Monday, October 13, 2008

Kara Griffin *Giveaway*


* GIVEAWAY* If you’re reading this post, leave a comment and I’ll enter you into a drawing to win one of two jump drives preloaded with ebooks. You’ll get my latest release, Cosmic Hearts, a sci-fi romance. You’ll also get stories from Lizzie T. Leaf, Maura Anderson, and Celia Kyle. Not bad, eh? I’ll check periodically to add names to the drawing and we’ll choose a winner next Monday. Good luck!

Author Pen Name: Kara Griffin

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

KG: I write in many genres, whatever strikes my fancy. I love sci-fi romances, historical/paranormals, erotic contemporary, and even vamp romances…or other paranormals. My first love is historical/paranormal. I suppose I write it because I love history and revisiting it even if it’s only in my mind. But when I need a break from it, I delve into sci-fis. For me sci-fis are fun and I can be zany.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

KG: I’ve always had stories floating around in my brain, but seriously writing for me began in 2000 when a story just wouldn’t go away until I began typing it. I’ve been writing ever since.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

KG: It’s funny…none in my family are really big readers. I have always been, since I was young. I’ve been inspired by many authors whose stories delighted me so much that I sometimes reread them again and again. For me there is nothing more inspiring than opening a book.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

KG: Grumbles… I wish I had more time to write. From September to June, I work in school so my time is crunched, especially when you add in family things. So during the summer I’m usually writing from sunup to sundown and beyond. I sometimes forget to eat—which is probably why I only weigh…well…a girl should never tell. I can spend hours on the computer, and the kids tease that that’s when they ask me the questions I’ll say no to.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

KG: Excited!

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

KG: Getting published. Seriously, lol, writing is the easy part. Finding a publisher is a difficult thing, especially a publisher with whom you can develop a relationship with. I’m very lucky to be with Aspen Mountain Press and Midnight Showcase. My advice to aspiring authors…don’t give up – no matter what. Your dream is reachable.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

KG: Hmmm…that’s hard to answer because when I’m not working in school…I’m writing. The only thing that takes me out of my writing world is my 3 teenaged daughters. So I’d have to say spending time with them or helping them with something…or heaven forbid, cleaning their rooms.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

KG: I’ve fully written about ten books so far including anthologies. There’s about twenty more started, waiting on my laptop. My favorite would have to be Claimed By A Charmer, the second book in the Pith Trilogy, a historical/paranormal. The reason…I can so connect to the heroine and there’s a lot of me in her – except she’s more courageous that I ever have been. If I could be one of my heroines, it would definitely be Isabel. And I suppose that even though I’m happily married…having Douglas wouldn’t be bad either.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

KG: My characters are solely based on my imagination. The only thing I might include are expressions or the way a person moves, or basic gestures. Non-writers might think this is strange (can’t help being a bit eccentric), but the characters tend to control who they are and what they do. I’m just along for the ride.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

KG: Writing is one of the most pleasurable things a person can do. Enjoy it, and write what makes you smile or happy. Write from the heart and you can’t go wrong. And as I said earlier, don’t give up on your dream if you’re having a hard time. Keep working, keep submitting, keep moving forward.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

KG: I always love to hear from readers. They can contact me at karagrif66@comcast.net and to find my books, check Fictionwise or my publisher www.aspenmountainpress.com or they can always visit my website for a complete look into my books at www.karagriffin.webs.com

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

KG: *Giveaway* If you’re reading this post, leave a comment and I’ll enter you into a drawing to win one of two jump drives preloaded with ebooks. You’ll get my latest release, Cosmic Hearts, a sci-fi romance. You’ll also get stories from Lizzie T. Leaf, Maura Anderson, and Celia Kyle. Not bad, eh? I’ll check periodically to add names to the drawing. Good luck!

And, thank you, Crystal for such a fun interview and for allowing me to share on your blog! It’s been fun.

CA: Thank you Kara for doing an awesome giveaway and for a great interview! I wish you tons of luck and keep it up : )

4 comments:

LeighSavage said...

Great interview...will have to add her to my read list...blessed be Leigh

Asylumgirl said...

Kara,
It's funny that you come from a family of mostly non-readers and you are a writer. Both of my parents are big readers, as am I. My kids nor my husband are really readers though. Go figure!

Deidre
deidre_durance@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

*laughing* "Eccentric" -- all really good writers are! And historical paranormal sounds..mmmm...fabulous. Wow!

Anonymous said...

love the interview
crystal blogs is cool, she asks very good questions

blackroze37@yahoo.com