Interview With Author Karen Brungardt)
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written, so far, 6 full length novels, 3 novellas, and edited 2 memoirs, one by each of my parents, who passed away in 1992. During Covid, I finally got the full manuscripts and was able to edit them into readable forms.
I’m a retired physician from Family Practice and practiced in Wyoming for many years. Now I live in Tucson, Arizona, along with my husband, who’s the only pet I currently have. I also play bridge, paint watercolors, teach beginning watercolor, and read books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wings of Crystal: Book 3 of the Wings of Destiny series. I had the idea for this Epic Fantasy series in my head for a long time. I used Nanowrimo to start the book…4 different times. I guess the 4th one finally stuck so Wings of Crystal is the third book in the series and there’ll be one more book. I really love all animals and birds and so this series prominently uses such critters as, more or less, important characters in the book. Plus a winged horse. And, oh, did I mention this? There’s also a dragon.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I create books out of chaos. I can have a clean surface, ie, the kitchen table which has somehow turned into a desk, and poof! All of a sudden, I’m surrounded by piles of papers, mail, kleenex (mostly unused) and perhaps bills and maybe other stuff. As long as none of it has 8 legs, I’m good.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan has had a big impact on me and also Julie Czerneda. One book, Greenwillow by B J Chute, (many many years old) has also influenced me even though that one isn’t sci fi or fiction, the 2 genres I love the most.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on book 4 of my Universal Shapeshifter series, which is sci fi. I wish there were a category named science fantasy but there really isn’t (yet). Jessi (main character) is the only shapeshifter in known existence and only a few people know about her ability. It has its pros and cons, as she’s having to use the ability all the time to try to fix stuff in the universe but it really keeps her from doing what she wants to do, which is become the first ever intergalactic physician. Oh, and her hair is sentient and talks to her telepathically.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my Facebook account and page to promote, Instagram, getting my toes wet in TikTok and my newsletter, which goes out bimonthly.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write the book! Edit later. It’s more important to get the words down than to make them perfect the first time. Also, know where your book is going. I always know the ending when I start and so everything in between the beginning and ending has to fit in with that goal in mind.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Kill your darlings. And Write the Book, edit later.
What are you reading now?
Peacemaker Wars by J. N. Chaney
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books!
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?
The Wheel of Time (if I can take the whole series, haha), Greenwillow, The Amorphan Effect, By the Horse’s Wings
Author Websites and Profiles
Karen Brungardt) Amazon Profile
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