Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from Long Beach, California. Writing is my passion. I’ve written four books and I’m working on more.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “A Journey of Flames and Love”. Journey was inspired by my love for fairy tales and happy endings. I did research on fairy tales that aren’t as well known. During my research, I discovered the Firebird fairy tale which is a Russian story. In the story, the Firebird is said to be a powerful and beautiful creature which could bestow riches on the finder. And, people from all over the kingdom would seek this majestic bird. I picked the Firebird tale because I loved the concept behind it. The Firebird Quest was fun to write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write without much plotting. I never know the outcome of the story until I write it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read so many books by different authors. But, the author which has influenced me the most is J.K. Rowling. I find her life story inspiring. She came from rock bottom and rebuilt her life with the power of language. And, her story has touched the hearts of millions world wide. I would love to meet her someday. But, I’d probably be star struck. LOL!
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the second book in the Hearts of Love and Faith series. I’m also working on a young adult version of the same series. My books have three versions: a christian one, a romance one, and a more secular one.
The religious version of my story is called “Blessings of the Firebird’s Light”. In Blessings, the quest takes on a more spiritual meaning as the characters search for inner-truth.
A Journey of Flames and Love is the romantic version of the story. Journey focuses on my characters Audry and Roei as they go from enemies to reaching common ground.
And, my young adult version is for anyone to read. My characters are enemies but now we have more in the mix, including Audry’s son. The religious themes are toned down, and in some places it’s non-existent.
I’m writing three versions because I thought it’d be interesting to see how my world would evolve in different circumstances. Especially because I don’t see writers trying their hand at different versions of the same world. I loved the possibility of connecting the books. As the books are all fantasy, it’s not much of a stretch to imagine time-travel and world hopping may influence the story. My hope is one version of the story will appeal to someone. And, if I can put a smile on their face for a bit, then I’ve done my job.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use twitter a lot. But, I also post advertisements on Facebook promo groups. It’s a lot of trial and error to figure out what’s working.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
For new authors, I would tell you to find your why. The desire to publish a book isn’t always strong enough to keep you motivated. I would say find the spark that will keep you writing even when you don’t feel like it. For me, the spark is accomplishing my goal of making a living off my writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was not to fear failure. In order to succeed, we have to fall. But it’s how we respond to it that matters.
What are you reading now?
Lately I’ve been reading my own work.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to publish four books a year. I’d also like to see how the three different versions of my story will collide.
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?
If I was stranded on an island I would bring the Bible, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and a book on survival.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kari Summers Website
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