When you talk to writers about their writing, you discover they're a varied bunch. Some keep to a strict daily routine - others write as and when they fancy. Some write full time - others squeeze their writing around their day job. Some like to write in a noisy cafe - others can only write at their own desk in total silence.
Today, I’m delighted to interview Karen King, who is stopping by on her Blog Tour for her fabulous new novel, ‘The Bridesmaid’s Dilemma,’ to tell us about her writing life.
Me: Hi Karen, and welcome to ‘Shelby Writes.’ First of all, what, for you, is the best thing about being a writer?
Karen: Hi Lynne. For me the best thing is being able to spend all day writing or reading, two of my favourite things.
Me: When did you start writing? Did you write as a child?
Karen: Yes, all the time. I had my first poem published when I was about eleven.
Me: So did you want to be an author when you grew up?
Karen: No, I wanted to be a ballerina (but I can’t dance in step!) or an air hostess. Although I’ve always written stories and poems it wasn’t until I was married with three young children that I started sending my work out to magazines. After a while Jackie magazine accepted an article of mine and asked me to write more. I wrote features and photo stories for them, then for other teen magazines such as Loving and Patches. Just after my fourth child was born I started writing regularly for children’s comics such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Winnie the Pooh, I then wrote children’s books too and about ten years ago started writing YA and romance novels.
Me: What is a typical writing day for you? Do you have a set routine?
Karen: It depends what else I’m doing. I recently moved to Spain, so some days do very little writing and other days spend all day writing.
Me: Do you aim for a particular word count?
Karen: If I’m contracted to write a book – as I am now – I’ll aim for a weekly word count rather than a daily one as some days I don’t get chance to do much writing.
Me: Laptop or longhand?
Karen: Longhand while I’m working out the characters and plot outline then I work straight onto the laptop.
Me: Do you prefer silence or music while you’re writing?
Karen: I don’t mind. It depends how I feel that day!
Me: Where do you write? Do you have your own writing room?
Karen: Since I moved to Spain last November I use part of the upstairs apartment on our roof terrace to write in. The view of the mountains and right across the valley, with the fruit trees and clusters of white sugar cube towns, is spectacular. But I also write on the corner of the dining table, in the garden with a cardboard box protecting my laptop screen from the sunlight. I’ve written in libraries, on trains, on the beach and even on a bench in the park.
Me: One last question - If you could give some advice to your younger self when you were just starting out on your writing journey, what would you say?
Karen: Don’t spend too much time thinking about how to write, get the first draft down then think about how you can make it better.
Me: Thank you, Karen, for telling about your life as a writer. And best of luck with the rest of the tour for ‘The Bridesmaids’ Dilemma.’
Karen: Thanks for hosting me, Lynne
Fun-loving travel rep Jess doesn’t want to be chief bridesmaid at her snooty cousin’s wedding, but it will cause a family feud if she refuses. She doesn’t want to fall in love either but when a raucous stag party arrives at her Majorcan hotel, Jess hits it off instantly with best man, Eddie. A summer romance is exactly what commitment-phobe Jess needs and, as the stag-do draws to a close, so does the holiday fling. She has no intentions of carrying on the summer fun but when Eddie turns up again, Jess is faced with a big dilemma.
Will this bridesmaid get the happy-ever-after she never knew she wanted?
If you would like to purchase 'The Bridesmaids Dilemma,' please click on the links below or copy and past into your browser:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2qC32Om
Ebook: https://amzn.to/2qxbI8C
Karen King writes sassy, heart-warming romance and edgy YA with a heart. 'The Bridesmaid’s Dilemma ' is her third romcom for Accent Press. Her second title, 'The Cornish Hotel by the Sea' rose to #3 in the Amazon Bestseller Holiday Charts in the UK, #2 in Australia and was in the top hundred overall bestsellers. Her first title, ‘I do?... or do I?’ has recently been published in France under the title ‘Un Fiancé Inattendu.’ In addition, Accent Press have republished her earlier romance novels, ‘The Millionaire Plan’ and ‘Never Say Forever.’
Karen has also written several short stories for women’s magazine and 120 children's books.
When she isn’t writing, Karen likes travelling, watching the ‘soaps’ and reading. Give her a good book and a box of chocolates and she thinks she’s in Heaven.
For more information about Karen and her writing, please click on the links below:
Website: http://www.karenking.net/
Twitter: @karen_king
Karen King Romance Author Facebook Page
Karen King Young Adult Books Facebook Page
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/karenkingauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkingauthor/?hl=en