Indie Author Advent Day 6: Carol Van Den Hende
Welcome to day 6 of the 2025 Indie Author Advent! This fun series will help us to get hyped for 2026 by celebrating some of the wonderful indie releases of 2025! Today I am interviewing Carol Van Den Hende. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!
Carol's 2025 Release
1. What is your favorite thing about your 2025 release?
"Dear Orchid is my most personal writing yet so it's exciting to see the warm reception for this book. Written as lyrical letters, it's a collection of true stories and new fiction. Dear Orchid is newly launched yet it's already been on TV, achieved #1 best-selling in its Amazon category of Letters and Correspondence, and been multi award-winning!"
2. What are your inspirations for your book?
"My Goodbye Orchid trilogy is inspired by the question 'what happens when life changes in an instant?' While writing my debut novel, stories of wounded veterans inspired me to write a main character whose life is shattered by a disabling accident. Then, Dear Orchid came from a mix of small but powerful moments. This epistolary collection begins with a letter I wrote to Purple Heart decorated veteran Sergeant Bryan Anderson who helped me with Goodbye Orchid, especially since his real-life experiences mirror that of my main character, Phoenix's journey.
The stories also draw from personal connections, like a 10-minute conversation on a train that grew into a 25-year love story—proof that tiny moments can change our lives. And of course, the symbolism of orchids themselves: often seen as delicate, yet incredibly resilient. My character Orchid Paige embodies that strength.
In the end, these books are inspired by letters, love, resilience, and the belief that the smallest encounters can lead to the most meaningful stories."
3. Why do you think representation is so important in books?
"We live in a beautifully diverse world. Amidst that diversity, I'm often struck by the harmony that comes from recognizing the things that connect us--like love, joy, and seeking meaning. Literature can help remind us that even people who seem different on the outside often share deep-down desires, values, and emotions. I'm proud of the multicultural, disability, and other representation in my Orchid books."
4. Any advice for people who want to publish in 2026?
"Know your why. Ask yourself your inspiring purpose beyond the obvious profit and functional purposes. The clarity of the reason you write will help motivate you and guide you. My purpose is to inspire hope and optimism for people and planet!"
5. What are you most looking forward to in 2026? Any more releases on the horizon?
" Any more releases on the horizon? I'm looking forward to diving into writing a juicy new book."
6. Is there anything else you would like to add?
"My Orchid series deepens joy and empathy so I'm excited for more readers to discover these beautiful stories filled with heart, humor and hope. Please keep in touch, I’d love to see you on social media — come say hello or share what you’re reading!"
Outro
Thank you to Carol for getting involved in this advent! I am excited to see what they come out with in 2026. Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their releases!
No comments:
Post a Comment