BS BOOK REVIEWERS: Author Interview with Karen Hooper & Giveaway

Author Interview with Karen Hooper and Giveaway

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have always loved writing, but in my school days I never imagined I'd be capable of doing it as a career. I figured only amazing, prolific writers could write "real" books. I'd write short stories, poems, journal entries, etc., but it wasn't until my late twenties that I even attempted writing a novel.

What inspiration did you have for writing The Kindrily Series and their characters?

I was alone baking cookies one night before Christmas, and listening to oldies music. Someone to Watch Over Me by Ella Fitzgerald played and BOOM--Maryah's story hit me like a freight train. (I didn't know her name was Maryah at the time.) I jotted down some notes on an envelope, realized it didn't have enough space, so I started typing out a scene on my laptop. I burned the cookies, became obsessed with writing more and more of the story, and three months later I had a very messy 150k rough draft. The kindrily hasn't left me alone ever since that initial night.

Grasping At Eternity and Taking Back Forever blew me away, What is the name of the third book in the series and when is the release date?

The third book is FIGHTING FOR INFINITY. I'm not exactly sure of its release date yet. I'm working on it now, and I'd love to have it released by this winter, but I have a book from my other series releasing December 1st, so it will be tough to juggle both projects. I promise, I am working on it almost every day! Hopefully, I'll announce a release date in the next couple months. (And maybe a cover. Yay!)

You have over 200 reviews on Goodreads, does it surprise you on how your first installment of The Kindrily took off?

Yes, it does. I'm SO grateful for all the readers, reviewers, and fans. The Kindrily characters are so near and dear to my heart. Therefore, any and all fans of them are near and dear to me too.

Tell me about your other series The Sea Monster Memoirs.

Ahh, my sea peeps! They are so much fun. Just like The Kindrily series, those novels are filled with romance and magic, but Tangled Tides (book 1) starred merfolk, selkies, sirens, and a few gorgons. I created some new takes on mythology and combined them with my love for the ocean. Dangerous Depths (book 2) is releasing this December. It will consist of mostly the same characters, but I added a few new fabulous ones too. I don't want to give away much, but I will say it's a wild ride with lots of twist and turns, and, of course, a very emotional love story (or two).

Do you have any works in progress now?

I'm writing book 3 of The Kindrily series while also editing Dangerous Depths. Juggling has become a new skill of mine. ;)

Who is your favorite author?

That's so hard to say. I love so many authors. One of my longtime heroes is Diana Gabaldon. I even show my love for her Outlander series by having Nathan and Maryah read those books together in Taking Back Forever.
I also adore just about anything Gayle Forman writes.

What is your favorite book?

That's like asking me who my favorite family member is. It's impossible. I love them all in different ways.