Carson writes 4-book series at 81 years old

Carole Baskerville Carson ’63 has pretty much done it all–except for the one thing she really wanted to do: write books.

Now she’s proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. 

Carson is finishing a series of four books–a fictional autobiography–about her main character Jane Bertram. The first book, “Blackbird,” has been published and is available. Books two through four are coming out later in 2023.

“Even though it’s a fictional autobiography, it’s true to the emotional experiences growing up. As a result, I felt naked after writing it. But then I realized, I’m going to be dead in a few years, so what difference does it make?” she said with a laugh. “I thought, it’s now or never, so I put it out.”

The path to today

After Carson graduated from Cornell in 1963, she took a, well, unique path. Her list of careers before becoming an author differs from what you might expect.

• High school English teacher
• Assistant to the president of the University of California 
• CEO of San Francisco medical clinics
• Owner of dozens of Supercuts (yes, the haircutting franchise)
• A start-up and turn-around specialist for venture capitalists

In retirement, Carson led a community weight-loss event that garnered national attention and continues to write a newspaper column, “Joyful Aging.”

After accomplishing all of that, she decided a few years ago to leave it all behind, move to France, and start writing novels.

Behind Jane’s story are Carson’s experiences–growing up in the 50s and 60s–a girl from Iowa who attended Cornell College. It’s about her life’s events, both happy and painful. Jane is determined to create a new life for herself despite numerous challenges and abuse by her mother. 

Carson often cried when she wrote, reliving the painful parts of her life and feeling freer after the words were on the paper. She says the words flowed out when she wrote the story. 

“It was a little bit like the story had always been stored inside me,” Carson said.

In a review of the book, current Professor of English Leslie Hankins says the book was, “Powerful. Compelling. Honest. Searing. I could not put the book down. In stark times, we need stories of earned triumph–and Carole Carson has delivered one. ‘Blackbird’ is a must-read.”

Winifred Van Etten

“Blackbird” is dedicated to long-time professor Winifred Van Etten ’25, who became a mother-like figure to Carson while attending Cornell. 

“I was very poor and struggled. I was putting myself through school with scholarships and the National Defense Student Loan at the time. Even though I didn’t find out until later that the source was Winifred, whenever there was a dance or social event, there would be a check for $25 in my mailbox in my dorm for shoes or a dress,” Carson said.

Van Etten ’25 attended Cornell and taught English at Cornell from 1928 until 1968. She is known for her 1936 novel “I am the Fox,” which won the $10,000 prize from Atlantic Monthly Press. The house she and her husband built, the Van Etten-Lacey House, is now the home of the Center for Literary Arts. 

“She always encouraged me to write, as she did all her students, but I think we had a special relationship. I flew from California to say my goodbyes when she was dying and saw her on Mother’s Day. She was a very private person. I screwed up my courage and said, ‘Winifred, I love you.’ And she said, ‘I love you too.’ She took off her engagement ring and gave it to me, a ring I still wear. In some respects, ‘Blackbird’ is a continuation of her teaching and writing.”

Giving back

Carson has gained even more appreciation for her time at Cornell College from her novel writing and wants to give back. If readers use the code CC23 when they purchase “Blackbird,” she will donate 100% of the proceeds to Cornell College.

She wants readers to enjoy her book and consider writing their own stories.

“I think we all want to leave some footprint after we are gone. Writing a book like ‘Blackbird’ is a way to leave a footprint,” Carson said. “I think everyone has drama, perspective, reflections, insights, and observations during their life. Every person has a story to tell.”