Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a mother who doesn’t enjoy cooking or cleaning, but loves entertaining and making people laugh through stories. I’ve written 7 novels and several short stories. I hope people enjoy reading them, because my house sure is a mess and we eat take-out an awful lot!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Kiss Me, Tate, a romantic comedy spinoff from my bestselling Barbara Marr Murder Mystery series. It’s a sweet and funny tale that follows two characters who attracted to each other, but are distracted by the antics of their own “dysfunctional” families.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think this is unusual, but I must have absolute quiet when I write with no distractions of any kind. I have found with kids in the house, this is somewhat difficult. I do my best!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I studied literature in college and two of my favorite classic authors were Mark Twain and Charles Dickens. I love how they infused humor into their stories. I’m drawn to books that make me laugh –even a serious novel that has a moments of humor or dry wit, are more compelling to me.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing two books: my fifth Barbara Marr Murder Mystery, Dead Man Stalking, and simultaneously, I am co-writing a romantic comedy called Shelby’s Plus-One, which is the first book in a new series. Needless to say, I’m a little busy!!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find the best method for promoting my books is to get the word out to my readers. I am blessed with readers who are always asking when my next book will be out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. (a twist on some great advice I once received from a wise fish – see answer to next question)
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Just keep swimming.” – Dory, from Finding Nemo
What are you reading now?
Game of Thrones. Wow. Powerful story. And the character Tyrion provides that dry wit that I love.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think a true writer is always working to be better at his or her craft and to explore richer depths of the writing experience. That’s true for me, I know. I’ll be at this, working to improve my craft, until the day I die.
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?
Well, that doesn’t sound like much fun, so I’d want to be sure to bring books that made me laugh and forget the boredom. Do I have food? Do I need to forget my hunger as well? Hmm. Okay, then, I will bring Kristan Higgins’ Just One of the Guys. She writes really fun but touching romantic comedies and I think Just One of the Guys is her best. Then I’ll bring Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. Fun and wildly crazy book. Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York – I’ll take that one too. That book helped me laugh through a particular tough time in my life. And finally, I’ll take any one of the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum novels.
Author Websites and Profiles
Karen Cantwell Website
Karen Cantwell Amazon Profile
Karen Cantwell’s Social Media Links