Name Kara Griffin

Age A lady never tells.

Where are you from Originally, Philadelphia. Now live in South New Jersey, near the shore.

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc

I grew up with an extreme imagination and was always talking to myself, even at the age of 4. I didn’t realize my creative vice until I was well into my 30’s when I worked full-time, had 3 daughters, and a hectic life. But writing kind of took over and I’ve been immersed in it ever since.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

On the writing front, my latest book – Unbreakable Heart, Legend of the King’s Guard book 2 is being released on 2/28. I’m excited about this series. On the personal front, I spend a lot of time with my first grandchild, a sweet baby boy named Clark.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I was an avid reader, so much so reading a book a day. In July of 1999, story popped into my head and I sat at the computer and wrote it, primarily for myself. But then I offered it to an editor and they wanted to publish it.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I would say when my first book got released. It was exciting yet daunting. Would anyone like my stories? 😀

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I love history and the romanticism of the men and women who lived back in medieval, regency, etc. times. It’s their gallantry that inspires me to write about them.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I am what they term a pranster, meaning I write from the cuff. I do make notes and sometimes a chapter outline, but never an intensive plot outline. I like the characters to tell me what’s going to happen as we go along. My stories are definitely more character driven.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Legend of the King’s Guard series came to me when I was listening to Scottish songs while researching my next project. I wanted all the titles in the series to have the word Heart in them. But more importantly, the titles in this series reflect on the person tribulations each couple go through.

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Perhaps no matter what challenges or situations you face, as long as you have love, there is nothing you can’t overcome.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I’m an avid researcher and love to incorporate true life situations in my books. With historicals, it’s pretty easy, but also intense as you absolutely have to ensure the facts are accurate. There’s really no leeway to alter real historical facts. I love to immerse real life characters in my stories.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?a mentor?

There’s not one single book, but probably hundreds, thousands that have influenced me. Those are all the stories my fellow authors have written and which I’ve enjoyed. I know how hard they’ve worked to provide those stories for me. As for mentor, I would say those same writers whose stories I read and whom I interact with daily are a great influence on how I conduct myself as an author, how I interact with readers, how tackle projects with zest.

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interestand who  is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Being a lover of Scottish historicals, I would have to say that my all-time favorite author is Julie Garwood. I just love her stories. As to a new author who I am obsessed with her writing is Vonda Sinclair. Her stories are just my cup of tea!

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Way back when … I found Yahoo Groups and the one group Aspiring Romance Writers was definitely a great support system for me when I first started. I am still friends with a few members from that era.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. I do love it and adore the creativity of it, but all in all it is a business. I try to ensure professionalism and set realistic goals.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I don’t think so. My books are written from the character’s point of view so it’s really their story, I’m just a vice they use to tell it 😀

 

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I’m currently working on Fearless Heart, book 3 in the Legend of the King’s Guard series. It’s in the very beginning stages. I love when a new book begins, because my imagination soars with possibilities.

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Finding the time to write. It’s hard sometimes, especially when I have other things to do, when I’d rather be at my desk plugging away. But life does intrude sometimes.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

No, fortunately not at this time. I do hope to travel one day and do writer things. 😀

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I have a wonderful artist who I’ve been fortunate to find. Sheri McGathy does most of my covers. I love her artistic view. She always knows what I’m looking for. And she’s so wonderful to work with.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Ensuring it is readable and without errors. No matter how hard you try, there always seems to be some typo or such that escapes editors and yourself. It’s daunting and frustrating.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

That I love Scotland and hope to visit one day.

 

 

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead?

That’s a tough question. I really haven’t pondered that.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Definitely. Just write. Get your story down and worry about all the logistics later. Write what you like and if you enjoy it, others will too.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I would love to hear more from readers, what they’d like to see in a story or what they enjoyed. I wish they would reach out to me. I’m really a nice person and not at all intimidating.

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I have tons of books loaded on my Kindle waiting for me. But unfortunately I haven’t had time to read lately. Perhaps this summer … I’ll get to some of them.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Oh yes, it was a Harlequin Romance can’t remember the title, but I can still envision the characters.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love snarky weird comedy. Lately, I cry at family eventful happenings. It’s more of a prideful cry than a sad.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

I would have to say I’d like to meet Julie Garwood. If we could sit and have a cup of tea and discuss writing.That’s be an awesome thing.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

Wife, Mother, Writer.Gradh (beloved) in Scottish Gaelic.

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I love making things for around the home, but often have no time to do so. I love crafty things, using my creativeness to create. It’s fun.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I’m a sucker for Hallmark movies. The cheesy, lovey-dovey stories. They’re sweet to watch and relaxing.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Favorite food-Doritos Color-red Music-Indy rock or country

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I probably would have been an organizer of some sort if I wasn’t a writer. I love order and detest chaos. I am sort of a neat-freak and minimalist, but do treasure some objects around me that have meaning.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

Website: http://karagrif66.wixsite.com/authorkaragriffin

Blog: http://castlesandkisses.blogspot.com/

Where I interact the most: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaraGriffin/

 

Facebook Fan Page:  http://tinyurl.com/nl4ckpf
Pinterest/Inspiration:  http://www.pinterest.com/karagriffin/
Website:  Heroes Heroines Villains Romance Website
Historical Blog: Castles and Kisses Blog
Sci-fi Blog: Get Cosmic! Blog
Newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/n35rowo
Amazon Author Page: KaraGriffin on Amazon Author Central
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1428371.Kara_Griffin
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/karagrif66