Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing seriously while in nursing school. My university highly recommended that students not work during the 18 month, accelerated program because of the demanding course load and unpredictable clinical hours required, so I decided to become a writer. It offered flexible hours and helped me to feel productive.
I now have three published books. Purple Pup is my first novel, written for middle grade children. I also have two picture books, How Santa Changed and Bear Woke Up.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Purple Pup, which is about some of the animals made by a company that is trying to become the world’s first major supplier of genetically modified pets.
The inspiration for Purple Pup came from reading an article about genetics. I had heard of genetic engineering before that, but I thought scientists were just tweaking a few genes here and there. I didn’t realize that spider genes had been inserted into goat DNA, so that the goats would produce spider silk proteins in their milk, or that fish genes were placed into the DNA of tomatoes, in hopes of making the tomato plants more resistant to frost.
It was learning about the successful creation of glow-in-the-dark cats that specifically inspired the story Purple Pup. I can still remember looking at the article’s photograph of the glowing cats. It was at that point that I sat back and realized, this is the future. More and more genetic engineering is going to take place and that sooner or later people are going to want these animals as pets.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Like most authors, I don’t have much time to write. A lot of my writing gets done while my kids are napping. I make up for this constraint by trying to brainstorm chapters ahead of time. That way I don’t stare at a blinking computer cursor later on.
This is probably one of the best perks about being an author. I can brainstorm anywhere. Waiting in line at the grocery store isn’t so bad anymore, because it gives me a chance to finish all my prewriting exercises.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was a fan of Gary Paulsen and Scott O’Dell as a kid. As far as writing goes, I wish they would have rubbed off on me a little more. I’m just trying my best and learning what I can.
What are you working on now?
Book one of a seven book series is currently being read by beta readers. If anyone is interested in becoming a beta reader, you can go to my website and send me an email.
Right now, I’m calling the book “Surviving Moose Lake.” I don’t really like to name my stories, and their titles often change a few times before they’re published. I’m asking my beta readers for their opinion about what the book should be called. I’m excited to see their ideas.
The series is about four sixth grade students that are forced to survive in seven different wilderness locations. Before they can return home from each location they need to accomplish a mission, such as finding a particular animal or climbing a mountain.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Its hard to say. I don’t have very good analytics. My own website is great for readers who already know of me or are fans. Amazon.com and Goodreads are good at allowing new readers to discover my books. I also post videos on YouTube, which helps people to learn about me and what I do.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure to write. That’s the only difference between a writer and non-writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Time and tide for no man wait, be quick and prompt and don’t be late.
What are you reading now?
Fever 1793, by Laurie Halse Anderson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know. I write whatever seems fun at the time. I plan to do that until it’s not fun anymore.
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 Bible, because it’s the only book worth reading more than once, and The Grapes of Wrath, because I never was able to finish it.
Author Websites and Profiles
Karl Steam Website
Karl Steam Amazon Profile
Karl Steam’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile