Carline Dumerlin-Folkes Interview & Kiss the Sky Book Giveaway

Updated: Apr 14, 2021

Let's Welcome Carline Dumerlin-Folkes, Author and Founder of Books by Carli to From Our Bookshelf.

Here's a little bit about Carline:

Carline Dumerlin-Folkes is an avid reader whose love for books began at an early age. With many years of experience in the field of education, Carline is dedicated to helping people develop into their best selves.

To learn more about Carilne go to http://www.booksbycarli.com and https://www.facebook.com/booksbycarli

Now for our interview:

What was your favorite book when you were 8 years old? Wow. That was a long time ago, but I believe anything Beverly Cleary or from The Babysitters Club.

What book didn’t you connect to as a kid and found the connection as an adult? To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, Animal Farm and of Mice of Men were boring to me as a child. However, reading these books as an adult has been eye opening.

What is your favorite genre to read (Fiction/ Realistic Fiction/ Nonfiction)? I like non-fiction if I am listening to an audiobook. However, when I need to escape, I love fiction.

Who are your favorite Children’s Authors? Sandra Boyton, Judy Blume, RL Stine, Beverly Cleary

Which children’s book would you like to read that you have not read yet?

What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

What age did you write your first creative writing piece? What was it?

I was in 6th grade and I wrote a piece called “The Day My Heart Stopped”. My heart never stopped, but I thought it was a great sci-fi premise for my creative writing class. My teacher, Mrs. Casey pulled me aside and told me that she loved my story and how it was so graphic. She said that I had a lot of talent and that my story was the best of the entire class. I went home so proud! I read the story to my parents and they were equally impressed. I always think back to that day when I get discouraged.

What is your favorite genre to write (Poetry/Short Stories/Plays, etc)? I like to write poetry and short stories.

What was the most challenging creative writing piece that you thought you couldn’t write? Unsure

Do you keep a writing journal? I do! Recently I was reading a journal from my college years and it was interesting to see how my 18-year-old self viewed life and what was important. My views have changed!

In what genre would you like to write that you haven’t written yet? I would definitely love to write a coming of age story based around 1980s and 1990s pop culture told through the eyes of a young black woman.

A little about the inspiration behind Kiss the Sky: Reflections on Becoming Your Best Self and her other creative writing endeavors:

What inspired you to write Kiss the Sky: Reflections on Becoming Your Best Self ?

I started writing Kiss the Sky in 2015. I was in a funk and felt like I needed a change. I believed that the best way was to start my day on the right foot by reading something motivational and so I decided to write a book that would help others and myself. I started writing each day but then I stopped because I became too busy. I lost my dad unexpectedly in January 2016 and that really put life into perspective for me. I knew that he would have expected me to finish my book and so I did, and it was published June 2016.

Have you written other books? If yes, what are they?

I have written two children’s books. My first children’s book is titled “ I Will Always Love You” and my most recent book is titled “ A Dream Come Drew”. Both books were inspired by my son Andrew.

One last question:

What is one thing you learned on your reading and writing journey that you use in your daily life? I’ve learned that if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

Thank you, Carline!

Now, here is your chance to win a signed copy of Kiss the Sky: Reflections on Becoming Your Best Self and a beautiful pen exclusively designed for Girls Read to Write by Posh Pop Pens by Lisa B.

Kiss the Sky:

Reflections on Becoming Your Best Self

Written by Carline Dumerlin-Folkes

For Ages 13+

Each morning is an opportunity to start fresh and continue to work on the masterpiece that is YOU! Kiss the Sky acts as both a journal and a reference point. It features inspiring quotes, introspective reflections, and open-ended questions that will help you to navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and courage. Use Kiss the Sky as an engaging tool to help you become more motivated and inspired to bring about positive change in your life. Happiness is a Write is a journal with writing prompts to help you collect your thoughts and reflect. It can be used anytime you feel the need to express yourself.