Now Live: DEAR CAROLINA by Kristy Woodson Harvey {Interview/Teasers}

A moving debut novel about two mothers—one biological and one adoptive—from a compelling new voice in Southern women’s fiction.

One baby girl.

Two strong Southern women.

And the most difficult decision they’ll ever make.

Frances “Khaki” Mason has it all: a thriving interior design career, a loving husband and son, homes in North Carolina and Manhattan—everything except the second child she has always wanted. Jodi, her husband’s nineteen-year-old cousin, is fresh out of rehab, pregnant, and alone. Although the two women couldn’t seem more different, they forge a lifelong connection as Khaki reaches out to Jodi, encouraging her to have her baby. But as Jodi struggles to be the mother she knows her daughter deserves, she will ask Khaki the ultimate favor…

Written to baby Carolina, by both her birth mother and her adoptive one, this is a story that proves that life circumstances shape us but don’t define us—and that families aren’t born, they’re made…

“Characters with rich, complicated lives…beautifully shows how a family comes to be.”—New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas

"Dear Carolina is Southern fiction at its best. Lovely and lyrical, with the strong voices of the two female narrators taking us deep into the heart of what being a mother is about. It shows us that love is not without sacrifice, and there’s little in life that doesn’t go down easier with a spoonful of jam. Beautifully written."—New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge

"Dear Carolina is like the Southern women within its pages and those who will love this book, sweet as sweet tea on the outside and strong as steel on the inside. The dialect of the south is so entwined in these pages the reader is  transported to a place where women and children are treasured and family rules all. Kristy Harvey is a natural."—Ann Garvin, Author of On Maggie’s Watch and The Dog Year

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*What would you be doing right now if you were not an author?

Staying home full time with my son and freelance writing. And I’d probably spend more time on my blog, Design Chic. 

*5 years ago: what were you doing?

Working for Northwestern Mutual in financial services!

*Do you have a certain writing ritual?

With a toddler, I basically squeeze in the writing whenever I can! I used to have to have my hot tea and the right music… Now I just get down to business! 

*What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

I remember a judge in a writing contest saying that my books were too “corn pone.” But I’m a southerner, and I try to represent different elements of the South in my writing. I didn’t let it change the way I wrote, but it definitely stung a little! 

*Ever fangirled over another author? Who was it?

 I was sort of obsessed with Emily Giffin for awhile because I think she’s so chic and a great writer. I read everything she writes and have loved watching her evolve as a writer and dig into deeper, more serious topics in her novels.

*Is there an author you'd like to meet?

 I love meeting all authors! They are kind of like celebrities to me.  

*Biggest writing pet peeve?

I think I’ve become a lot less critical of other author’s writing now because I know how difficult this journey can be! But I’m not a huge fan of pages and pages of description. I like to be able to imagine a little bit as a reader.

* Do you read other's reviews of your books?

So far, I’ve only gotten endorsements by other authors, which, of course, are so lovely. I’m dreading the bad reviews…! I wish I had the self control not to read the reviews, but I know I will!

 

Fun Five:

Fav Color: Gray

Fictional Character you'd like to spend the day with? I want to go shopping with Becky Bloomwood from the Shopaholic books!

Fav food: Chocolate! 

Fav song and/or singer: Carolina in My Mind/James Taylor. I love all kinds of music, but James Taylor is a forever favorite!

Guilty pleasure: Reality TV! 

 Kristy Woodson Harvey is the author of Dear Carolina. She blogs at Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life and loves connecting with readers at kristywoodsonharvey.com. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's school of journalism and holds a Master's in English from East Carolina University. She is a regular contributor for The Salisbury Post, Domino magazine and Houzz. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three-year-old son.