I recently had the pleasure of interviewing author Karen Erickson. See what she had to say…

MC: You’ve always been a fan of romance, it seems. What attracts you to the genre? And do you read any other genres as voraciously?

KE:  I have always been a fan, ever since I discovered teen romances and then discovered The Flame and The Flower in my mom’s bookshelf.  I was hooked!  I also enjoy reading mystery, some chick lit and I also really love true crime (Ann Rule).  I have a morbid fascination with serial killers, I guess.

MC: Can you tell us a little about yourself? You’re married, with kids and cats. What makes Karen Erickson tick?

KE: You know your stuff!  Yep, I have 3 children, ages 12, 3 1/2 and almost 2.  And 3 cats.  And a husband.  I’ve lived in CA all my life, I have wonderful, supportive parents and a younger brother.  What makes me tick?  My husband and my children.  Though they all drive me nuts at some point in time, I wouldn’t know what to do without them.  My family brings me joy.  And my writing.  And my reality tv habit.  Ha ha.

MC: Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?

KE:  Ha, what spare time?  My life is consumed with my family or my writing.  In the spare time I manage to eek out, I like to have dinner with friends, read a good book or escape to shop by myself sans kids.  That’s a rare moment, but when it happens, it’s bliss!

MC: Do you collect anything?

KE:  I’ve never been much of a collector.  My mom went through a weird beanie baby collecting phase and I thought it was sooooo weird.  The only thing I manage to collect is books…oh!  And candles.  I have way too many candles.  Just ask my husband.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

KE:  I love Nora Roberts.  Certain books I can read over and over again.  Same goes for Stephen King.  I believe The Stand is one of my favorite books ever.  I’m also on a serious Jill Shalvis kick right now.  She’s wonderful!  I also love to read her blog.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

KE:  Talkative, goofy, patient, scattered…did I already say talkative?  Yeah?  Well, I have to say it twice cos I’m really talkative.  Too talkative.  Can’t shut me up.

MC: Tell us about your book, Release Me. What’s it about and what inspired you to write it?

KE:  Release Me is about a woman who is tired of dealing with losers and wants to take control of her love life.  She finds just what she needs in the form of the man who repairs her computer at work, and they have quite the adventure.  Whew, they’re naughty!

I had just written a novel that drained me.  Something I rewrote once and I’m still not happy with it.  After finishing it I wanted to do something different, so I decided to try writing an erotic short story.  I wrote it in two weeks – I saw a show on late night tv that inspired it, and the words just flowed out of me.  I got up the nerve to submit it (my first submission!) and the rest is history.

MC: Do you have a muse?

KE:  Interesting question…I always start out my stories with the same hero in mind.  I can’t help it, I can’t kick the guy out of my head.  But they always morph into someone else and become their own person, so to speak.  So I guess he’s my muse.  Weird.

MC: What’s your writing schedule like?

KE:  I mostly write at night.  With two small children it’s hard to make time during the day, but sometimes I can squeeze it in.  It’s amazing how well I can write with interruptions, if I really put my mind to it!  My dream is all the children are in school and I can write all day.  That will be nice.  Someday…

MC: Have any advice for up and coming writers?

KE:  Write, write, write.  And learn your craft.  Take classes if you can.  Join RWA – join a chapter.  Find a critique partner – they’re invaluable.  Let your voice shine and don’t sweat the small stuff.  And if you really want to write, do it!  I’ve been writing off and on for years, but never got serious about it until last year.  I wish I would’ve done it sooner….

MC: What’s the best thing about being a published author?

KE:  Well, I was never more thrilled than when I saw my bookcover for the first time.  So exciting!  Of course, getting the email that Cobblestone wanted to buy my story.  That was cool.  And it’s so funny – people from high school have found me on myspace, cos I’m writing under my maiden name.  So now they want to be my friend cos they think I’m famous or something?  I don’t know – people are coming out of the high school woodwork – people I was never even that close to and emailing me, etc.  Too funny!

MC: Any downsides to being a published author?

KE:  Nope, not so far.  I’ve enjoyed every minute of this process.  It’s been a real eye opener.  If there’s been any downside, it would have to be the pressure I’ve put on myself to produce.  To keep producing quality writing.  Of course, I just need to keep writing every day and it should happen.  Right?  Right?  Ha ha ha.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

KE: You can visit my website – www.karenwritesromance.com.  You can visit my blog – http://kdid210.blogspot.com, or you can email me at karen@karenwritesromance.com.

Thanks Madison!

6 Comments

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  By Mia Romano, August 22, 2006 @ 8:00 pm

  This is one great interview!
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  By madison, August 23, 2006 @ 10:30 am

  Thanks Mia! I look forward to reading yours!
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  By Donna, August 23, 2006 @ 11:58 am

  This is so cool to meet the authors up close and personal. Looking for more great reads from Karen.

  Thanks Madison.
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  By Karen, August 24, 2006 @ 10:40 am

  I appreciate you doing this interview Madison!
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  By Jazz, August 25, 2006 @ 10:36 am

  Very good interview! Know I’m all interested and have to go check out her books!
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  By Stacy Dawn, August 26, 2006 @ 2:53 pm

  Great Interview, Karen!

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