Carol Van Den Hende returns to the Spotlight to chat about her latest novel
Author Name: Carol Van Den Hende
Book Title: Always Orchid
Book Genre: Women’s Fiction with Romantic Elements
Release Date: Oct 24, 2023
Publisher: Azine Press
Welcome, Carol! How would you describe your latest release?
What happens when an entrepreneur suffers injuries that he fears will trigger PTSD in the woman he loves?
What inspired the idea for this book?
As mom to a child with special needs, I was inspired by the strength of wounded veterans to write the Orchid series. When I started on this journey (with your editorial help, Sarahlyn!), I couldn’t have imagined that these books would win Royal Dragonfly Awards for Disability Awareness and Cultural Diversity plus 30+ more awards!
How has your real life (day job, hobbies, etc.) informed your books (or latest release)?
In real life, I’ve marketed famous treats like M&M’S®, TWIX®, 3MUSKETEERS®, MILKY WAY® and DOVE® Chocolate, in the US and China. Main character Orchid Paige works as a marketer in the beauty industry, and wants to win an assignment in China to feel closer to the memory of her mother. In Always Orchid, she devises an ingenious line that elevates medicinal products to luxury level. Along the way, her actions help her boyfriend see that his disabling accident hasn’t made him anything less than whole.
In what ways do you think you’ve evolved as an author since your book first came out (or over the course of your career so far)?
It’s true that writing grows stronger with every book.
Every book I read teaches me about craft, structure or characterization. It’s a joy to see that paying off with wonderful reader reviews and recognition such as being included on Most Anticipated Lists at Ms. Career Girl, SheReads and Trenzle, winning the American Fiction Award for Multicultural Fiction, being longlisted for the Chatelaine Award and being recommended by Kirkus Reviews:
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/carol-van-den-hende/always-orchid/
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
Know your “why” you write – it’ll keep you going when things seem tough. For me, I aim to inspire hope and empathy for people and planet.
What’s capturing your imagination these days outside of reading and writing?
I just spent a month in Ghana, working with the international nonprofit called CARE. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of Mars and CARE’s work on Women for Change, and to contribute my marketing and strategy expertise to developing a strategic communications plan.
If you haven’t immersed into Ghanaian literature yet, please look up inspiring poet Nana Asaase (Philip Boakye Dua Oyinka). A highlight of my time in Ghana is meeting him, gifting him Goodbye Orchid, and being invited to speak on his Writers Project of Ghana radio show!
Can you tell us about what you’re working on now?
I’m a Chinese-American author who’s inspired to write about the upheaval in my grandparents’ generation when The People’s Republic of China formed in 1949. There’s learning that’s relevant today about geopolitical instability that drives mass migrations, and universal truths about what binds families together.
Where can readers find you?
For my newsletter, free Chapter 1, pre-order links and more please visit:
Please join me on tour in NJ/PA (custom M&M’S included)!
Thank you, Carol! Always Orchid is available for pre-order.