1. At this point, you’ve published so many books that I’ve lost track. Which was the most fun to write?
I have written 61 books. The 62nd, Ghost Ups Her Game, will be out in August. The WWII books are the most important to me and perhaps the best, Escape from Paris, Brave Hearts, and Letter from Home, but by far the most fun I’ll ever have in writing a book was the first Bailey Ruth, Ghost at Work. As my favorite priest said at the time, ‘Carolyn, until Edward R. Murrow returns with a first hand report, your version of Heaven is as valid as anyone’s.’” And Bailey Ruth always makes me laugh.
2. Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to write books, or did it happen gradually and surprise you?
I always knew I wanted to write. I intended to be a reporter. I discovered I like to write but I don’t like to interview people. I also always loved mysteries. I saw a contest for a mystery for girls age 8 to12. I wrote The Secret of the Cellars. It won the contest and was my first published book.I was 27.
3. What warning can you offer to help aspiring writers avoid trouble?
Write it your way. There’s only one you and you can weave stories that reflect what matters to you. There are a thousand ways to write novels, but there’s only one you.