My thanks to Diane Stringam Tolley for stopping by The Character Connection for an author interview during the blog tour for her book, Carving Angels. 
Author Interview1. Who is your favorite character?
About the Book
Carving Angels
Book Details:
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published: September 2011
Genre: Children, ages 9-12
Format: hardcover
Price: $12.99
About the Author
Diane Stringam Tolley
That would be tough. I love Papa Adam. But there are so many other sweet characters peopling the North Pole community. I guess I would have to pick little Amy. She of the steadfast belief and undaunted spirit. And she's cute, too.
2. Why is he/she your favorite?
I love that she loves her Grandfather and her family. I love that she is sweet and good and kind. And faithful. And I love her enthusiasm and her wonder. She is as I wish I was.
3. How did you come to create him/her?
I needed eyes for blind Papa Adam. But I didn't want anyone whom someone would normally turn to for help. I wanted someone who was equally handicapped and marginalized, but in a different way. It occurred to me that my best choice would be a child. A young child.
4. When did he/she first enter your mind?
Papa Adam was sitting on his porch, feeling old and useless. Amy startled both of us when she spoke her first word, "Grandpa?"
5. Where was he/she given life in the creative process?
Amy joined her Grandpa within a few lines. Papa Adam had only just begun to gel. Amy was just a step behind. I realized that I would need someone who could do for Papa Adam what he simply could not do for himself. From encouraging and supporting him to sneaking him into the wood sheds at night.
6. What do like the most about him/her and what do you dislike the most about him/her?
I love that she is perky and unafraid. Outspoken but obedient. Unfailingly cheerful. Loving. The only thing I don't like is the fact that she can't be 'seen'.
The North Pole is described by Papa Adam, who cannot see. Thus we, too, fail to see the flaming red hair and braids. The saucy, upturned nose and bright, blue eyes. The little red mouth. I would so love the reader to see her!
2. Why is he/she your favorite?
I love that she loves her Grandfather and her family. I love that she is sweet and good and kind. And faithful. And I love her enthusiasm and her wonder. She is as I wish I was.
3. How did you come to create him/her?
I needed eyes for blind Papa Adam. But I didn't want anyone whom someone would normally turn to for help. I wanted someone who was equally handicapped and marginalized, but in a different way. It occurred to me that my best choice would be a child. A young child.
4. When did he/she first enter your mind?
Papa Adam was sitting on his porch, feeling old and useless. Amy startled both of us when she spoke her first word, "Grandpa?"
5. Where was he/she given life in the creative process?
Amy joined her Grandpa within a few lines. Papa Adam had only just begun to gel. Amy was just a step behind. I realized that I would need someone who could do for Papa Adam what he simply could not do for himself. From encouraging and supporting him to sneaking him into the wood sheds at night.
6. What do like the most about him/her and what do you dislike the most about him/her?
I love that she is perky and unafraid. Outspoken but obedient. Unfailingly cheerful. Loving. The only thing I don't like is the fact that she can't be 'seen'.
The North Pole is described by Papa Adam, who cannot see. Thus we, too, fail to see the flaming red hair and braids. The saucy, upturned nose and bright, blue eyes. The little red mouth. I would so love the reader to see her!
About the BookCarving Angels
Book Details:
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published: September 2011
Genre: Children, ages 9-12
Format: hardcover
Price: $12.99
Buy Links: Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com
Blurb:
Papa Adam, an elderly elf and former chief carver for Santa, has given up. Blind, frail and useless, he counts the minutes in every day as he waits to die.
But a challenge to carve, given by his youngest granddaughter, reawakens Papa Adam. Helps him to realize that he is not finished. And definitely not useless.
The two of them, the 'marginal' oldest and youngest members of North Pole society, begin a remarkable project that will change their community forever. Prove that the most paralyzing thing you can do is underestimate or undervalue anyone, especially yourself.
And that with the right love and encouragement, anything is possible.
Blurb:
Papa Adam, an elderly elf and former chief carver for Santa, has given up. Blind, frail and useless, he counts the minutes in every day as he waits to die.
But a challenge to carve, given by his youngest granddaughter, reawakens Papa Adam. Helps him to realize that he is not finished. And definitely not useless.
The two of them, the 'marginal' oldest and youngest members of North Pole society, begin a remarkable project that will change their community forever. Prove that the most paralyzing thing you can do is underestimate or undervalue anyone, especially yourself.
And that with the right love and encouragement, anything is possible.
About the AuthorDiane Stringam Tolley
Diane Stringam Tolley was born and raised on a ranch in Southern Alberta, Canada. Educated in Journalism, she is the author of countless articles and short stories and 4 e-books including a novel for young adults, Essence. She and her husband, Grant are the parents of six children and live in Beaumont, Alberta, Canada.
Connect With Diane:
Blog
Author Web Site
Connect With Diane:
Blog
Author Web Site
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Thank you so much for posting this! It's wonderful!
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