Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written five books and I’m currently working on the sixth – all paranormal romantic comedies (I do love a laugh!). I have one series out – the Northern Witches, and two firsts of new series, Bite the Big One and Stupid Cupid.
Believe it or not, my foray into writing started as a stress relief from my full time job – I never in my wildest dreams imagined it would be so effective that I could actually give up work and do this full time, but a year and a half after publishing my first, that’s exactly what I did. Life before books, I was an Software Manager (I had a fancier title but the nuts and bolts of it was that was exactly what I did!) I live on the North East of England, a friendlier place you will never find.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book I published was released in December and is called Stupid Cupid. It’s Bella’s story, about being in love with someone who isn’t even aware she exists. We’ve all been there, right? What inspired the book? Seeing friends who fawn over men who aren’t worthy of them when a perfectly good specimen of manhood is ignored because they believe they’ve already found their soul mate! Come on, there had to be some comedy value in that, didn’t there?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Absolutely, although I truly believe all authors are a little unusual! I write in my PJs, I wake up in the middle of the night and dive out of bed because inspiration has struck. My family challenge me often, asking me to incorporate ridiculous things into my stories – such as giving satan a sheep in The Last Challenge. I love being challenged!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’d have to say the likes of Robyn Peterman (amazeballs, right!?!) , Tara West, but mostly Sir Terry Pratchett. I am a devoted fan of the Discworld series and I’ve bought every book he’s ever written. The man was a literary genius.
What are you working on now?
Book 2 of the Full Monty series (Bite the Big One was the first). Jen has been kidnapped and only Becky can save her. Becky is an absolute disaster at witchcraft so it should be fun!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a very healthy subscription list and they get first dibs on my new books for free, if they review it for me! This gets me off to a healthy start. Twitter, facebook, Pinterest are next and then I run countdown deals and use wonderful sites such as Awesomegang 🙂 (Do I get bonus points for that?)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up on your dreams. Always trust your editor. Join forums such as KDP and KBoards – there are lots of lovely, lovely authors out there who will keep you right!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never trust the Spanish Inquisition (sorry…I’m also a massive Monty Python fan!)
What are you reading now?
Well, I just finished a book a day or so ago and, surprisingly, it isn’t a comedy. I read it at the request of the author and was so impressed with it, I couldn’t put it down. The book is currently titled “Someone Close to Home” by Alex Craigie – it’s an absolute literary masterpiece that’s a bit thriller, a bit romance and a lot unputdownable (that’s a new word, and if it isn’t I am appealing to the Oxford Dictionary for inclusion in their next edition!)
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing off my current project and then writing the next of the Silver Ring series. My readers are very demanding!
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 Kindle! Haha! No? Oh, all right, if I must!
1. Weird Sisters by Terry Pratchett
2. Fashionably Dead by Robyn Peterman (this is free on Amazon, by the way! Plug, plug!)
3. Fate Book by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
4. Divine and Dateless by Tara West
Author Websites and Profiles
Sharon Karaa Website
Sharon Karaa Amazon Profile
Sharon Karaa’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account