Author Feature/Article-Interview Medium.com Indie Author Carmel Hanes
The Bridge to Growth by Angel M.B. Chadwick
Carmel Hanes is pure of heart. She is a kindred soul with a powerful voice and touching message worthy of being heard. Her kindness is a testament to the true depth of humanity. Her honesty is heartfelt and a breath of fresh air. She is the calm in the storm.
Angel Chadwick: Tell us a little about yourself and your latest novel.
Carmel Hanes: Crooked Grow the Trees is a story about several youth locked in a detention center, and the woman who works with them, trying to help them change the things that got them locked up so they can gain freedom and live more functionally in the world. It is a story showing how reactions and choices can be driven by early life experiences and trauma.
I’m a retired school psychologist who worked in both detention centers and public schools and saw the same things over and over again, in both adults and students. I’ve talked with thousands of people over the years, hearing the same themes repeatedly.
The characters in this book represent those themes, challenges, and traits, giving voice to some of the universal struggles we tend to have as humans, including our disagreement in how to address the challenges.
Angel Chadwick: What inspired you to be a writer and to get into indie publishing? How long have you been writing? How long have you been published as an indie author?
Carmel Hanes: I still feel humbled to be referred to as “an author.” Unlike many others, I have not spent years writing fiction, but was busy writing education reports about special needs children. Years ago I took creative writing classes in college and wrote poetry as a personal outlet, but even that disappeared in the years of work. I have only been published since September 2017 with this debut novel.
The inspiration to write this book was, unfortunately, the school shootings that began occurring, the first of which was in a town near me. In my horror, I wanted to understand, which led to me working within youth detention centers.
My ongoing contact with kids who struggle, along with learning about how trauma affects us and my observation that adults were divided in how to respond to struggling kids led to this book. I realized there was something I wanted to say, in case it helped others, but wanted to say it in a story format that might be more interesting and touch others on an emotional level.
Angel Chadwick: Who are your writing mentors/authors? What genres do you enjoy writing and what genres do you like to read? Are you an avid reader/reviewer of other authors?
Carmel Hanes: I have always loved to read, although until the last couple of years I have had little time for it. I like to read books that have complicated but likeable characters and tend to reflect real life and real issues.
I like books that make me think or that are written in such a way as to make me appreciate the artistry of the author. Some of my favorites are To Kill a Mockingbird, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Secret Life of Bees.
I have read multiple genres, but most tend to reflect our real world (which is the only genre I’ve written). Occasionally something else will capture my interest, such as Harry Potter and the Hunger Games series (mostly so I could talk coherently to a beloved granddaughter). I’ve also liked the writing style of Kingsolver and Sue Monk Kidd.
Angel Chadwick: Have you ever co-wrote or consider collaborating or co-writing with anyone on a writing project?
Carmel Hanes: It is an interesting thought, but I have never had reason to consider it up to this point. Because authors tend to have unique visions, writing styles and voices. I can imagine it might be a difficult process.
Angel Chadwick: What are your dreams and aspirations that could drive you forward on this writing and publication journey?
I knew when I published my book that it was unlikely to sell very many copies, for a variety of reasons.
But if I were to allow myself to dream, it would be that it would be received in such a way that it helped people, to increase their understanding of each other or themselves, to improve how they related to others, to be more tolerant of differences.
If I saw any ROI come from it, my dream would be to put that towards the people who inspired me to write it, such as kids who have been in foster care and are exiting with nowhere to go once they are eighteen. That might even spur me to write the sequel my readers have been asking for.
Angel Chadwick: Do you prefer to do marketing and promotion yourself for your works or would you rather have someone else control that spectrum? What are some of the things you have done to promote and market yourself?
Carmel Hanes: Oh, my, I can’t tell you how much I dislike the marketing end of this business. I naively thought I could just tell Facebook that the book was for sale and the rest would take care of itself. I know, pretty silly. I have learned that this is what must be done, even if one was not published as an Indie.
I have been really grateful for the Goodreads community for all the great information and suggestions regarding how to promote and market, as well as knowing others struggle with similar issues.
So far, my own attempts have included selling at a local holiday bazaar (which was pretty successful, as it was in the community I worked and am well known), running Facebook promos, doing giveaways on Goodreads and Amazon, and I’m currently running my first Amazon ad.
I’ve taken advantage of advertising my free promos with a few different sites offering that service. Additionally, I have a few books in local establishments on consignment and I’ve left my business cards or a free book in the paperback exchange section of RV places we stay when traveling.
Angel Chadwick: What is your greatest accomplishment as an author?
Carmel Hanes: Since I’m so new to this, I feel teaching myself how to publish a book as a do-it-yourself project has been quite an accomplishment. Taking an abstract idea and slogging through page after page of getting it down, revising it, and formatting it to acceptable standards so a publishing site would take it gave me an incredible sense of accomplishment. The only thing that beats that is hearing from some of those who have read it that it “hit home” with them in a variety of ways and accomplished what I was after. That is hugely rewarding to hear.
Angel Chadwick: What's the next writing project(s) you're working on?
Carmel Hanes: Well, if I were going to keep my readers happy, it would be a sequel to this one. At this point I have not decided if or when there will be another large writing project, as I’m still spending a great deal of time keeping up with the writing communities I’ve joined and learning to market. I am still trying to determine if what I have to say is of any interest to others, as I do not fit neatly into the genres out there.
Angel Chadwick: How would you balance creativity with the business side of writing such as coming up with particular concepts and solutions to stand out amongst the crowd in this writing/publishing industry where 'popularity' is key, if your idea wasn't exactly popular/or was unknown to the readers/publishers?
Carmel Hanes: This is such an interesting question, and one that I’m still trying to sort through. I would describe my book as being outside what appears to be popular right now, which affects how well it will be noticed and responded to, which will affect sales. Despite that, I think I would settle for fewer sales rather than change my content into something that did not offer what I needed it to say. I guess the author has to decide if they are more interested in generating sales, or more interested in sticking with their own stories. For me, it was more important to speak “my truth” and hope a few folks out there valued it than it was to maximize sales but diminish my story. I think every writer gets to decide that based on what is important to him or her, and that there is no “right” answer to this.
Angel Chadwick: Have you ever been traditionally published? Would you consider it? Or feel like a sell out if you took a traditional deal and abandoned indie publishing? Have you ever thought about being a hybrid, part indie, part traditionally published? How would you feel about such an opportunity, if both or either of these things happened?
Carmel Hanes: I have only self-published, and chose that after learning about the options. I won’t say I would never consider a traditional publisher, but I would be very cautious about doing so because of the control you have to give up. I guess that makes me sound controlling. I may have to wear those shoes. I do value having choices about what I do in putting this book out there, and any other books that may follow it. I’d have to be talked into such an opportunity if one arose, and they’d have to have some pretty good talking points. I don’t think I’d feel like a sell-out if I decided to go that route, as it is simply another means to an end, which is to get a book out there for the public to enjoy.
Angel Chadwick: What other creative talents do you have? Do you draw, sketch, paint, etc.?
Carmel Hanes: Alas, I’ve never considered myself very creative with anything other than words, truth be told. I do knit some, but have to have instructions to follow, and make mistakes on a regular basis. I do paint, but only my walls, when they are in need of it, as I’m not very good with that either. Probably the most creative thing I do other than write is take pictures, which I like making into photo books for others, or use to make personalized greeting cards.
Angel Chadwick: What advice would you give other aspiring authors?
Carmel Hanes: To keep putting one foot in front of the other (or one finger in front of another on that keyboard), to know that it is going to be scary, discouraging, frustrating, but also exhilarating and rewarding. Reach out to others at any point you need to, because there are lots of people to give advice and support when you feel you are failing or don’t know what to try next. And because I’m such a believer in individual uniqueness, don’t be afraid to be exactly who you are, because in this big old world, you will find some kindred spirits.
Angel Chadwick: Describe yourself in a one-sentence epithet.
Carmel Hanes: She was the curious result of combining the DNA of Mr. Spock, Boo Radley, Mr. Rogers and Atticus Finch, in a female body.
Angel Chadwick: Paying it forward. What things do you do in your community/ and other communities to help others?
Carmel Hanes: Paying back to the writing communities, I’ve purchased, read, and reviewed books others have written, with a particular focus on those independently published; I’ve followed others on a variety of social media sites where I can offer supportive comments or share what they are trying to publicize; I’ve read, clapped and commented on Medium posts or flash fiction stories written by fellow authors; I’ve offered articles to the Indie Author Monthly magazine, and read what others have written, and I participate in the Goodreads threads. I wish I had more time to devote to some of these things, as it is almost a job in itself to keep up with it all! It has been rewarding to meet people in the cyber world who are kind and supportive and helpful, and who are trying to put good things into this world.
Paying back to my larger community, I regularly support our local mission, have supported a halfway house for women transitioning out of prison, have volunteered at a school I used to work in to help put on positive incentive activities, and support a local "kindness club" in stocking a food pantry that high school students can access once a week in order to have food for the weekend. This pantry also sends backpacks of food to younger students once a week for the same reason. The schools have many low income families who may not have sufficient food during weekends and school breaks, so this effort tries to fill that need. In addition to these regular supports, there are often one time needs that arise that I try to respond to when I can.
https://www.facebook.com/Carmel-Hanes...
https://medium.com/@chmayella
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.amazon.com/Carmel-Hanes/e...
Thank you, Angel, for this opportunity, and for all you add to that community!
Carmel Hanes is pure of heart. She is a kindred soul with a powerful voice and touching message worthy of being heard. Her kindness is a testament to the true depth of humanity. Her honesty is heartfelt and a breath of fresh air. She is the calm in the storm.
Angel Chadwick: Tell us a little about yourself and your latest novel.
Carmel Hanes: Crooked Grow the Trees is a story about several youth locked in a detention center, and the woman who works with them, trying to help them change the things that got them locked up so they can gain freedom and live more functionally in the world. It is a story showing how reactions and choices can be driven by early life experiences and trauma.
I’m a retired school psychologist who worked in both detention centers and public schools and saw the same things over and over again, in both adults and students. I’ve talked with thousands of people over the years, hearing the same themes repeatedly.
The characters in this book represent those themes, challenges, and traits, giving voice to some of the universal struggles we tend to have as humans, including our disagreement in how to address the challenges.
Angel Chadwick: What inspired you to be a writer and to get into indie publishing? How long have you been writing? How long have you been published as an indie author?
Carmel Hanes: I still feel humbled to be referred to as “an author.” Unlike many others, I have not spent years writing fiction, but was busy writing education reports about special needs children. Years ago I took creative writing classes in college and wrote poetry as a personal outlet, but even that disappeared in the years of work. I have only been published since September 2017 with this debut novel.
The inspiration to write this book was, unfortunately, the school shootings that began occurring, the first of which was in a town near me. In my horror, I wanted to understand, which led to me working within youth detention centers.
My ongoing contact with kids who struggle, along with learning about how trauma affects us and my observation that adults were divided in how to respond to struggling kids led to this book. I realized there was something I wanted to say, in case it helped others, but wanted to say it in a story format that might be more interesting and touch others on an emotional level.
Angel Chadwick: Who are your writing mentors/authors? What genres do you enjoy writing and what genres do you like to read? Are you an avid reader/reviewer of other authors?
Carmel Hanes: I have always loved to read, although until the last couple of years I have had little time for it. I like to read books that have complicated but likeable characters and tend to reflect real life and real issues.
I like books that make me think or that are written in such a way as to make me appreciate the artistry of the author. Some of my favorites are To Kill a Mockingbird, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Secret Life of Bees.
I have read multiple genres, but most tend to reflect our real world (which is the only genre I’ve written). Occasionally something else will capture my interest, such as Harry Potter and the Hunger Games series (mostly so I could talk coherently to a beloved granddaughter). I’ve also liked the writing style of Kingsolver and Sue Monk Kidd.
Angel Chadwick: Have you ever co-wrote or consider collaborating or co-writing with anyone on a writing project?
Carmel Hanes: It is an interesting thought, but I have never had reason to consider it up to this point. Because authors tend to have unique visions, writing styles and voices. I can imagine it might be a difficult process.
Angel Chadwick: What are your dreams and aspirations that could drive you forward on this writing and publication journey?
I knew when I published my book that it was unlikely to sell very many copies, for a variety of reasons.
But if I were to allow myself to dream, it would be that it would be received in such a way that it helped people, to increase their understanding of each other or themselves, to improve how they related to others, to be more tolerant of differences.
If I saw any ROI come from it, my dream would be to put that towards the people who inspired me to write it, such as kids who have been in foster care and are exiting with nowhere to go once they are eighteen. That might even spur me to write the sequel my readers have been asking for.
Angel Chadwick: Do you prefer to do marketing and promotion yourself for your works or would you rather have someone else control that spectrum? What are some of the things you have done to promote and market yourself?
Carmel Hanes: Oh, my, I can’t tell you how much I dislike the marketing end of this business. I naively thought I could just tell Facebook that the book was for sale and the rest would take care of itself. I know, pretty silly. I have learned that this is what must be done, even if one was not published as an Indie.
I have been really grateful for the Goodreads community for all the great information and suggestions regarding how to promote and market, as well as knowing others struggle with similar issues.
So far, my own attempts have included selling at a local holiday bazaar (which was pretty successful, as it was in the community I worked and am well known), running Facebook promos, doing giveaways on Goodreads and Amazon, and I’m currently running my first Amazon ad.
I’ve taken advantage of advertising my free promos with a few different sites offering that service. Additionally, I have a few books in local establishments on consignment and I’ve left my business cards or a free book in the paperback exchange section of RV places we stay when traveling.
Angel Chadwick: What is your greatest accomplishment as an author?
Carmel Hanes: Since I’m so new to this, I feel teaching myself how to publish a book as a do-it-yourself project has been quite an accomplishment. Taking an abstract idea and slogging through page after page of getting it down, revising it, and formatting it to acceptable standards so a publishing site would take it gave me an incredible sense of accomplishment. The only thing that beats that is hearing from some of those who have read it that it “hit home” with them in a variety of ways and accomplished what I was after. That is hugely rewarding to hear.
Angel Chadwick: What's the next writing project(s) you're working on?
Carmel Hanes: Well, if I were going to keep my readers happy, it would be a sequel to this one. At this point I have not decided if or when there will be another large writing project, as I’m still spending a great deal of time keeping up with the writing communities I’ve joined and learning to market. I am still trying to determine if what I have to say is of any interest to others, as I do not fit neatly into the genres out there.
Angel Chadwick: How would you balance creativity with the business side of writing such as coming up with particular concepts and solutions to stand out amongst the crowd in this writing/publishing industry where 'popularity' is key, if your idea wasn't exactly popular/or was unknown to the readers/publishers?
Carmel Hanes: This is such an interesting question, and one that I’m still trying to sort through. I would describe my book as being outside what appears to be popular right now, which affects how well it will be noticed and responded to, which will affect sales. Despite that, I think I would settle for fewer sales rather than change my content into something that did not offer what I needed it to say. I guess the author has to decide if they are more interested in generating sales, or more interested in sticking with their own stories. For me, it was more important to speak “my truth” and hope a few folks out there valued it than it was to maximize sales but diminish my story. I think every writer gets to decide that based on what is important to him or her, and that there is no “right” answer to this.
Angel Chadwick: Have you ever been traditionally published? Would you consider it? Or feel like a sell out if you took a traditional deal and abandoned indie publishing? Have you ever thought about being a hybrid, part indie, part traditionally published? How would you feel about such an opportunity, if both or either of these things happened?
Carmel Hanes: I have only self-published, and chose that after learning about the options. I won’t say I would never consider a traditional publisher, but I would be very cautious about doing so because of the control you have to give up. I guess that makes me sound controlling. I may have to wear those shoes. I do value having choices about what I do in putting this book out there, and any other books that may follow it. I’d have to be talked into such an opportunity if one arose, and they’d have to have some pretty good talking points. I don’t think I’d feel like a sell-out if I decided to go that route, as it is simply another means to an end, which is to get a book out there for the public to enjoy.
Angel Chadwick: What other creative talents do you have? Do you draw, sketch, paint, etc.?
Carmel Hanes: Alas, I’ve never considered myself very creative with anything other than words, truth be told. I do knit some, but have to have instructions to follow, and make mistakes on a regular basis. I do paint, but only my walls, when they are in need of it, as I’m not very good with that either. Probably the most creative thing I do other than write is take pictures, which I like making into photo books for others, or use to make personalized greeting cards.
Angel Chadwick: What advice would you give other aspiring authors?
Carmel Hanes: To keep putting one foot in front of the other (or one finger in front of another on that keyboard), to know that it is going to be scary, discouraging, frustrating, but also exhilarating and rewarding. Reach out to others at any point you need to, because there are lots of people to give advice and support when you feel you are failing or don’t know what to try next. And because I’m such a believer in individual uniqueness, don’t be afraid to be exactly who you are, because in this big old world, you will find some kindred spirits.
Angel Chadwick: Describe yourself in a one-sentence epithet.
Carmel Hanes: She was the curious result of combining the DNA of Mr. Spock, Boo Radley, Mr. Rogers and Atticus Finch, in a female body.
Angel Chadwick: Paying it forward. What things do you do in your community/ and other communities to help others?
Carmel Hanes: Paying back to the writing communities, I’ve purchased, read, and reviewed books others have written, with a particular focus on those independently published; I’ve followed others on a variety of social media sites where I can offer supportive comments or share what they are trying to publicize; I’ve read, clapped and commented on Medium posts or flash fiction stories written by fellow authors; I’ve offered articles to the Indie Author Monthly magazine, and read what others have written, and I participate in the Goodreads threads. I wish I had more time to devote to some of these things, as it is almost a job in itself to keep up with it all! It has been rewarding to meet people in the cyber world who are kind and supportive and helpful, and who are trying to put good things into this world.
Paying back to my larger community, I regularly support our local mission, have supported a halfway house for women transitioning out of prison, have volunteered at a school I used to work in to help put on positive incentive activities, and support a local "kindness club" in stocking a food pantry that high school students can access once a week in order to have food for the weekend. This pantry also sends backpacks of food to younger students once a week for the same reason. The schools have many low income families who may not have sufficient food during weekends and school breaks, so this effort tries to fill that need. In addition to these regular supports, there are often one time needs that arise that I try to respond to when I can.
https://www.facebook.com/Carmel-Hanes...
https://medium.com/@chmayella
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.amazon.com/Carmel-Hanes/e...
Thank you, Angel, for this opportunity, and for all you add to that community!
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