The setting for “The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman” is rural West Virginia, where, in my novel, the ugly monster of abuse dwells alongside country roads, mountains, and beauty. I can certainly understand why they call West Virginia “wild and wonderful” because the slogan  aptly fulfills the description of the state! We’ve visited West Virginia many, many times. We’ve stayed in some of the resorts, traveled across the state and know many people who live there. In researching recipes for the “Go Along” book I plan for The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, I became friends with several West Virginia residents. They are friendly, helpful and down-home wonderful.

How and why did I decide on West Virginia as the setting? After my husband came up with the plot, I knew I needed to set it in a specific place. I first considered Ohio, but just couldn’t get that image to fit with the story. The next state that came to mind was West Virginia, and I realized immediately it was perfect. 

The mountains would give the setting the perfect place for a cult to semi-hide from the world and create beauty with a sinister thread. The streams would be the perfect place for Caralynne and her daughters to picnic at, to wade and play in and yet provide the appropriate place to be spied upon. 

To me, setting is the third most important part of The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. I want readers to feel the atmosphere, to sense the evil that lurks there, to feel the beauty in the romance as Dayne and Caralynne re-discover each other. Whether they are in Caralynne’s home preparing pizza, or waiting in the car for the next event to unfold, or sitting on a blanket watching her girls frolic in the shallow stream, the sense of loveliness and serenity needs to shine through to counter-balance the horror of the evilness that works against Caralynne. 

Setting can drag down a novel from being the best a writer can make it. Or it can give that little extra push over the top so readers can describe it as outstanding. It was a tough subject I wrote about: abuse. But setting the novel in West Virginia gave me the feeling I needed to know I was on the right track. 

To preorder, go here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499948/

Carole Brown’s debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne

Hayman, was a semi-finalist in the Genesis contest. Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, she enjoys  mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled across the country. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

I’d love to connect with readers at: 
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

I also participate on:
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net
Geezers Gals and Guys: http://geezerguysandgals.blogspot.com/
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/