I am a big Hope Clark fan. Always have been. Both Hope and I have been committed to serving writers for years, and when you give as much service as we both have to the same group, you come to recognize each other as kindred spirits.
I don’t think Hope gives so much to writers because she has to or even because she wants to. I think she gives so much to writers because it’s in her nature. She’s a writer herself, and like me, she has the natural inclination to want to pass on what she’s learned to others in hopes of making the road a little less bumpy for someone else.
Now that Hope has a new novel out, you can bet that she was one of the first writer mama/writer grandmas I thought to invite to come on over and share the fruits of her hard work with us. Please help me welcome Hope!
About Hope Clark
C. Hope Clark was born and reared in the South, from Mississippi to South Carolina with a few stints in Alabama and Georgia. The granddaughter of a Mississippi cotton farmer, Hope holds a B.S. in Agriculture with honors from Clemson University and 25 years’ experience with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to include awards for her management, all of which enable her to talk the talk of Carolina Slade, the protagonist in most of her novels. Her love of writing, however, carried her up the ranks to the ability to retire young, and she left USDA to pen her stories and freelance.
About Lowcountry Bribe
Lowcountry Bribe by C. Hope Clark is the first in the Carolina Slade Mystery Series. Set in South Carolina, particularly along the coast in Charleston County, Lowcountry Bribe introduces readers to Carolina Slade, a smart, focused, sometimes over-thinking woman who feels safe in the bureaucratic world of the U.S. Department of Agriculture . . . until she’s offered a bribe . . . from a hog farmer, no less.
Slade follows proper protocol and reports Jessie Rawlings to her superiors. The next thing she knows, Slade is besieged by Senior Special Agent Wayne Largo from the Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. He and his partner have come to investigate Slade’s accusations, and if possible catch Jessie in the act of handing over money. While the situation disrupts her life, Slade reminds herself that following the book in reporting the incident was the right move.
However, events do not go smoothly. The IG isn’t telling Slade everything. The agents are also investigating the disappearance of Slade’s manager the year before in connection to possible land fraud. And when the stin on Jessie goes bad, the case is put on hold and Wayne is recalled to Atlanta, leaving Slade exposed and vulnerable, fearing not only for her life and job, but for her children’s safety.
The Very Short Interview
When did you know for sure that you were a writer and that writing would be a major energy focus in your life?
I knew I loved to write from day one. However, it wasn’t until I worked years as a government bureaucrat and writing seemed to be the catalyst to my advancement, did I think about writing for a living. Why give the government credit for my work? So it wasn’t until I was in my 40s with teenage boys did I decide writing was my future . . . and my focus. It beckoned me hard, and I latched ahold of it and haven’t looked back since.
Who has always been behind your writing career and who helped pull you up the ladder of success?
While my English teacher in 10th grade convinced me I had talent, my husband is the person who keeps me afloat. I count my blessings he’s so supportive. He comes to every one of my conferences, acting as baggage boy, photographer, and assistant handing out cards and handouts – anything needed. He’s even entertained attendees, talking about being a federal agent. He reminds me of deadlines, cooks dinner while I write, records a mystery for me when I’m chasing a deadline. He’s an angel and a marvel. For an early Mother’s Day, he bought a new notebook for me to handle emails, Facebook, Twitter and blog replies while traveling from workshops to conferences to readings. When I’m editing novels, he asks me if I have chapters to review, and offers to listen as I read aloud – on the back porch overlooking the lake. Of course he grabs a cigar and a bourbon while I read. He’s listened to an entire novel in three days before. He calls himself my Uncompensated Executive Personal Assistant, but I call him Sweetie.
What is the most frequent comment you hear about your book (or books) from readers? Tell us a little story about the response to your work.
OMG, my readers are remarkably in love with my new novel series. I have over 50 reviews on Amazon to date, and the publisher hasn’t even done its promo effort on it yet. Readers love the fast pace, first and foremost. The cliche “I could not put it down” rings true in review after review. I quit counting the number of times people said they read it straight through. Secondly, they love the spunk of Carolina Slade . . .just adore her! That does my heart good, because while she was tough from the outset, I had trouble showing her tender at the same time. She’s a mother – not common in a mystery series – and the ups and downs she had to endure in the danger she lived in was escalated when it impacted her children. That Mama Tiger attitude gave her a depth and strength that resonates with readers over and over. One lady met me at a signing and told me that Slade empowered her. She actually put down the book, went outside, and told people to get off her land where they’d been trespassing and hunting. I was stunned that my fictional character made her stand up and bark! Another said she found herself emulating the same emotions as Slade. If she was reading a chapter where Slade was angry, she was angry that day, and so on. I’m in awe how these wonderful readers are connecting with Carolina Slade and Lowcountry Bribe.
And Now, Your Turn
Now it’s your turn. You remember how this works right?
I ask you a question. You answer in the comments for your chance to win a book each day.
Please just respond once, even if you make a typo. 
Answer in the comments in 50-200 words (no less and no more to qualify to win one of today’s books). Please read the complete rules at least once!
Thanks for participating in the Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway! I hope to see you here every day this month. Bring your friends!
Carolina Slade has spunk, and she’s not afraid to use it. How will you have spunk in upholding and protecting your desire to write?
Ready, set, comment!
