Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Christiansen.
Hi Caroline, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I was born in beautiful Greenville, SC. My first 14 years of life in Greenville really laid the foundation for where I am today! Fast forward about 22 years I’m now living in Franklin, TN. Where I met and fell in love with my high school sweetheart, Brad.
We have two beautiful children and are in such a fun and adventurous time of our lives. In April of 2020, I was laid off from work due to Covid. I was a little shocked as I had devoted the last 5 years of my life to that place only to be cut off right when I needed it the most. It was hard. I was working at my church so to be cut off like that not only from my job and coworkers but also from my community was disheartening, to say the least.
I still had friends and still do have many friends that I’ve remained close with since that time. As a wife and a working mom at the time, it was heartbreaking.
It felt like I had lost more than just a well-paying job. I spent the summer with my parents with my two littles while Covid was tragically taking over the world, which put so much into perspective, and during my time there I kept having the urge to get back into writing.
My background growing up was in musical theatre, singing, and songwriting. However, I had moved away from that part of my life or at least I thought I had. Little did I know I needed the creative outlet more than ever. My son started kindergarten that fall and my daughter was home with me during the day. I felt this push to write so I opened my laptop and I did just that.
What started out as an urge to write out some of my bottled-up creativity ended up going further than expected. At the end of August, I began my first book and by November I had written five novels. I just couldn’t turn it off. It was like something inside of me came alive. Needless to say, that started me on a journey that I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to be on.
I had no idea what I was going to do with my novels but I knew I didn’t want to just let my passions sizzle out like a fire. January of 2021, I made the promise to myself that I would forge ahead. I connected with an editor who has been one of the greatest allies I could have ever asked for. We work so well together. Then I moved forward with a cover designer, creating a website, working with a formatter and a promo company.
It was A LOT but I was bound and determined to prove not only to myself that I could do it but also to anyone else who had ever dreamed of becoming a self-published writer. I’m currently editing book 2 and giving myself grace as I ensure book 2 lives up to the hype and caliber of book 1. It’s an amazing process and I’ve met so many incredible people along the way.
I feel called to encourage people and help them realize that their dreams are attainable. I have no idea where this journey will take me but I’m certain that I’m walking in my passions and praying that God will continue to lead me down the right path.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh my goodness. I tell people this when they ask me what the self-publishing world is like. It’s like checking one item off your list only to have 5 more tabs to take care of pop up. It can be grueling and isolating but at the same time incredibly fulfilling.
There’s such an amazing writing and author community out there so don’t hesitate to look. Some people ask why I didn’t try to go through a normal publishing house. That process is long and tedious and honestly, I felt like I needed to start where I’m at now. Self-publishing is an amazing path. That doesn’t mean it’s easier.
A traditional publishing house has many employees to take care of all the checklists. So when you are self-publishing it’s up to you to make sure everything is done. I like the control that gives me, for now. Doesn’t mean I don’t hope to go through a Publishing house one day but this is where I am on my journey and I’m grateful to be doing what I LOVE to do!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a creative person. I always have been. I love writing stories or songwriting. Anything that can paint a picture for someone so that they are there with you at that moment.
Writing a book has always been a dream of mine and I was given the opportunity and time to do just that and I did. I’m most proud of myself for pushing past the haters that can’t believe that I’d have the gumption to take on something like writing and publishing a book.
There will always be those people who don’t want you to succeed. However, pushing forward through the noise and discouragement is where you learn to shine and encourage others. We all have a story to tell. Might as well tell the entire world!
What’s next?
Right now I’m editing Book 2. I’m so excited about this second book. Storytelling is where I feel like I shine. It’s one part entertainment and one part encouragement and hope.
We all need that in our life. Now more than ever. I have nothing but gratitude at this point in my life. I don’t know where this dream is going to take me but I’m ready!
Pricing:
- $15.99 for the Paperback Version
- $2.99 for the ebook
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carolinechristiansen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinedchristiansen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialcarolinechristiansen@
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOfficialCC14
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Carolinechristiansen
Image Credits
Christin Suzanne Wurst Photography https://www.christinsuzanne.com/
