Carolyn Pickens Coleman is a daughter, wife, mother, sister, cousin, friend, and co-worker from Bessemer, Alabama. She has a B.S. in Nursing from Samford University and an M.A. in Health Service Administration from Strayer University.

Carolyn is a member of the Birmingham Black Nurses Association, Inc., serving as the Chairperson of the Outreach committee, and is the current President of the Bessemer

Public Library Trustee Board. She has a big heart and volunteers in her community.

Carolyn has more than 36 years of experience as a critical care nurse and spent five years as a nurse case manager. She worked with hospital administrators to establish plans regarding complex patient cases, concentrating on outcome management, utilizing best practices, advocating for patients. She is also an adjunct instructor.

Carolyn is the author of four books a series about Gentry who faces her life choices, as we all do, Happiness Hurt Healing, The Re-Entry of Gentry, Gentry’s Journey, and Gentry’s Circle of Friends. For Carolyn, writing is cathartic. She enjoys reading and staying active by line dancing, walking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Carolyn joins a group of esteemed authors in The Breaking Point and hopes that her chapter will give you the insight to find your passion and purpose for a meaningful life.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

I have always wanted to write, time and life got in the way. After a frustrating day I decided to write. What is it about being a writer that you love the most? Being able to express myself my way. What about being a writer frustrates you the most? Thinking and rethinking what you write, how it sounds to the reader.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

The current book is an anthology titled The Breaking Point. It can be found on Amazon or on my website: Glouis.net

3) What projects are you currently working on?

I have some interviews scheduled, a chapter discussion to be done in July and some podcast discussion coming up.

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

Being a #1 bestselling author is a huge accomplishment and Les Brown endorsing the book. I am open to being on the big screen.

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

When you write what you love you are not rejected, the others may not capture you totally at this time, my goal was accomplished.

6) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

I usually write at night after a day’s work to unwind. I do not truly do an outline; I write my thoughts and often re-arrange the order or placement of a chapter. To be honest, I have never timed the process for I do not have any time constraints.

7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

The answer to that is no, it is never too late, you are never too old. No, not. You may be more seasoned having more life experiences that other can grow from.

8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

I do enjoy reading and yes, I have been reading for pleasure since I was a pre-teen. Great Expectations I have several: John Grisham, Walter Mosley, E. Lynn Harris, there are so many. The Breaking Point is what I’m currently reading.

9) The Pandemic was a challenging time for some writers and creative individuals but also for others it was time that they needed to focus on their creative passions. Which side of that spectrum do you fall on? Are there any lessons or nuggets of wisdom that you gained during the Pandemic that help you within your writing career? Did the quarantine stifle your creativity or did it make you even more driven to get things done?

I worked during Covid and when we are called to shelter in place. As a nurse seeing the effects of Covid and as a citizen being a part of Covid. It reemphasized just how fragile life is; this should in my humble opinion encourage others to complete or start any goals you may have. In one of my works of fiction, I do have a chapter dedicated to Covid.

10) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

Be it fiction or non-fiction, writing allows you to express yourself, you are able to unveil some thoughts or feeling you may be holding on to; once you put it on paper the burden is lifted; it is cathartic, in that cleansing process you are refreshed and free to whatever may have been unknowingly or knowingly holding you back. I want to be real, and relatable.