Meet author Sharon Carpenter

I’m so excited to have Sharon Carpenter on my blog today! She and I became friends at a local writing conference and then drove together to the Asheville Christian Writing Conference. Boy, did we talk! So fun! Read on to learn more about her.

By the way, Sharon is another author in the Trinity Sands Beach Club novella collection!

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Jen – Sharon Carpenter! It’s so good to have you on my blog. Tell us about yourself. 

Sharon – I grew up as an Air Force brat. We lived all over, and I went to nine schools in twelve years – including 3 different high schools. I thrived in the military environment and believe that it built resilience and the ability to pivot into my personality.

My dad retired to central Alabama when I was 15. One of his goals was to get me away from young airmen, but when I went to college I quickly found the Army ROTC department and my future husband, Jesse.

I like to say that my daddy took me to Alaska, the Philippines, and California, and then my husband took me to Europe. My mother instilled the philosophy that “home” is wherever we happen to be living, and every day is an adventure. I have fond memories of every place I have ever called home, but my favorites were probably Alaska, the Philippines, and Germany.

More about Sharon Carpenter

Sharon – I can see God’s hand all over the paths that life has taken me. Jesse and I intended for his Army career to last 20-30 years, and we wanted to retire in Alabama. We had it all planned out, but God had a different path. We were shocked when he was caught in a drawdown that meant he didn’t make the next rank, and the best path forward was to retire at fifteen years. It was heart-wrenching and a shock to our systems.

My husband took it much better than I did, but I kicked against the traces and railed to heaven about it. Retirement meant the end to a life that I was familiar with and loved. After 8 weeks in a hotel room with three young children, a golden retriever, a hamster, two goldfish, and a very patient husband, I finally fell on my face and cried “uncle” to God. I told Him I would go wherever He led and be thankful for His leading. Twenty-four hours later, He led us to Memphis, and I came close to throwing another fit. But thirty years later I can see the blessings of raising our family here, and the sweet way that He grew our family with “in-love” kids and grandkids. Our family of five has grown to a family of fourteen with two more on the way this year.

Sharon’s writing habits

Jen – I have a big family, too, and I love it! Where would we be without all of these kiddos?! So, my next question is about your writing habits.

Sharon – I wish my writing habits were better. I am resilient and I pivot well, but I cannot multitask. If my kids are here, I am single-minded and present with them. During recent renovations, I struggled to write on days that I had to do other things. I struggle to write when my house is dirty. However, I have found that when I calendar writing days, it works for me. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays tend to be writing days, and I do my best not to schedule anything that isn’t writing-related on those days. Unless my kids are here.

I love to write in the mornings.  Writing has always been the best way for me to process the world around me and the things going on in my life. I journal, write my prayers, and try to blog, but I have enjoyed writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul publications. Fiction has been fun because it allows me to play with imaginary friends.

The perfect time to write

My perfect writing day is to get up before the sunrise and have my quiet time and my tea, walk for thirty minutes, then get to my computer and write until I take an exercise break. Repeat writing and exercise breaks until I need to be present for Jesse, or I run out of ideas. I’m still figuring out if I am a plotter or pantser, because I’m just winging it. Trinity Sands Treasure Hunt is my first fiction project. I tried all the methods and had the most success when I wrote a chapter knowing where I started and where I was going, but meandered on the path. So, no outline or road map, but a definite destination.

Research for writing

Jen – Meandering is what works for me, too! I try to plot, but it happens more along the way. You, Deb Sprinkle, and I have written the Trinity Sands Beach Club novella collection. Did you have to do research for your novella?

Sharon – I found myself going down a research rabbit hole researching alligators. Most of that needed to be cut, but it was fun.

Sharon’s goals

Jen – Alligators are amazing! What goals do you have for your writing?

Sharon – I write because it is a way to process the world around me in a way that God is glorified. I hope that my fiction depicts relatable characters who find strength and purpose through recognizing their need for a Savior and making life choices that honor Him. I want my readers to find hope within my words and motivation to better know the One who loves them to the uttermost.

What Sharon likes to read

Jen – I know you well enough that I know this is a loaded question! What do you enjoy reading?

Sharon – I have loved to read ever since I can remember. One of my first memories is holding a book and wanting to know what the symbols on the page meant. As a child, I haunted the libraries wherever we lived, and always checked out a fairytale book, a biography, and a horse book. I still have my well-loved copy of Troy Nesbit’s Sand Dune Pony on the bookshelf in my office. Marguerite Henry captured my imagination when I was six, and I still thrill at the thought of the Chincoteague ponies. As a teenager, I read Grace Livingston Hill and Agatha Christie, then everything Mary Higgins Clark wrote. I still love good mysteries and romance. I read almost every genre except fantasy, horror, or erotica. My son-in-love still finds it distressing that I’ve never read The Chronicles of Narnia or The Hobbit.

I enjoy nonfiction as well. This year, our family read and discussed Bad Therapy and Irreversible Damages by Abigail Shrier, and The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. I believe those three books are important works for society at large, but especially Christians, even though they aren’t written by Christian authors or to a Christian audience.

Jen – I’ll look up those three nonfiction books. They sound good. And just so you know, I’m not into Narnia or The Hobbit. Don’t rat me out to your son-in-love!

Where to find Sharon Carpenter

Jen – Where can readers find you?

Sharon – I have a website at www.sharonhcarpenter.com. I have a blog and post irregularly. One of my goals is to become more reliable in my posting both on my blog and on Facebook. You can connect with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharon.h.carpenter.5/

Fun facts

Jen – Share some fun facts your readers would love to know! 

Sharon – I enjoy a cup of tea in the mornings – Earl Grey is my go-to. I don’t like the taste of coffee, but find that it is best for late nights and appetite control.

I love late spring and early fall. When there is a chill in the air, but the days are warm.

I read, sew, swim, and piddle around our property.

I love dogs and the idea of cats. We lost our elderly dog this year, and I still look for her.  We have an outdoor “mouser.” He wants to be a house cat, but I can’t stand the hair and am allergic to cat dander. I’d love to have horse,s but my husband says NO.

The scripture that is speaking to me at this stage of my life is Psalm 92:14-15: “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him.” I am standing on this promise.

Jen – I love that Scripture! He is just! What is your advice for new authors?

Sharon – ​My advice is to write. Find a time to put your bottom in the chair and write. Then find other writers. Learn your craft. Go to conferences. Invest time and some money in your calling.

More about Sharon Carpenter

Jen – If you could have dinner with any author, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Sharon – The Apostle John. My personality can be more rigid like Paul, but I strive to be loving like John. I want to sit with John and listen to the adventures he had with Jesus that he didn’t write about.

Future plans

Jen – What are you working on next?

​Sharon – I’m working on a journal/devo for new mothers-in-law, and another novella for a second book with Jen Dodrill and Deborah Sprinkle. 😊

Sharon Carpenter’s bio

Sharon Carpenter was born with a love for words.  Family lore tells that she spoke early and often, jabbering to anyone who would listen or no one at all.  One of her most-used phrases was “another story, just one more?”  Not much has changed.

Growing up as an Air Force brat and an only child, books were her constant companions and closest friends. After all, they moved to a new Air Force Base in another state or country whenever she did. The Little Engine That Could, Go, Dog, Go, Winnie the Pooh series, Misty of Chincoteague, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, classical stories of romance and valor as well as popular fiction can all still be found on Sharon’s overflowing bookshelves.  Reference books, nonfiction books on history and relationships, Biblical studies, and a vast collection of family Bibles also abound.  There are never enough bookshelves.

More about Sharon

Writing became an extension of reading very early.  Sharon often thought up alternate endings or plot twists and vowed to someday write a novel.  Nonfiction writing was an integral part of her teaching career, but the dream to craft fiction persisted. Membership in Bartlett Christian Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), wonderful writing conferences, along with the friendships and encouragement from like-minded people, have challenged Sharon to put feet to dreams and “just do it.”

Sharon and her husband, Jesse, have been on a wonderful adventure for almost 40 years.  They are parents to 3 amazing kids who married 3 amazing kids, and Sassy and Papa to an ever-increasing tribe of grands.  Her hobbies include travel, books, gardening, cooking, exercising, sewing, and passionately pursuing Jesus.  A perfect day in the Carpenter home is one filled with family love, laughter, fellowship with friends, and the anticipation of an adventure.

Sharon has been published in curriculum, regional publications, and Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies.  She is currently working on a Christian novel.

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024 and the 2nd in the series, Where’s the Quetzal? released Feb. 25, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)