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Canvas Rebel Interview:
We were lucky to catch up with Carol A. Campbell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Carol A., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I hope that I leave a legacy of hope and inspiration. The genre I chose isn’t inspirational, but I hope my life story is. Over the years, I have talked about writing a book, but I have never had the time to take action on it until now. Each of us has a dream tucked away in our hearts, and mine was to become a writer. Through sharing my story, I hope to inspire someone to pursue their dreams, and it’s never too late. Through my books, I aim to capture my readers’ imaginations and create stories they can enjoy (and spook them) for generations to come. My goal in life is to leave a legacy that my son, daughter, family, and friends will be proud of and say she accomplished her dreams.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My interest in ghosts started at age five. My dad and I were in his car at the railroad tracks, waiting for the train to pass. As the caboose went by, I started waving. My dad asked me who I was waving at, and I replied, Molly. He looked bewildered and asked me where do you see her? I explained that she was standing on the back porch of the caboose and waving goodbye. He laughed and told me to stop acting foolish because no one was there. When we arrived home, my mom told my dad that Molly had just had a heart attack and died. I experienced several ghostly encounters through the years, which sparked my interest in ghosts even more. Horror has always been my favorite genre, and I prefer characters that are twisted rather than ordinary. When you mix that with a ghost story, this is the inspiration behind my books. Rosie’s Rage, Izabelle, Julie’s Deadly Wishes, Elaine, Shivered, and the book I’m currently working on, Deadly Tradition, are all twisted ghost stories and contain colorful characters. The character of Mrs. Gulley in Elaine has been my favorite so far. She’s a funny, smart mouth older woman with a huge secret. Each of the books has a strong female lead character.
I often use my family, friends, and fans as characters in my books. I enjoy making them a part of my journey, and I think they enjoy it too. They may not have enjoyed reading about their character being butchered, LOL. However, they know it’s just their name, and they always reappear as ghosts or in other books. Cindy Blevins, my best friend, has been in every book, and I even convinced my daughter Jamie to be a part of one. My mom and dad, both deceased, are on my logo, along with my very much alive ankle-biter chihuahua, Jack (I call her my co-author). Being able to share my journey with all of them has been one of the most rewarding aspects of writing.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Besides asking if anyone would like their name to appear as a character in my next book, I also make merchandise. In the book Elaine, there weren’t as many characters, so I took their actual photographs and made coffee mugs, t-shirts, keychains, and posters. Because Shivered takes place at a Country Inn, there are many characters, so I cartooned them and separated them into different scenarios from the book, such as card night and karaoke. I intend to do the same with my next book, Deadly Tradition. Additionally, I create book trailers, sometimes featuring the characters from the book, which I post on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and my website. A combination of giveaways, having their name appear in a book, sneak previews on chapters, asking advice on book covers, and seeing their faces on merchandise and book trailers keeps my audience engaged and growing.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The most important lesson I learned as a writer is that not everyone will enjoy your book. When I received my first negative review, I remember how horrible I felt. I quickly googled other authors and discovered that even the ones I considered to be the best received bad reviews. All you can do is strive for excellence and write stories about which you are passionate. I have published six books, two of which have been translated into Spanish. The journey of self-publishing is hard enough. As a writer, editor, cover designer, and promoter, you have a lot on your plate, and to succeed in this field, you must have thick skin and not focus on the negative but rather on the rewards and, most of all, never give up.
Voyage Houston Interview
Conversations with Carol Campbell
Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Campbell.
Hi Carol, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into writing horror and ghost stories has been a blend of fascination with storytelling and a personal encounter that sparked my imagination from a young age. It all started with a contest in kindergarten. We were asked to paint a picture of what we thought was happening in a particular song. Despite being among much older competitors, I managed to clinch the most creative award. However, it was a haunting encounter with the supernatural that truly set me on this path. At the age of five, while waiting at a railroad crossing with my father, I experienced something inexplicable. As the caboose passed by, I found myself waving, much to my father’s confusion. He asked me who I was waving at, and I replied, “Molly.” To my father’s bewilderment, I described her standing on the back porch of the caboose, bidding us farewell. He laughed and told me to stop acting foolish because no one was there. When we arrived home, reality delivered a chilling revelation. My mom told my dad that our neighbor, Molly, had just suffered a fatal heart attack. That eerie experience left a lasting impression on me, kindling a fascination with the supernatural that endures to this day.
For most of my life, I worked in retail management and raised two wonderful children, Mark and Jamie. Though I had always harbored a passion for writing, it wasn’t until 2017 that I finally had the opportunity to pursue it seriously. With the support of Steve, Mark, Jamie, and a few close friends and family, I dove headfirst into the world of horror and ghost story writing, drawing inspiration from my personal encounters and fascination with the supernatural.
Through unwavering dedication and resilience, I take pride in the milestones I’ve achieved thus far. My journey, far from over, has been a profound learning experience marked by peaks of success and valleys of challenges. Yet, every twist and turn has been vital in molding me into the author I am today. It’s been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey of self-publishing has been far from smooth, yet incredibly rewarding. Having complete control over my work has been fulfilling, but bringing it to the attention of readers has presented numerous challenges. One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is visibility. In a world where millions of books are published each year, standing out in the bustling marketplace is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Crafting a book that not only distinguishes itself from the competition but also captures the hearts of readers has proven to be one of my most daunting challenges.
Marketing and promotion are crucial, and this often means navigating unfamiliar terrain. Finding effective strategies to reach my target audience and promote my books within a limited budget has also been challenging.
As a self-published author, I’m learning to juggle multiple roles, from writer, editor, and cover designer to taking charge of marketing and distribution. Balancing these responsibilities alongside other commitments can be utterly exhausting at times.
Yet, despite the countless challenges I’ve faced, an undeniable sense of fulfillment comes from having complete creative control over my work. And the opportunity to connect directly with my readers — that’s where the real magic lies. It’s these personal connections that fuel my passion and keep me going, even when the road gets tough.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in writing horror and ghost stories that take readers on a journey through the unexpected. Each of my books is distinguished by its twisted endings, often delving into the mysterious realms of the spirit world. What makes my tales stand out is that I blend in – family, friends, and even my fans – who volunteer to be characters. To further engage my audience, I go beyond the pages of the book. I design eye-catching t-shirts featuring the book cover on the front and the characters on the back, making the story a wearable experience. Seeing fans wearing and enjoying these unique pieces is always a joy. Additionally, I bring my stories to life through YouTube videos, adding another dimension to the world I’ve created.
Currently, I’m eagerly working on my upcoming book, “Heavenly Wishes, Micky’s Magical Things.” Micky Vermooch is one of the central and enigmatic figures in the book. He’s the owner of the curious and mystical emporium known as Micky’s Magical Things, nestled in the atmospheric coastal town of Bayou Vista, Louisiana. Micky himself is shrouded in mystery, with whispers among the townsfolk suggesting he may possess otherworldly abilities.
The protagonist, Loretta Cobb, finds herself drawn to Micky’s shop in her darkest hour. A child enduring abuse, Loretta’s life changes dramatically when she encounters Micky and receives a mysterious gift from him. As a result of Loretta’s encounter, a transformational turn of events sets the stage for a captivating and haunting story.
Micky’s role extends beyond that of a mere shopkeeper; he becomes a pivotal figure in Loretta’s life, guiding her through the shadows of her past and offering her glimpses of a brighter future. But even though Micky seems nice, there’s something mysterious about him that makes people wonder if he’s really as good as he seems. Readers are left guessing about what he’s really up to and how powerful he might be.
With Micky at the center of the story, “Heavenly Wishes, Micky’s Magical Things” delves into the rich tapestry of Bayou Vista and its inhabitants, painting a vivid portrait of a town steeped in secrets, magic, and a long line of missing women. In addition, the book sets the stage for a sequel twenty years later, promising another tantalizing twist in the ongoing saga of Bayou Vista and its enigmatic residents.
However, what I’m most proud of isn’t just the stories themselves but the community of supporters who willingly step into the roles of characters within them, even my daughter. Whether they meet fates as varied as being a murderer, a ghost, or even a voodoo queen, their enthusiasm and good spirit shine through. Their unwavering support and eagerness to be a part of my literary world are what truly make my work fulfilling. With a solid and dedicated fan base by my side, I’m excited to continue crafting tales that thrill, chill, and spook my readers.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Writing is like a thrilling rollercoaster ride, packed with highs and lows. When it gets tough, don’t throw in the towel. Have faith in yourself, cling to your ideas, and venture bravely into the eerie depths of your imagination—because often, the most riveting tales emerge from our innermost fears. Use your own experiences and deepest anxieties as fuel. The most spine-tingling stories resonate because they tap into something deeply personal. So, trust your instincts, embrace the shadows, and unleash your creativity. And remember, a good ghost story can captivate and chill your readers like nothing else.