Today I am really excited to welcome one of my most favorite authors, Karen Amanda Hooper!
Author of YA paranormal and fantasy. TANGLED TIDES by Rhemalda Publishing (11/25/11)GRASPING AT ETERNITY (Book 1-The Kindrily Series) by Starry Sky Publishing (5/25/12)
I was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and I'm currently sunning and splashing around Florida with my two sweet and adorable dogs. I'm addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.
You can stalk Karen here:
Goodreads
Have you not had the fortune to read one of Karen's awesome books? Well, then you need to run out and get them because she is such a GREAT writer! Karen has two series and you should seriously look into them because you will be sucked right in, I promise you that!
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(Click on the books to see the blurbs from Goodreads)
Karen had honored me, and the Never Too Old for YA Books group on Goodreads, with an interview today. So, sit back, relax and get to know her a little better!
Karen, take it away!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I wrote a lot in high school, but mainly poems, short stories, and whatever my Creative Writing teacher assigned us. (That teacher is still my favorite teacher of all time.) I always assumed I wouldn't have the patience or endurance it takes to write an entire novel, but then one day when I was in my late twenties I started writing a story and couldn't stop. Years later, it's finished and out in the world. That spark of an idea is what you now know as Grasping at Eternity.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Writing a first draft usually only takes me a few months once I get in a groove. It's the revising and editing that take longer. Then, of course, it's hard to know when it's "good enough" to release into the world.
What do you think makes a great story?
So many things. I'm a sucker for a great romantic relationship, but I'm also a big fan of magic and unique worlds. And, of course, great writing.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I write best in the morning so after I make coffee, I curl up and try to write for a few hours. Once I'm on a roll, I try to write every day, but some lazy days sneak in here and there. I blame it on a super chaotic life.
How do you balance family and writing?
I'm still trying to figure out how to master that balancing act. If you learn the big secret, please let me know!
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My inspiration comes from all kinds of places. People I meet, a song that moves me, things I see or hear about. The streams of ideas are endless.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That I could actually finish one! And then I finished two!
How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
I have two completed books (both are the first in a series). Each of my sequels currently have about 50-60k written. They will be finished soon and make four total.
I can't choose a favorite. It's like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. You might love them differently, but you can't choose which one you love the most.
I can't choose a favorite. It's like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. You might love them differently, but you can't choose which one you love the most.
Are your characters based on anyone you know?
Lots of my Grasping at Eternity characters consist of bits and pieces of important people in my life, but the cast of Tangled Tides only has a few twists on names of people I love. Most of my sea folk came completely from my imagination.
Do you have a favourite place you love to write?
Yes, in my new cozy writing chair. I just posted a pic of it on my IndieGiving post. And, of course, I work best when my two beloved dogs are lounging nearby.
How hard is is to get published?
HARD. At least for me it was. No agents offered on Grasping at Eternity the two times (almost two years apart) that I queried it. Same with Tangled Tides. I had shelved Tangled Tides and was focusing on a different story when a series of unexpected events led me to Rhemalda publishing. My publishing deal for Tangled Tides was unexpected but I'm very grateful for it.
What do your family and friends think about your books?
Some love them and are so supportive of me writing lots more, some smile and say "good for you" but have never read them, and some wouldn't be caught dead reading about teenage romance. lol.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I'm a Disney World-aholic. I go there a couple times a month because it's my happy place. I also spend a lot of time with friends, family, reading, watching movies, etc.
Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they?
Read a lot. Always try to learn and improve. Write from your heart. And if you truly love writing, never give up.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Depends how old I was and what mood I was in. When I was really little I believed I really could be a mermaid some day. Lots of other occupations aspirations came and went: dancer, vet, flight attendant, taste tester for Ben & Jerry's.
What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?
Too many great ones to list, but one series that I was obsessed with in my late teens was Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. *sigh* Those books will forever hold a place in my heart.
For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published?
I have very close writer friends who ask me this same question, and I honestly don't know. This industry is changing so fast, it seems impossible to keep up, or establish lasting hard-fast rules.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to my Tangled Tides novel, Dangerous Depths. And in a couple weeks I'll be wrapping up the sequel to Grasping at Eternity which is Taking Back Forever. (Snowglobe!!!)
If you could put yourself in the shoes of one of your characters, who would it be and why?
Maryah from Grasping at Eternity. Because I'm so in love with Nathan and want him for my very own.
Do you have a routine to put yourself in "writing mode?"
Yes. Wake up, let the dogs out, make coffee, let the dogs in, curl up in comfy writing chair, write.
What a terrific interview! Thanks so much for stopping by, Karen (and for giving a shout out to the snow globe!!!)
I hope everyone enjoyed this interview!
Karen has generously offered a signed copy of either Tangled Tides or Grasping for Eternity (USA ONLY). Just fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter:
Loved this interview and your covers are awesome! Good luck with your writing endevors. :)
ReplyDeleteOops (endeavors) Lol.
ReplyDeleteYay for sequels!!! I can hardly wait. Karen is one of my favorite authors.
ReplyDeleteYAY for sequels! I'm thrilled to hear that you're writing more for each book. While I thought both could end the way they did, I also thought that sequels would make them so much better (hopefully!). I lvoe your books' covers! I saw Tangled Tides and bought on Kindle it because of its cover, and that's how I became hooked on your books! I knew I had to have Grasping at Eternity on my Kindle as well. And I loved it as well! I love the cover of Taking Back Forever! I'm sure Dangerous Depths will have a gorgeous cover as well. I can't wait to read both!!! Thank you so much for the interview, and the giveaway!!! <3
ReplyDeleteJulie, thank you so much! :)
ReplyDeleteHeather, you are too sweet. Thank you. <3
Alyssa, yay! So glad you're excited for sequels. I hope you enjoy them. My cover designers are amazing. I owe my great covers to them but thank you. :)
Yay for Karen! One of my favorite authors as well~ :o) <3
ReplyDelete