Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a married, mother of three kids and dealing with my oldest having his driver’s permit. My day day job is one of a massage therapist but I have always needed a creative output. That manifests in my writing and crafting. Currently, I am also obsessed with knitting and have been for the last eight years but I’m always willing to try something new as well.
I have written many books over the years and now I have finally gotten the confidence to let others read them. Currently, “Fire and Ice” is available on, Amazon and my second published novel, “Second Chances: A New Star” will be out on January 18, 2014.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Fire and Ice”. I call it a hockey/romance novel where the Philadelphia Fire (the local professional team) hire a woman to hopefully give the team the boost they desperately need. They found Bobbie at a small rink just outside Boston. The only girl in the large Burke family, she is the one gifted with both the skill and passion to help the Fire get out of last place. But what she doesn’t know is how to be both a hockey player and a woman.
“Fire and Ice” was inspired by my personal love of hockey. Playing around with the “what if” scenario lead to the development of Bobbie and the rest of the “Fire and Ice” universe. It was written while watching many hockey games and visits to the local rink to watch the local pro team practice for “research” purposes.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I type the story directly onto the computer, but about half of my stories start out on a legal pad and a fountain pen.
I love the entire process of writing. From the ideas flowing from my fingers to reading the end product. It doesn’t matter if I am feeling and hearing the click of the keys or the scratch of my fountain pen as it flows ink onto the blank page. I love it all.
The best thing about writing all the time, is that my kids have now begun to write as well. Having to take a special trip to Staples to get them notebooks or pens is such a thrill to me. (Just give me a hint of a reason to go to Staples and I’m there!)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When it comes to other authors, I don’t think I have a favorite one at all. I try to read as much as possible from different authors and from different publishing houses (including Indie Authors).
If I had to name one author who has really spoken to me as a writer, I would have to say it is Stephen King. I’m not a fan of his fiction works at all. Sure I’ve seen “Needful Things” and a few other movie adapted stories (but NOT the scary ones). His book “Stephen King: On Writing” was the first book that made me feel like I was in the room with him as he told me his life story and writing process. It moved me and I am still taking bits away from it even though I read it years ago. Any person who is even thinking of writing, not even becoming an author, needs to read this book.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am focused on finishing “Second Chances: A New Star” but I am also working on the sequel for “Fire and Ice” and “Second Chances”. I’ve spent so much time with these characters and developing their worlds that I just can’t let Bobbie (Fire and Ice) and Beth (Second Chances) go quite yet.
I see at least three more novels for Bobbie (Fire and Ice) and at least six for Beth (Second Chances).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Currently, I’m using my fan page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Sarchix#) and www.Sarchix.com as my main areas to promote my books and allowing readers to get to know me a bit more and learn about the process of my writing. I also am on GoodReads but I’m still learning how to be an author there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It might be an old bit of advice but really it comes down to writing and reading as much as possible. When I first was doing this as a hobby, I didn’t believe it when an author said that. Now that I have taken a more professional turn, I can’t preach it enough. If you aren’t reading you should be writing. And when you are reading, choose to push outside your preferred genres. Read, read, read and write, write write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Just keep on writing” is one bit of advise I’ve heard. The second is to have someone else edit/proofread your work. The third is, learn from your mistakes.
My most inspiring quote is from Mary Schmich from her “Everyone’s Free to Wear Sunscreen” essay. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Something about that has always struck a cord with me and has gently pushed me through challenges both in life and in writing.
What are you reading now?
What am I not reading?
I’ve been reading a ton of fan fic right now, a guilty pleasure for me. Hitting the refresh button on certain pages I read is like getting a treat for my brain.
I just finished a romance novel that made me rethink how to plot out the flow of the story. I hate it when they just kind of stop and expect you to wait for the next installment. I really think that a proper novel (ebook or paperback) should have a definitive beginning, middle and, end. If there is more to tell, it’s okay to hint or slightly tease but don’t leave the heroine in the hospital (hating the hero) and him going off on a long motorcycle ride, vowing to win her back. I feel that’s annoying since I enjoyed the story up until that point. I want my ending! If there is a second part then have a second part that is another journey and not a continuation of the first story. (Sorry, pet peeve.)
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep on writing as much as possible.
I’d love to chat more with those who have read my books and get a feeling of what they thought of the tale.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That is a really tough question. I love hearing the classics, especially Shakespeare. I love seeing the new interpretations of the classic tales.
But, without sounding too vain, I’d have to say that I might be my own favorite author. Don’t judge that without hearing me out. I’ve gone back to old stories that I have written and can still be moved (to tears sometimes) by what I have written. I still rejoice in their success and am sad while they fail even if I already know the entire story.
Author Websites and Profiles
Karen Maneely Website
Karen Maneely Amazon Profile
Karen Maneely Author Profile on Smashwords
Karen Maneely’s Social Media Links
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