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Melody Carlson
BIO
Melody Carlson is the prolific author of more than 100 books for women, teens and children, including THREE DAYS. Carlson's work has been awarded the ECPA Gold Medallion and the prestigious Rita Award, among others.
AUTHOR TALK
 October 6, 2006
Melody Carlson has authored over 90 books for children, adolescents and adults, including the popular teen series Diary of a Teenage Girl and her latest work, THE CHRISTMAS BUS. In this interview, Carlson expresses her passion for writing --- especially the act of storytelling --- while revealing dislike for the process that follows.She also describes the slow evolution of the characters she creates and admits that they can even surprise her at times.
Question: When did you first start writing?
Melody Carlson: I got serious about writing in my mid-thirties. The desire to create with words was so strong that I just started writing without totally knowing what I was doing, except that I was having fun. I joined a critique group and before long I’d written several books, but didn’t know what to do with them. Eventually, I figured out how to get my books published.
Q: How did you come up with the storyline for THE CHRISTMAS BUS?
MC: I wanted to tell a story about hospitality and grace, something to encourage readers to open their hearts and homes during the holidays. I also wanted to remember the nativity and true meaning of Christmas, but I wanted to do it in a different sort of way. Suddenly I imagined these two “Mary and Joseph” sort of characters who were out on the road in a funky old hippie bus…and I simply began writing.
Q: How did you invent these characters?
MC: Sometimes it seems like characters invent themselves. I simply begin writing about them and they tend to slowly evolve. The character Myrtle was fun because she was so cantankerous, pushing everyone’s patience to the limits. And then, in the end, she surprised even me.
Q: What were your favorite and least favorite things about writing this book?
MC: My favorite part is simply the storytelling process. I don’t know exactly where I’m going when I write. It’s kind of a self-discovery experience, so I enjoy the journey as much as the reader. My least favorite part is probably the editing…fortunately I didn’t have much revisions to do on this book. And I know that editing is important, but for me, it’s just not as fun as creating.
Q: What inspires you to write?
MC: I simply love to write. I used to say that I would write whether anyone ever read my work or not. For me it’s just a creative expression that’s fun and enjoyable.
Q: What books are you reading right now?
MC: MARLEY & ME. It’s nonfiction about a couple in Florida who adopt a yellow Labrador retriever. It’s light and fun and well written.
Q: Tell us about your family.
MC: I have two grown sons who live nearby, one darling two-year-old granddaughter who visits me regularly. I have the best husband and we recently celebrated our 28th anniversary. Oh, yeah, I also have a chocolate Labrador retriever who is definitely a part of the family.
Q: If you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
MC: I would wish for both of my sons to totally dedicate their lives to God. They are both on their own spiritual journeys, which seem fraught with trials and tribulations that are difficult for a mother to witness. (All prayers are appreciated).
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