Author Interview – Kara Stefanowich @Karakazoo

How do you want your readers to think of you?

Above anything else I think I want people to think of me as a real, honest person who didn’t change her ways to ‘look’ better in the public eye. I’m a stickler for honesty and acting like you’re something you’re not is in some way or another, dishonest. I say it like it is and in my writing I like to inject experiences from my own life that have taught me the lessons I hope to be remembered for.

I also kind of like people to have a healthy amount of fear or nervousness for/around me. I don’t know why. LOL!!

Do you relate music, TV or any other types of entertainment to your stories?

I do relate music to my stories quite a bit. I love music. I feel music. I often listen to music when I’m writing, especially if I’m trying to invoke an emotion I’m not actually feeling in order to get my stories across best.

‘Hostage’ actually has music in it! Heavy metal bands, concerts and even short interludes with real bands! Yes, I was listening to them when I wrote it.

What is the one thing in life you would NEVER give up? Why?

Apart from my son??? LOL!! I would never give up my independence, my freedom, my work. I am a very independent person and I need to know that if all else fails, I can always take care of myself no matter what.

I will also never give up my car. NEVER!!……………………..unless it breaks down.

Are you a heels or flats kind of woman?

I absolutely love the way I look and feel in heels……..but…….I’m a busy lady, so flats (or pretty much just sneakers) it is.

Have you ever had any addictions or OCD habits?

Hmm…..I’d have to say I’m a bit of a neat freak so I tend to clean messes no matter where I am. If I can easily find a way to clean something, I will. If I go to visit a friend and find dishes in the sink, I may just wash them. If I go to the food court in the mall and find the tables are dirty, I may just pull out a sanitary wipe and clean it off.

I am addicted to my Iphone. Not to the point of therapy but I have become quite dependant on it. I even take it to the bathroom with me. I have no idea why. Fear of missing something, maybe.

What are some books you’ve read in your life that you can remember off the top of your head?

James and the Giant Peach, Gerald’s Game, Pride and Prejudice, Dracula, Of Mice and Men, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Scary Stories, The best of Edgar Allen Poe…..and more. I can’t think of them all now. But at the top of my mind, I probably remember these the most because they meant something to me. They had an impact on my life.

What are some do’s and don’ts you’ve learned along the way in writing/self publishing?

I’ve learned to use my worksheets. I have created some worksheets to create, sustain and assemble characters, plots, time lines, climaxes, settings and so on. These are great to have since it makes it easier to look back over your story and see everything you need to see in a snapshot. It helps to keep me on track.

I do not suggest just making that one last change and NOT rereading the story after. Believe me, no matter how many times you’ve read that story, with every change (no matter how minute) it may impact the entire story. ALWAYS reread your book from beginning to end before saying its ‘Finished’.

How has becoming a writer changed your life?

Since I’ve released my first book, life has been interesting. I only received a paperback copy of my first novel about a year after it was released. My initial release was originally only in ebook form. So for that first year, I didn’t really feel like I had accomplished anything. But the day I finally received my book in print, I knew it. I had conquered my goal. In doing so it made me feel empowered. I then realized, if I could do that, I can do anything. In saying, ‘anything’, what I really want is to be a successful writer. I would like to be able to live solely off the earnings of my books. That would make me successful. The ultimate goal is to have my work appear on the silver screen, but I’m still working on that. LOL!

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Genre - Paranormal Romance

Rating – R

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Website http://www.thrillsandchills.net/