Janine Carbone, a Philadelphia native, who spent her high school years being a mentor to inner city youth has put her BA in psychology to good use with the creation of her first young adult novel, Wildflower. This book contains a suspenseful storyline with many psychological elements expressed while her characters experience one dramatic twist and turn after another.

She is a former recipient of The Silverman Internship award, honoring her outstanding talents and leadership abilities. She also holds membership to the International Women’s Writing Guild. With a love of cooking and traveling overseas, Carbone can be found in the kitchen or trekking across grounds unknown. However, she does enjoy spending every moment she can with her family. Currently she lives in Marlton ,New Jersey with her husband, and two children.

 

Author Janine Carbone joins LitPick for Six Minutes with an Author!  Janine has put her BA in psychology to good use with the creation of her first young adult novel, Wildflower. This book contains a suspenseful storyline with many psychological elements expressed while her characters experience one dramatic twist and turn after another. Wildflower will be released this winter.

Janine is a past recipient of The Silverman Internship award, honoring her outstanding talents and leadership abilities. She also holds membership in the International Women’s Writing Guild.

How did you get started writing?

I have always loved reading and writing since a young age. I took writer workshop classes during summer breaks in middle school and tutored younger students in writing while in high school. As a college student, I was always happy when a break in between semesters came so I could resume creative writing on my free time. Since I spent five years writing the manuscript of Wildflower, I guess the passion for writing has never left me and found its way into my adult life as well.

Who influenced you?

I knew a peer in middle school who published a book. I was amazed at her accomplishment and inspired by it as well. Since then I have wanted to become a published author as well, and decades later I finally accomplished that goal.

Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting?

I love all genres - from mystery or romance to sci fi or fantasy - I can find enjoyment in reading just about anything. I would have to say my all-time favorite book is Wildflower, since I spent a long time composing it, but I should admit that I’m a little biased.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?

Never give up! Even if it takes you an entire week to get one paragraph finished, it’s something. Before you know it, that paragraph will turn into a page. Writing is progressive and all you need is a little drive to keep on picking up your pen to write.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Some of my best work has come while I lounged by my beach lake, taking in all the beauty of nature. I also find great inspiration while being submersed by other authors; I’m one of those people who takes their laptop in Barnes and Noble and sits for hours typing away while surrounded by books.

What else would you like to tell us?

My debut novel Wildflower was written for a purpose. I do hope that more attention will come to psychological conditions through my book, or better yet, the stigma attached to being “labeled” will not be so harsh. Many people struggle with certain issues but are too afraid to admit it or say something is different or wrong. If just one person can identify with the feelings my main character experiences and doesn’t feel so different or alone because of that commonality, I will feel my book is successful.

Janine, thank you for spending six minutes with LitPick!