Can you share a little about your recent book?
A true story of beating insurmountable odds can be stranger than fiction. From the moment her story opens with border guards wielding guns and threatening arrest during interrogation, to overlapping traumas spanning decades, you bite your nails, get angry, cry, laugh and shout when she consistently comes out as a victor, instead of a victim.
Nothing about Carol Graham or her memoir, Battered Hope, is conventional – yet it speaks to anyone who has ever experienced trauma.
When Carol tried leaving her abusive first husband, he had her gang-raped and left for dead, compounding her already compromised state of health. Surviving an ugly divorce but later marrying the love of her life, she was devastated when diagnosed with ovarian cancer and told that without a hysterectomy she would die. She refused to accept that and gave birth 14 years later.
While lying in the hospital being treated for spinal meningitis, Carol received a devastating phone call. Her house had been destroyed through vandalism; her husband’s business partner depleted their bank accounts, stole their diamond business, and disappeared. Carol called her husband in Johannesburg, South Africa who had already received the terrible news and was standing on the ledge of the 19th-floor balcony about to jump. The ringing phone stopped him.
Carol and her husband were later arrested on trumped-up charges by former business partners and their only witness committed suicide days before the trial. Her husband was convicted and went to prison.
At the same time, Carol’s heart had been broken when their adopted son was ripped from her arms after the birth mother demanded him back – a year later.
Carol and her husband lost two soaring gemstone businesses to business partners who stole everything and left them penniless.
Years later a car accident caused her husband severe brain injury and doctors warned him after being bedridden for seven years “This is as good as it gets.”
Does this sound like a life of misery? Possibly. But instead of defeat Carol saw victory in every situation and never ever gave up hope. She used each trauma as a stepping stone to a better life. As a result, her memoir and talk show have benefited thousands of people worldwide.
When asked the question “How did you stay sane?” Her response: “God knew the end of my story. When there was only a thread of hope, I never let go!”
Through all these experiences, she conveys how to handle grief and loss, to win over defeat, never allowing bitterness and unforgiveness to rule, to stay focused and persevere through any trauma, and most importantly….NEVER, EVER GIVE UP HOPE!
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
After writing my memoir, I began writing articles, stories, and another book based on miracles and the hope God gives each one of us.
How long have you been writing?
15 years
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
My first book was self-published
Which of your books is your favorite?
My memoir is my life so must be considered a favorite. But the one that is changing lives and making an even greater impact, is currently available as a course online but not yet published. This is the one I teach at seminars, workshops, and coaching sessions on how to pray the answer, instead of the problem. Consequently, it is special.
Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.
The One Woman Fearless award was especially meaningful. My daughter nominated me for the award because she watched me live as an example of a woman who never gave up, always trusted God, never complained, and showed incredible strength. At the award ceremony, everyone was impacted and I received a standing ovation.
How long does it take you to write a book?
About a year
What’s your writing work schedule like?
One day a week
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
Hundreds of people have accepted Christ as their savior after reading Battered Hope.
My book on miracles is changing lives more than I imagined possible.
Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?
Ten years ago our son left us with no warning and no explanation. Although difficult, I was able to write many articles and teach in various venues how to deal with estrangement – often more difficult than the death of a child – there is no closure.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
Remarkably, I rarely am rejected and cannot recall any except the occasional story for Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Where do you get your ideas?
My personal life experiences and what I teach in my prayer courses.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Harlan Coben
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?
Accept criticism and learn from it is my advice.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Writing a book that has been written before. I will rarely read or endorse an idea that has already saturated the market.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
Social Media
Carol Graham is the author of a fast-paced award-winning memoir, Battered Hope. In 2015, Carol received the Woman of Impact Award from Focus on Women Magazine and Author of the Year for her memoir, Battered Hope. In 2018 Carol received the global award for One Woman – Fearless which is given to women who have faced their fears and are making the world a better place for women to thrive.
Carol hosts her bi-weekly talk show Never Ever Give Up Hope which has an international audience in over 140 countries.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
- ABOUT ME
- WEBSITE: nitestargalleries.com
- UNIVERSAL HOPE:
- PODCAST BLOG:
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- PINTEREST:
- LINKEDIN:
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Purchase Battered Hope on Amazon: –
Purchase How to Pray the Answer – Not the Problem
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