Aish, Carolyn Ann

Carolyn Ann Aish was born Carolyn Ann Gundesen, in the town of Waitara, Taranaki, New Zealand, in 1948. She grew up New Plymouth, and now resides in Inglewood beneath the spectacular Taranaki Mountain.

Carolyn earned a place in the 1996 Guinness Book of Records (music section, page 144) for the longest hymn published, “Sing God's Song.” This is also listed in the 2003 Guinness World Records book.

Carolyn’s series, "The Frencolian Chronicles," enjoys rave reviews, creating an on going following for Carolyn's work. Carolyn currently has over 40 books published.

Among the many series Carolyn has written for children is “The Nine Lives of Rastus,” based on the lives of Max Corkill and his beloved cat, Rastus. KIND HEART is Carolyn’s first published book for adults.

 

Interview Carolyn Ann Aish

by

Angela Verdenius

 

1. Tell us a little about your book STEPPING STONES.

This story is a bit of a take-off of the old fairy tale, Rumplestiltskin, and a kingdom of people filled with superstitious beliefs. Few in the kingdom think rationally and it is believed that the king wants a wife who can spin straw into gold. In such a setting, it is difficult for a young woman, with a wavering faith in God, to find true love. Especially when she has a mountain of opposition and a blaspheming, irrational, selfish villain with whom to contend.

2. The title is interesting. Any special reason for it?

The STEPPING STONES are trials, and are steps Michela (the heroine) has to walk on to go from the castle of the villain, to the palace of the king.

3. What’s the hardest part, for you, about writing?

Making/taking/having the TIME to do it.

4. Was there a particularly difficult part of this book to write?

I always struggle with my FINISHING power. STEPPING STONES was finished in my mind long before I got it keyed into my computer.

5. What do you use to ‘spark up’ your creative flow?

I make sure I have the things done, which need to be done, so that I can sit down and write without disturbances. Sparking up the flow is having no distractions or interruptions; being able to just write!

6. What’s the perfect romantic setting in your opinion?

Tranquil settings are perfect, with sunsets, sunrises, gently flowing waters, scented flowers, an enclosed garden, a water-lily lake. I like a high place with a view, or near a river, in the woods, or at the seaside. Moonlight, starlight, help make it perfect.

7. If you could create the perfect man, describe him for us.

The perfect man is one who comes to the realization that he is so in love, there is no one else but HER and he will do anything, give up all, to win her love. Handsome, athletic, tall, etc, is secondary perfection.

8. How much of yourself do you put into your heroine?

All of myself is in my heroine, and then some qualities I admire in others.

9. What qualities do you consider important in a hero and heroine?

The hero and heroine both must learn and grow within the story, even if they hate each other when they first meet.

10. Ever thought about writing for a different genre?

I think about this a lot and would like to write up story ideas I have in many different genres; perhaps even create a whole new genre...

11. What does your family think about having a writer in their midst?

They accept it as part of their lot. The most complimentary thing they say (and I love it) when they’ve read one of my more active scenes is, “It’s hard to believe you really wrote this.”

12. Any plans for a sequel, or a hint of your next project?

I’m excited about a sequel to STEPPING STONES, which I’m thinking of titling, SARAH’S SECRET, and it’s about Michela’s sister, Sarah, and the man she finds (between two heroic contenders) to be her true love.

 

author Frencolian Chronicles