Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Karen Sjullie it is pronounced (Shoely). I’ve been married for 46 years. I have two children and seven grandchildren. In July of 2012 I retired from work, now I have time to pursue my passion of writing. I’ve been interested in writing all through my life though I wrote stories and poems many of the stories I never sent in since I was working and raising children at the time. I graduated from The Institute of Children’s Literature July 26, 1998 and Long Ridge Writer’s Group June 28, 2012. I have had poems published by The National Library of Poetry 1994-1998, Iliad Press 1995-1996, Famous Poet’s Society 1996-1998. In December 2015 my first novel was published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Hostage Within is a mystery full of action and suspense. My last writing course at Long Ridge Writer’s Group inspired me to write this novel. The course taught how to write a novel. I wrote the first three chapter’s during the course and I was on my own afterwards but learned so much during the writing course and I wasn’t about to not finish the whole novel- after all I only had 24 more chapters to complete the novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really unusual. I like to write on paper first. After rewriting then I put it on word in the computer. I have to have a quiet room with no distractions.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I use ‘ROGET’S International THESAURUS’ it is a must have. ‘The Elements of Style’ by William Strunk and I love, ‘On Writing’ by Stephen King. A lot of great advice in his book.
What are you working on now?
At this time I am promoting The Hostage Within and I have started writing another mystery novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Send press releases to your local newspaper as a local author also to other cities you have lived in especially to the city the story takes place in. I also use twitter and linkedin. Word of mouth and web sites such as awesomegang.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is fun and easy. The hardest part is promoting but you learn a lot from it too. Keep writing! I wish now I would have started writing a novel sooner.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Watch the word ‘had” it sounds bad!
What are you reading now?
I love to write mysteries and I love to read biographies, because I enjoy reading about people and real life experiences they have been through.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Another novel. I started writing it.
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 Thesaurus, Elements of Style, writing paper and a biography.
Author Websites and Profiles
Karen Sjullie Website
Karen Sjullie Amazon Profile
Karen Sjullie’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account