The Road to Healing: An Interview With Carolyn K. Homer

It started with a song. Then came the numbers. And soon, nothing felt like a coincidence anymore. While dealing with the loss of a loved one, many people search for signs that offer them reassurance that their loved one is nearby. For Carolyn K. Homer, these signs presented themselves loud and clear. In her deeply moving memoir, Did Heaven Begin at 2:27?: A Memoir About Signs From My Brother, Carolyn candidly invites readers into her family’s journey of grief and healing after the death of her brother, Bob. As her family navigates the intense emotional turmoil of the loss of a family member, Carolyn details the fascinating and mysterious signs that seemed to connect them back to her brother. From the repeated reappearance of a special song, “Come Sail Away” by Styx, to a recurring timestamp, 2:27, Carolyn’s story is one of discovery, love, and a renewed sense of connection to the brother she lost too soon. 

Despite what you may believe, Carolyn was never seeking to write a book. When asked about her inspirations for writing Did Heaven Begin at 2:27?, Carolyn reflects on her process, claiming, “I wasn't looking for it at all; the book kind of wrote itself.” As someone with a “math brain,” writing was never something she found herself reaching for. In an ironic sense, her journey of grief is one of discovery, and through that, so was this writing process. 

As advice for other writers, Carolyn believes that it is crucial to set aside chunks that are dedicated to fully expressing and organizing your thoughts. The writing process can be messy and frustrating;, so, for Carolyn, she found that chunking time away to get it all done was the best process for her. In fact, while writing Did Heaven Begin at 2:27?, Carolyn drove 8 hours to her sister’s house in Atlanta and locked herself in her guest bedroom in order to have a quiet and refreshing place to write. There, she was able to sit down, clear her mind, and get all of her thoughts out. With no distractions, her head was free of clutter, and she was able to articulate her emotions and experiences more clearly. 

Carolyn considers her work with Wildebeest as a great experience. While the writing process was a new and challenging feat for Carolyn, navigating the world of publishing presented itself as a different challenge. Carolyn had little to no experience with the publishing industry, as the various websites, submission processes, and logistics of self-publishing were completely new concepts to her. However, she found Wildebeest to be a great help in guiding her through the world of publishing and its many complexities. 

In a world where we constantly seek meaning and connection with those we have lost, Carolyn’s story is a testament to the power of signs, love, and healing. To dive deeper into her journey of grief, healing, and the signs that helped her find her way, be sure to visit her website at www.heaven227.com. Explore more of her story, share your experiences, and connect with a community that understands what it’s like to navigate life after loss.

 Lia is a lifelong reader and writer who is currently a student at Siena College pursuing a degree in English. Her passion for English merges with her commitment to supporting and educating others, which is why one day she hopes to find her place either in the world of publishing or in early childhood education.