Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Karen Baney. I am a software engineer by day and historical romance writer by night. I have written seven books and have two more scheduled for release in 2022.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beauty for Ashes (Desert Manna #1)
Both of the main characters in the novel are faced with the challenge of starting live over. Some aspect of fire has impacted both characters, so Beauty for Ashes seemed like a good fit to tie that theme together. Their lives become something beautiful out of the ashes of their pain.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a history fan. I love to research anything and everything about Arizona. I was not born here, but I moved here when I was a young adult and have lived in the state for fifteen years. When I plan a series, I start with the timeframe and location in Arizona. Then I research to find out what was a big deal, like the series I just started is all about the railroads in the late 1880’s. Then I find ways to organically incorporate real facts into the story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Janette Oke was my favorite author as a teenager. I loved her historical romance books so much that I wrote her a fan letter. I was shocked when I actually received a handwritten card back from her. I think that is what sparked my desire to write later in life.
Some of my favorite fiction authors are: Elizabeth Camden, Ashtyn Newbold, Karen Witemeyer.
My favorite historian: Marshall Trimble
What are you working on now?
I just finished mapping out a five book series called Colter Sons. It’s a spin off from my Prescott Pioneers Series and follows the lives of the five Colter brothers as they make the transition to manhood. Of course they each find love along the way.
The first book is called The Reluctant Cattleman. It is set near Prescott, Arizona, in 1887.
So far it is a blast writing the interaction between five brothers who grew up on a ranch.
All of my previous books are written in the third person. With this series, I’m writing in the first person, which I am LOVING!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books on my website, as well as Digital Book Today (DBT). I’ve always gotten good results with DBT. I’m always on the look out for other great websites with large followings at an affordable price.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. If you get stuck, start a new book. Write about what interests you. The more you write, the better your writing becomes.
And if you can spend money on only one thing: spend it on a well designed book cover that stands out on Amazon’s product searches. How does this cover look on a phone?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you love. I’m blessed to be able to work a day job that I thoroughly enjoy as a software engineer. And I’m blessed to be able to write in the evenings and weekends.
What are you reading now?
For my long commute to work, I am listening to Karen Witmeyer’s The Heart’s Charge. I’m also reading two books about the history of Ash Fork, Arizona, and two more books about the railroads in Arizona in the 1880s. Oh, and I’m reading a novel set during WWII.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish writing the Colter Sons series. After that, I’m debating on a few one off stories. One might be a prequel to the Colter Sons which deals with their older cousin. I also have a very unique idea for a story of love letters for a couple that is a minor character in Oaks of Justice (Desert Manna #3). Or maybe I’ll finally start writing some of the WWII stories rolling around in my brain.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible would be first and foremost. Maybe a Thesaurus, assuming I can write books in the sand or on paper or tree bark.
Author Websites and Profiles
Karen Baney Website
Karen Baney Amazon Profile
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Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account