Interviewing Author Carol Opalinski

Interviewing Author Carol Opalinski

Q1. Tell us about yourself. What are your favorite books to read?

A. I grew up in New England but traded snow for central AC when we moved to the Deep South for my husband’s work 22 years ago. I love to travel, am addicted to British crime dramas and I have a Seinfeld quote appropriate for almost any occasion. I’ve been married for 44 year—to the same man! We have two grown sons and two spoiled cats. 

I love reading romance because of the happy endings. I also enjoy reading mystery/suspense.

Q2. Where did the inspiration to write come from? 

A. From everywhere! I love reading those quirky feel-good stories like high school sweethearts reunited after 50 years or the about the funeral of a school teacher where the church was filled not with flowers but backpacks full of school supplies for underprivileged children. 

Q3. How did you come up with the titles of your books? 

A. I’ve only actually titled one of my books. I should say, I was allowed to keep the title of my first release from Entangled Bliss, The Sheriff’s Little Matchmaker. I had input into the titles for my Harlequin Special Editions but the ultimate decision was made by Harlequin. I’m fine with that because I never would have come up with such a clever title as The Scrooge of Loon Lake for my November 2019 release.

Q4. Anything you're currently working in 2019? 

A. I just finished final edits on The Scrooge of Loon Lake and am waiting for the first round of edits on my second Entangled Bliss book which should be coming out this fall.

 I am also working on a proposal for a new story for Harlequin Special Edition. 

A dog throws a man who’s lost his belief in love and loyalty straight into the path of a fiercely loyal librarian struggling to provide a loving home for her little brother. Will this scarred former marine learn to open his heart?

Q5. How long have you been writing?

A. All my life! I remember using crayons to write “books”. I worked for a time at a local newspaper writing human interest stories. I dabbled for quite a while then when my youngest moved out I decided to get serious. I wrote for about 3 years then caught the attention of an agent who mentored me for another 18 months while I learned my craft and improved my writing. She eventually signed me and later that year (2016) we sold 2 books to Harlequin, then 3 to Entangled and 2 more to Harlequin.

Q6. What advice would you like to give to other authors?

A. Don’t give up! Perseverance is the key in this business. Learn all you can and keep writing.

Q7. Where can we connect with you online?

A. Website: http://carrienichols.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorCarrieNichols/ Twitter: @carolopal Instagram: authorcarrienichols Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Nichols/e/B01D9P7X9I Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carrie-nichols Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15104405.Carrie_Nichols

Q8. Do you plan on writing any more books in the future? 

A. Absolutely! I can’t write. When the prize in the state lottery was astronomically high, my neighbor and daily walking partner talked about what we’d do if we won. She said she’d quit her job immediately, but I said I’d keep writing. I couldn’t imagine quitting.

Q9.How many books have you written? 

Q10. Not counting the cringe-worthy ones under the bed, I have 3 published books and 3 more finished ones and another under the contract that still needs to be written. 

Q10.Did you go to college to be a writer?

A. No, but I have taken a lot of writing craft workshops and online classes.