Today I am deviating from my usual posts, and excited to introduce my friend and author, Carlton Hughes to you, along with information on his latest book, Adventures in Fatherhood. Carlton and I met several years ago at a writers conference. Imagine my surprise to find out he lives in the same area of eastern Kentucky where my dad grew up. Not only that, Carlton knows my cousin Marilyn. Carlton and I both have multiple devotions in The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, and So God Made a Dog.

Welcome, Carlton. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Why did you decided to become a writer?

I am an only child, so I had a lot of time by myself as a kid, which fostered my imagination. I had to makeup playmates and adventures! When I was in eighth grade, the high school journalism teacher was assigned to teach my English class, and he noticed my talent for writing. He invited me to join his staff as the middle school correspondent, and that was it—I became addicted to bylines! I served on the journalism staff all through high school and then majored in broadcast and print journalism in college. Even though I ended up being a teacher, I still wrote—had a column in the local newspaper for years. About 15 years ago, I felt God calling me to write for Him, and I haven’t looked back.

That’s a lot like our son, Pie. He is an only child, has quite the imagination, loves to write, was editor of his high school paper, and wrote for a local newspaper while in high school. He also majored in Journalism in college. Tell us about your latest release. What was the inspiration behind the book?

My latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, a 60-day devotional co-written by Holland Webb. He and I are both on the “back end” of raising kids, as our children are beginning to forge out on their own. We felt like we could share stories from the “front lines” of fatherhood, telling stories of raising our kids and what God taught us in the process, to inspire fathers on the journey. Holland and I have different experiences in being fathers—Holland was a single dad, while my experience was more of a traditional family setting.

What a great idea to come at fatherhood from two different perspectives in order to reach multiple needs. Any moments when you felt like giving up on your book? How did you push through and get it finished?

Getting a book from proposal to contract to actual book is a long process, and I am not a patient person by nature! Writing the proposal and then waiting for a publisher to “bite” was agonizing at times, but I kept clinging to God’s promises. As for the writing process, once we got the contract, we had a VERY tight deadline—less than two months. That looming deadline kept me focused! I work better with a deadline.

Two months! That is an extremely fast turnaround. Good thing you work better with deadlines. You are so right…no matter what we find ourselves waiting on, it can be difficult, but clinging to God’s promises can help get us through it. Great is his faithfulness. What’s next on the horizon for you?

I have several proposals for additional devotionals that my agent is pitching, and I am working on another proposal. Nothing is set in stone yet.

I’ll be waiting to hear about your next book release. Any words of wisdom for the fathers who read this blog?

Hang in there and enjoy the small moments. The old adage “the days are long but the years are short” is so true. Also, remember the only perfect Father is God. You don’t have to be a perfect dad—just a present, involved dad. You will make mistakes, and that’s okay.

That’s good advice for mothers and anyone else who cares for children. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I once did the “Y-M-C-A” dance/motions in front of a big crowd at a cheerleading competition (My son’s girlfriend—now my daughter-in-law—was competing).

Yeah. I can see you doing that. Bet it was a hoot! Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I like fiction—not much on adventure, but I like “human” stories about real people coping with life (and humor helps).  I also read nonfiction and enjoy devotionals and stories of real people doing extraordinary things. I am attracted to good storytelling, whatever the form.

Carlton, you are one of the funniest people I know, so it doesn’t surprise me to see humor on your list. Maybe a humorous book for children could be next? What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

On a personal level, having a good marriage and raising wonderful kids to love God are things I am proud of (and we’re all still works in progress). A few years ago I received the Shepherd’s Cup award for service in children’s ministry in my denomination, and that was a great, unexpected honor. Finally getting a book published ranks up there as well! With God, anything is possible.

Congratulations on receiving the Shepherd’s Cup award. Wonderful honor. Well deserved I have no doubt. What is your favorite food?

Chocolate! All the chocolate!

Especially when we can buy it half price the day after Valentine’s Day and Easter, right? What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Getting motivated to sit down and to focus is probably my biggest issue, and I am still working on it. I am the type of person who needs a deadline, so I try to set those for myself. But it’s still hard at times!

Yep. Focusing on the work at hand instead of thinking about what we should be doing, or could be writing instead can be difficult. How can readers find your book?

It is available on the various online outlets as well as in stores. This link provides helpful information: http://bit.ly/AdventuresInFatherhoodBook

How can they contact you?

My email contact is carltonwhughes@gmail.com, and I am on Facebook and Twitter.

Readers here’s what you can expect to find within the pages of Adventures in Fatherhood.

Adventure along with two dads in a devotional journey full of wisdom and warning.

Being a great father is not for the weak of heart! It’s an adventure every step of the way. Whether you’re fixing boo-boos and changing diapers, or coaching soccer and carpooling teenagers, you’ll find spiritual insight and practical advice in this devotional by Carlton Hughes and Holland Webb. The authors blend personal experiences with humor and spiritual application to encourage you, dad, to do your best for God and for your family.

Ellie Claire’s devotionals offer short inspirational readings, paired with inspiring quotes and Scripture verses to encourage your heart.

FEATURES:

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate–all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb and released by the Elle Claire imprint of Worthy/Hachette Publishing.

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I wish you well,

Sandy

You can find my March Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.