Carolyn Hartley is a digital forensics expert called upon to testify in court in defense of consumers and/or hospitals who may have been harmed in a privacy breach. Her expertise is based on three decades of writing, lecturing, and publishing for national medical societies. Her best selling medical consumer book, The Caregiver’s Toolbox, published by Rowman & Littlefield, was an Amazon #1 hot new release for nine consecutive weeks in two categories. Her medical and legal experiences color the characters she writes about in her novels. She has received the distinguished Silver Anvil Award, Points of Light Foundation Award; lectured for years, including Harvard University, University of Missouri, American Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the National Governor’s Association.

What do you write?

Women’s Fiction, Consumer health non-fiction

Tell us about your featured book -- what's it about?

Redemption: One Woman’s Dream to Overcome Oppression, Find Family, Love, and Forgiveness. Family means everything. In 1930, Adele Christina Dawson is a child of a wealthy coal mining family. When bank failures lead to economic misfortune, the entire family is affected. And when her reckless but fun-loving father dies in a suspicious car accident, it’s more than a young girl like Adele can take.When Adele’s mother remarries, to a man named August Beck, the entire family relocates to the bottomland fields of the Missouri Bootheel. In these unfamiliar surroundings, Adele is further isolated when her stepfather tries to drive a wedge between her and her mother. When financial catastrophe and tragedy strike once again, Adele seeks solace from a young man who dares to cross the community’s invisible social line. And as tragedy and chaos continue to mount, Adele must reach into her family’s past to help build her future. Redemption: One Woman’s Dream to Overcome Oppression, Find Love, Family and Forgiveness is a powerful and emotional story of the ties that bind us. In this thoughtful and heartwarming tale, love and bravery exist side by side. And when they work together… there’s no telling what the future will hold. Buy the book here.

What is your favorite book that you read but didn't write? Why?

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In this book, Harper Lee captures the essence of big picture politics and applies it to small town life with dignity and the most distinguished characters. This story created some of the most popular characters, Scout, Atticus Finch, and Boo Radley in American literature.

How did you get started as a writer? Who would you credit for influencing you?

Anna Christiansen, my high school creative writing teacher gave me A’s, and I thought she would get fired for lack of judgment. It wasn’t until I was an education consultant for Head Start in the Missouri Bootheel that I really understood the human condition. I had to write about the amazing steadfastness of people who thrive with little to no financial means.

Who is the ideal reader for your work? Describe your target audience.

Ideal reader is a female 35 – 70 who has faced adversity and emerged infused with courage.

What advice do you have for other writers?

Find a literary support group that has walked through the publishing fire and will support you.

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