daily lives as they interact with flawed people who are also in need of grace. Forgiveness is such a powerful part of the gospel.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
I get a lot of reader letters, but I have to say that the ones from teens are the most moving. They are in such a transitional time of life and so many of them have written to say that while reading one of my young adult books, they gave their life to Christ. Nothing beats that for me. And it keeps me writing for teens.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
When I first started writing I only wanted to write “good” books. But when I started writing for teens and getting the kinds of responses I described above, I began to take it more seriously. I saw my writing as more of a ministry and began to feel I was partnering with Christ. Now when I write, I want it to be a good book and to be used by God to change lives. I pray that God speaks through my stories in ways that I could never do on my own.
I still have an interest in TV/film. While I’ve had some things optioned and have written some screenplays, as well as some “almosts,” I’ve yet to see one of my books on screen. I did get to write the novelization for Grace Unplugged (which was fun) and seeing it on the big screen was fun. But I’d like to do more (God willing).
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Although I enjoy things like biking, camping, hiking (in the right weather) I expect to spend the next few months on the remodel of our “new” house. And that will be fun since I really do enjoy interior design. After that’s done, I’m looking forward to more freedom to get out and do some exploring in our motor home. Our bucket list includes all the national parks and we still have a lot left to see.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
My Amish Boyfriend (Revell 2014) is about a teen who must accompany her ailing mom to an Amish community. Although she goes reluctantly, she makes some interesting discoveries there. Dating, Dining and Desperation (B&H 2014) is the second installment of the Dear Daphne series. Daphne is trying to figure out how to fulfill her aunt’s strange will and remain in the small friendly town she has grown to love. The Christmas Cat (Revell 2014) is about a young man with a difficult task. Allergic to cats, he is responsible for finding homes for a bunch of felines—and needs to get it done before Christmas.
The Christmas Cat releases in September 2014. And Love Gently Falling releases in January 2015. And later on, in 2015, I have a new series (Once Upon a Summertime) to launch. All the books are set in different locations. The first one is New York City.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I would love to come visit New Zealand! I’ve actually been there before (only in Auckland and only for a day because I was on a ship bound for Sydney) but I instantly loved it. And I’ve often dreamed of coming back. Maybe I’ll get to bring my husband down there someday. New Zealand and Oregon (where I live) have some similarities.
Do you have any parting words?
Thanks for inviting me to “visit” you electronically. Maybe next time we’ll do it in person!
by Melody Carlson
- Revell Books
- Contemporary
- February 2014
- ISBN: 9780800722265
Purchase:
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
Sixteen-year-old Shannon McNamara has exciting plans for the summer, and she can't wait to get to them. Unbeknownst to her, however, her widowed and ailing mother has plans of her own--to relocate them both to the heart of Amish country in Ohio where she has relatives who can look after her. Shannon quickly learns that living a "simple" life is actually a lot of hard work. But when a hot young Amish guy named Ezra enters the picture, she's ready to get an Amish makeover and even consider making it a permanent change. But does Ezra share her attraction? Will Shannon really make the jump into this new way of life? And will it be for the right reasons?
Teen favorite Melody Carlson brings fans another sweet story of worlds--and families--colliding, exploring themes important to teen girls through an engaging tale.
(Dear Daphne #2)
by Melody Carlson
- B&H Fiction
- Historical
- March 2014
- ISBN: 9781433679315
Purchase:
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column.
But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating.
When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.
by Melody Carlson
- Revell Books
- Contemporary
- September 2014
- ISBN: 9780800719661
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends--plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison's job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.
Humorous and heartwarming, this latest Christmas story from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.
by Melody Carlson
- Revell Books
- Contemporary
- November 2014
- ISBN: 9780800722272
Purchase:
[Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository]
Back in fifth grade, Micah Knight got an Amish pen pal, and over the years, they've exchanged many letters--and many secrets. At age seventeen, Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. The only problem is that because of confusion about her name when the pen pals were assigned, her pen pal was a boy, Zack Miller. And all this time, Micah's never told Zack that she's actually a girl! While she wants nothing more than to experience life on Zack's Amish farm, she's afraid he'll hate her for deceiving him all these years. But she makes up her mind to face the music--and that's where the fun really begins.
Bestselling author Melody Carlson brings young adults another fascinating tale of worlds colliding, secrets being revealed, and friendships forming. Teens will love this story of miscommunication and mishaps along the way to the truth.
by Melody Carlson
- Center Street
- Contemporary
- January 2015
- ISBN: 9781455528103
Purchase:
[Amazon | The Book Depository]
Rita is living her dream of working as a hairstylist in Hollywood when her father calls with news that her mother has suffered a terrible stroke. When she gets home to Chicago, she finds her mother is healing but will need a lot of time to recover. Worse, without being able to run their family-owned salon, her mother could lose the business. Determined to help, Rita realizes what the struggling salon really needs is a complete make-over.
Rita is determined to get the salon back to its former glory by Valentine's Day, which happens to coincide with the reopening of the nearby skating rink that she loved as a child. She only has her small personal savings and a short amount of time off of work to get the job done. But she also has the help of old friends, including Johnny, a former classmate who now works for Jolly Janitors, the company that cleans the salon. Rita is surprised at how well they connect and how much he is willing to do to help her. Though Rita believes Johnny is only being kind, with romance in the air their friendship may just fall into something more.
(The Dating Games #3)
by Melody Carlson
- Revell Books
- Contemporary
- January 2015
- ISBN: 9780800721299
Purchase:
[Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository]
The girls of the DG have found that through the club, both their friendships and their dating savvy have grown. But all that is about to be put to the test. Despite their promises of secrecy, word has somehow gotten out, and new girls want to join the club. The reaction in the DG is mixed, but with the Christmas Ball coming up, they need to pull together to organize their double dates. The trouble is, how can they get guys interested in a dance that's become increasingly unpopular?
Cassidy, Devon, Abby, Bryn, and Emma are quickly becoming teen favorites as they navigate the crazy world of dating. As always, Melody Carlson subtly delivers great advice wrapped up tight in a package of fun and friendship.
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Be in to win a signed copy of My Amish Boyfriend by Melody Carlson One copy to be won Contest open to entrants worldwide. Contest runs from 12-26 September NZDT Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Melody Carlson in the blog comments. Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw. All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn. |