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15 July 2012

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviews Jamie Carie



Jamie Carie is the author of The Forgiven Duke and ten other books including The Guardian Duke and Pirate of my Heart.

Jamie, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?
When I was in my twenties, I started having panic attacks. I had always struggled with fear and anxiety due to a traumatic childhood (I’m working on my memoirs now so that story is coming eventually). My husband didn’t know how to help me which made him frustrated and afraid and I wasn’t getting much help from my church. I went to the doctor and they gave me medication but it barely helped and made me feel like a walking zombie. It got so bad that I could hardly leave my house. My husband had a second job delivering newspapers from 4:00 – 6:00 am every morning. I would always wake up terrified that he was gone (back when there were no cell phones) and I would walk in a circle around my living room just trying to breathe. My hands would go numb and tingly and my heart would race. I prayed constantly but only had small reprieves from the constant terror. After months of this, I was exhausted physically, emotionally and spiritually. I had two little boys to take care of and I wanted to die.

What finally helped was Joyce Meyer and her cassette tape series, The Battlefield of the Mind. I listened to it countless times and believed the scriptures that she taught. I didn’t have an instantaneous healing but over time and with some later counseling, I did get much better.

Today, I praise God that I have come so far. I would have never been able to do the traveling, speaking and socializing that I now do as an author without God pulling me out of that pit.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
In the context of this topic I would go with I John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (NIV)

Disability friendliness:
Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do you have any in large print?  Some of my books are available in audio and most of them are available in large print. All are available as an e-book.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
That God loves them in a way that we can only attempt to imagine and that He has a plan for their lives that is perfect and is preparing them for eternity. We are as fading flowers here but will shine forever throughout eternity reflecting His glory. This life is a test, a race, a trial by fire. God is preparing each of us for our time with Him forever.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
So many things! Here are a few:

Snow Angel – The trek across Alaska to the gold fields in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada was an extreme adventure not for the faint of heart. I couldn’t believe how many people made that treacherous journey.
The Duchess and the Dragon – The Quakers believe in following the “inner light” which reminded me of my Charismatic roots in following the “leading of the Holy Spirit.”
Wind Dancer – George Rogers Clark had no reason to believe so steadfastly that taking the northwest territory (Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio) would be so key to winning the American Revolution except that God just put a burning desire to see it through in his heart. I was amazed at how God gets His will done using fallible, wonderful people like him.
Love’s First Light – The French Revolution came right after our own American Revolution but the differences were astounding to me! While we had good, upright men to take leadership of our new country, the French had corrupt and evil men take over. I felt so thankful and blessed to have had Godly men (fallible yes, but men who loved God) lead us into our democracy.
Angel’s Den – The devastation of domestic violence and abuse is so horrible I almost couldn’t write this story. I kept praying that God would show me Emma’s way out. Some people never get that, they die in horrible circumstances and that breaks my heart.
The Snowflake – The intricate beauty of snowflakes astound me. Here’s a quote I was given permission to use in my book: “They sat that every snowflake is different. If that were true, how could the world go on? How could we ever get up off our knees? How could we ever recover from the wonder of it?” – Jeanette Winterson, The Passion, 1987
Pirate of My Heart – One person really can change the world, or at least his/her world. I learned that the fruit of Spirit is power. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Gal. 5:22-23 When it says there is no law it speaks to the power of these gifts – nothing can come against them.

The Guardian Duke – I delved into how people react when devastation happens in their lives. As a writer it’s easy to have the character react as you would. Both my heroine and hero have a devastating circumstance but they react completely different. That was interesting to explore.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
Not sure on this. I always pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to readers wherever they need it and if He chooses to bring healing through my books then I praise God for it!


Thank you Jamie for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!



Jamie Carie's books can be found on AmazonCBD, Barnes and Noble, Lifeway, and other book stores.



GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Jamie’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

77 comments:

  1. Carrie and Jamie thank you for the wonderful interview. Jamie I am so thankful God helped you overcome the panic attacks. He is so faithful to help us in our time of trouble. Also thank you for using your God-given talent to write stories that glorify him.

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  2. JAMIE, thank you for sharing your awesome testimony of overcoming panic attacks, and for being with us this week on OTT. I have read every one of your books, from the very first one you have ever written, with the exception of Pirate of My Heart, which I have, but haven't got to yet. Love your writing (obviously-lol), and wonder what you have coming up next after the Forgotten Castle Series?

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  3. Hello Jamie, thanks for sharing a little of your story today, you seem too young for memoirs.. I am glad that Gods Love pulled you through and that you are using your talant for writing now to speak to readers everywhere.
    thanks for sharing your book also, I am anxious to read this one.
    Paula O(Kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  4. Loved the post!

    If I won, I'd like "The Forgiven Duke" in print. I've just finished "The Guardian Duke" (I was screaming at Alex until the very last word), and I am dying now to read the next book. Oh, how Alex makes me mad!

    katelynmwhitley@yahoo.com

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  5. This was such a touching interview that it made me cry! I am so glad God has brought Jamie through these difficult times.

    TERESA, It is always such a blessing to read the author's testimonies. So glad you enjoyed this, too.

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  6. KATELYN, you are so funny! But I have heard others say the same thing about this series! One of my friends told me I should wait and read the entire series all at once so I am not left hanging off the cliff!

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  7. Carrie, I'd advise you not to either. Just wait!!! Otherwise you will be left hanging for too long.

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  8. Good evening!
    LOVELY post- truly. I always love to see how others are bent on following Christ so congrats Jamie and OTT-WGH!
    And her books sound really good, so I would appreciate being entered in the giveaway.

    Thank you!

    Ganise

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  9. GANISE!! Us, too! That is why we do this blog. We'll enter you!

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  10. KATELYN, thanks for echoing that advice! I was talking to a Christian historical fiction author who loves Jamie's books and she knows I don't read cliffhangers. So I am going to schedule a Jamie-fest for all three in a row once her latest comes out in September!

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  11. Hey Y'all! Great interview. I never knew what a panic attack was until menopause. Yucky subject but it is true! Prayer is the only thing that gets me through!

    I've read all of Jamie's books :) AND I own most of them!

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  12. Hey ANNE!!! Welcome. I am glad prayer has gotten you through the nasty panic attacks. My aunt had that happen after that time of life change, too. Well, we know you don't yet own the one out in September, lol, so if you win we'll get you that one!

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  13. great interview would love to win.
    p_cowans@yahoo.com

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  14. I have read 4 of Jamie's books and I have loved them all. The Guardian Duke and The Forgiven Duke were my first reads by her... and they made me seek out more of her writing. Then I read the Snow Angel... wow... that was an eye-opener about the times and it broke my heart for the main character and the relationship she had with her brother. Very sad, but it ended well. The Duchess and the Dragon was the first book I think I have ever read that dealt with the Quakers at all (well, except Christy?). Anyhow, beautiful story!! I loved it and so did my daughters (who have also read many of her other books).

    Look, an author I have already read-- YAY!! :) lol. Although, she is still on my TBR pile. Thanks for the great interview.

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  15. PAT, thanks for coming by!

    LADETTE!!! You are a readin' gal! How old are your daughters? You look so young!

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  16. I love the cool things you learn through history research.....and to think history was my least favorite subject in school. I think that may mean they weren't "teaching it right" :)

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  17. Jamie, your story is very inspiring, makes me want to read your work because good stories are often born of 'time in the valley.' I write inspirational fiction, too, and God's pulled me through a struggle with laliaphobia (fear of public speaking)to be able to speak to people about my stories. God bless you and your writing. Your name is going in my prayer journal, sister!

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  18. MELISSA, I think you are exactly right!

    JULIE, thanks for coming by and thanks for sharing with us. Fear of public speaking is one of the top fears for adults.

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  19. i never heard of you until Carrie Pagels enouraged me as well as others to read the interview. obviously i've never read any of your books but.... they sound like a great read. thank you for being transparent and sharing your story.

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  20. Great interview! Love your books and can't wait to get started on the Forgotten Castles series!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  21. I love the verse you shared Jamie. 'Love drives out fear' I've learnt to look to Jesus when I become fearful and He always comes through because He is love. :) Thanks for sharing your testimony too...beautiful!

    I've read a few of your books but LOVED Snow Angel!

    Would love to win a book from your new series.

    sunshine6892 at hotmail dot com

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  22. Thank you for sharing yourself with us! Can't wait to read your writings!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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  23. Thank you for the post, Jamie I'm so glad to see you overcome this horrible state you where in, Anxiety is such a scary thing.I'm happy you overcame with Gods help.

    ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  24. CARRIE, I will take you up on that copy of A Duke's Promise, if I win ;)

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  25. Thanks for this great interview, Jamie and Carrie. I'm so happy you're doing so much better now, Jamie!
    Also very interesting to read was what you learned while researching your books.

    I haven't read any of your books yet, but I told myself that 2012 is the year that I will start reading them. And I think Pirate of My Heart is going to be the first. :)

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  26. Really enjoyed reading the interview and about this series of books.

    brendon8@bellsouth.net

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  27. Thanks for the great interview! I've read The Duchess and the Dragon by Jamie, but I think that the only one by her I have read... look forward to this whole series!

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  28. Great interview! I have not read any of Jamie's books but now want to and have added her name down to my list. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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  29. Great interview! I have not read any of Jamie's books but now want to and have added her name down to my list. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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  30. Having both had a panic disorder and having worked as a counselor treating those with one, I know how important God is in the healing. How can anyone feel security in this world without the knowledge of a real, loving Father keeping watch over us? I used to hate working in offices that did not allow me to address that. Like tying my hands behind my back.

    Thank you for sharing your experience.

    I'd love a copy of any of the above mentioned books. Carrie's pick! I guess I'd take Kindle format or print. cbalmony(at)yahoo(dot)com. Thanks!

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  31. sounds like a good book thanks for chance to win

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  32. Wow, great interview. The things you learned in each book were fascinating. :) Thanks for the giveaway!

    writer_weaver at yahoo dot com

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  33. Wonderfully touching and encouraging interview, Jamie and Carrie! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with the Lord, Jamie. It's exciting to see how He is using you through your stories to help and bless others. God bless you!

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  34. Jamie: Wow...I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder in my teens. I just thought I had an overactive imagination, but when it interfered with my junior high issues....let's just say that my belief in God got me through that horrible year. Otherwise, I shudder to think what would have happened, had godly people entered my life at a crucial time.

    I own all of Jamie's books except for the 2nd and 3rd in the Guardian trilogy, and whenever I meet someone looking for a good book, I always recommend her:) (And come to think of it, I think book #2 is waiting for me at the store!)

    Keep up the good work my friend:)

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  35. Thank you for this encouraging post! Please enter me into the drawing and if I was to win I love to have the 1st book in the series. I am itching to get started on them!
    samanthaakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. MARIAN, I read Jamie's frontier story a while back right before I began sticking mostly to my comparable stories to read. Only recently have left the 18th century again!

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  37. FRANS, God bless you for stepping up to the bat for the Richmond Chapter group for ACFW! Jamie writes mostly historical romance, which is not your genre. So glad to see you here, though, and sometimes is is fun to read outside the genre or subgenre we are in!!!

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  38. HI, SAMANTHA! I hope we can help scratch that itch for you here. lol Hoping for a win for you!

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  39. MOLLY-thank you for sharing with us, and I am so thankful you got the help you needed.

    ANNA-I quite agree! Got you entered in the drawing.

    APPLE BLOSSOM-Thank you for coming by! This Forgotten Castle Series is unforgettable!

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  40. JO, now is a good time to start, gf!

    PATTY, I believe The Duchess and The Dragon was my favorite "Jamie" book!

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  41. BRENDA, thank you for coming by and expressing an interest in Jamie's books!

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  42. Oh, CONNIE, that is what we need so much more of is Christian psychologists. I'm terribly sorry you had to go through that, but it helps us to understand and be more compassionate to others when we experience it ourselves. I don't know if you and CARRIE know one another, but she was a Christian psychologist for 25 yrs, and she is a tremendous help to me, besides being a wonderful friend.

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  43. CATHY, I agree. Jamie's testimony made me cry. I know personally how horrible panic attacks can be, and I'm so thankful that the Lord has brought healing to Jamie, and is using her for His glory.

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  44. Welcome, LIZ! We will be having reviews of this series all week so please come back!

    CATHY, I have used that scripture many times. Thank for dropping by!

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  45. MELODY and INGRID-thank you for showing an interest in Jamie's books! Good luck in the drawing, and be sure and come back for the reviews of this new series all this week!

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  46. TERESA, God is faithful, isn't He? It was a hard time for me and I praise Him that I am better.
    DIANA, thanks for reading my books!! My next book is a fun contemporary beach type read due out May 2013 about a widow woman who falls in love with an NBA player. It's funny and was so much fun to write! I think it will be titled Maddie by Good (her name is Madeleine Goode)
    PAULA - LOL! I'm 45 now - that photo is getting dated and I need to get new ones for sure! Also, I had a health scare three years ago and that made me realize that we never know how much time we will have here. The memoir is slow going though so maybe the timing is a bit pre-mature. Praying about that :-)

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  47. LOL, KATELYN! I guess I did my job if you can't wait for the next one! :-)
    Thanks for wanting to try my books, GANISE! I hope they bless you!!
    CARRIE - the Jamie-fest comment had me cracking up! I hope it lives up to the time you are investing in it!! (Oh, the pressure!! lol)
    ANNE - I am officially putting you in my Super-Fan category - an elite group that I hold so dear!
    LADETTE - THanks so much for reading my books and giving them to your daughters!! I love hearing that moms and daughters are reading my stories together!
    Thanks for stopping by, PAT!!
    MELISSA - I agree. Some history books are so boring if they are written only fact based with little heart and "story" at the center! Hopefully my books teach a little history along with the story in a fun and interesting way!

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  48. JULIE - thank you so much for the kind words and prayers! I too struggle with the fear of public speaking (boy, do I have a couple of train wreck stories about that - one involving Karen Kingsbury!!) I pray God gives up both the courage we need when those moments arise!
    FRANSDEROOS - Thanks for taking time and stopping by to hear about my books. I so appreciate anyone's time given to me!!! I hope you get to read the series and are exceedingly blessed by it!!
    LIZ - Thanks for entering!! I wish I could give free books to everyone here!
    CATHY - Snow Angel is like my first born and has such a special place in my heart. It took me two years to write it and eight to break into publishing. Whenever I wanted to quit and give up God ignited a passion and belief in that story that kept me going. I praise Him that it has blessed many.
    MELODY and INGRID - thanks, ladies for the encouraging words! I am so glad God's love can overcome fear. Getting and staying in that place so close to Him is key, isn't it?
    Whoo-hoo, MARIAN! I pray 2012 is a great year for you and my books bless your socks off!!! :-)

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  49. Thanks, BRENDA, PATTY and JO - This series was a big project but it was fun (and challenging) to have the longer story arc and really get to dive into these characters. The ending of A Duke's Promise takes my breath away when I think of it (totally God giving me something cool!!!). Think Raiders of the Lost Ark or an Indiana Jones adventure meets Romancing the Stone romance! I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks when the whole series is out!!
    CONNIE - wow! You must have so much empathy in counseling this after dealing with it yourself. The feelings of coming out of my skin - I shudder to remember and am feeling very thankful that God brought me out of that. I sill struggle with anxiety but nothing like in my twenties. May God continue to bless your work, girl!
    Thanks for stopping by Apple Blossom!
    Thanks, ANNA! I do learn a lot from each book! It keeps my mind sharp, I suppose. :-)
    CATHY - Thanks for the kind words and for reading my books! I appreciate you!!
    MOLLY - You are one of my SuperFans, girl, and a talented writer yourself. Thanks for all your support over the years! Sorry to hear that you have struggled with this too. Maybe an overactive imagination comes into play. I certainly had that growing up too. I'm thankful God brought the right people into your life at the right time!
    SAMANTHA - Thanks for stopping by and God bless! I hope you enjoy the series!!

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  50. Thanks for this interview! I haven't read any of these books and I love getting introduced to new authors. This new series sounds particularly awesome! Thank you for this giveaway--I'm a follower, so count me in!

    Best wishes on the continued success of your writing journey!

    -Emily
    emily_reynolds(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  51. Thank you for sharing your struggles so transparently; it was good to hear how the Lord lead along a sister in Christ.
    bskaggs(at)zoominternet(dot)net

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  52. EMILY- You have truly been missing out! I haven't missed a one of Jamie's books...well except for Pirate of my Heart, which I have, but haven't had a chance to get to yet. Good luck in the giveaway!

    TEDDY-I love to hear these testimonies of overcoming, too! So awesome!

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  53. CARRIE, you have left the 18th century? Where are you now?
    I'm not sure where I am now. I'm currently reading a time-travel or a 'world-travel' (?) book. ;)

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  54. MARIAN, I am traveling between 1745 and late 19th centuries and between two continents! Whose book are you reading?

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  55. Carrie - thanks for the invite and the great info. Jamie, I've read "The Forgiven Duke" and reviewed it on my blog. Really good read! Would love to read more of your stuff.

    Now folks, I know you are all time travelers, but I simply have a hard enough time just dealing with today, the right now, the here in the present. But I do love a good read in the days of yore.

    thanks to all you great authors for your hard work with historical fiction.

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  56. Thanks for coming by VERA!!! LOL about having enough on your plate for today! Have a blessed evening!

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  57. Thanks EMILY and TEDDY!! I hope you enjoy this series and I so appreciate you stopping by!
    VERA, do you like contemporary stories? I'm publishing my first one next year and I'm nervous about it. I hope people won't mind that I'm stepping out of my historical mode and trying something nowadays and funny!

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  58. Jamie - I do like contemporary - I'm a very multi-tiered (that is a Vera word) reader. Right now I'm reading an Irene Hannon book - Lethal Legacy and enjoying it. I like Dee Henderson. I recently read "Corruption" (a bit out of my comfort zone, but good still).

    I recently also read Director's Cut which was a laugh a minute and so different from what I am accustomed to reading. So good for you, Jamie, for writing something different and maybe even funny. Perhaps I'll be on the reviewer's list. ;)

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  59. JAMIE, it is hard for everyone to step out of their comfort zones, but I'm sure you will do just fine! Especially with our prayers!

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  60. DIANA--CONNIE ALMONY is our Area Coordinator for Maryland and she is amazing! I see her really making progress with her writing. She is a real go getter and I would not be surprised if she ends up assuming the ACFW MidAtlantic Zone Director mantle before too terribly long! It has gotten a little heavy for me but it has been great connecting with all these wonderful people!

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  61. JAMIE!!! Glad I could crack you up!!! I love doing that! The Jamie-fest continues with a review up before too long and I believe our beautiful DIANA will be assuming the helm.

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  62. Carrie, I have 3 daughters ages 16, almost 15 and almost 6. Of course, the almost 6 yr old doesn't share the books I share with the older two girls, but we still read together too. :) Now, if only I could get my boys to ENJOY reading as much as my girls do!! (they are ages 10 & 12).

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  63. LOVE the interview, Carrie and Jamie and LOVE Jamie and her books!!!

    I had the privilege of endorsing The Guardian Duke and can attest that it is absolutely AWESOME, which is NO great surprise since I love Jamie's work. and I cannot wait to get my mitts on the next one VERY SOON, God willing!!

    Hope things are going well, Jamie, and that the Guardian Duke flies off the shelves, my friend!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  64. I would love to win a copy of this book! Sounds like another great read. I love finding authors that I haven't read yet.
    Thanks for giving us an opportunity to win!
    Beth
    Kushka4paws@yahoo.com

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  65. Thank you for the chance to win . Terri Clark Terrilea@yahoo.com

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  66. BETH and TERRY-you are in for a treat. Gotcha both entered!

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  67. CARRIE, I'm reading The Restorer by Sharon Hinck.
    I LIKE it! :))

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  68. I thought the interview with Jamie Carie was as interesting as her novels. Thanks Carrie.

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  69. I would like to sign up for A Duke's Promise as my drawing print book win! I have read and reviewed both of the first two books in The Forgotten Castles novels. Thank you. Kathleen
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  70. EMILY REYNOLDS is our next WINNER of an ebook copy of The Guardian Duke. CONGRATS!!!

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  71. Would love to read her new book!

    Battles2001@hotmail.com

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  72. SAMANTHA KUIPER is another ebook winner for The Guardian Duke! CONGRATS!!! Check your email.

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  73. I can relate with Anxiety It is very scary and very misunderstood for those that have never had to be affected by it. I loved the interview. Terrilea(at)yahoo(dot)com.

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  74. Thank you TERRI. I was very appreciative of JAMIE sharing about this. Thank you for visiting our blog, too!

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  75. GANISE!!!! You are our next WINNER of a Kindle copy of Jamie's Guardian Duke book. CONGRATS!!!

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  76. TEDDY is our new weekly winner since I did not have PAT COWAN's email addy. TEDDY, if you are an international winner you can pick ANY of JAMIE's books in email format. Otherwise you can pick in your choice of format and your choice of book. CONGRATS!

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