Interviews

Hello to all our Coffee Time Romance Readers. I have a very special treat her for you today. I am interviewing Karen Magill live via MSN Messenger and we will be talking about her latest and greatest work. So come please join us here as she tells me all ….

Lainey: Good evening Karen, I hope you had a great 4th of July yesterday.

Karen: Yes, I am Canadian though so our holiday was the first.

Lainey: Oh yes Canada day I forgot about that but you did get your official holiday so that works.

Karen: They are close together too.

Lainey: I wanted to start with saying that your readers may reach you and look at your sites at the following links. www.karenmagill.com and www.lulu.com/karenmagill and http://letusplaylovestory.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/thebondbykarenmagill and also www.cafepress.com/vig65 are all those correct Karen and would you like to add anything else for them and an email address too for our readers?

Karen: Those are right and people can email me at karenmagill@karenmagill.com I love receiving emails.

Lainey: OK READERS you heard it from Karen herself that she loves emails so do not be shy and show her the love you have for her books *smiles*

Karen: Thanks Elaine!

Lainey: *Lainey adds - yes I am also called Elaine* Well I wanted to get the sites and all that out of the way first so that now we can get to the good stuff. Can you tell us about your latest release?

Karen: It is Let Us Play, A Rock 'n Roll Love Story.

Set in an uncertain time in the future, all forms of rock 'n roll music have been banned worldwide. The heroine of the story - Kaya More - is the daughter of one of the founders of a rebel organization called the Let Us Play Organization. Her father was murdered by the government forces banning the music. Kaya is blessed with the gift of second sight and she uses this to help her lead the rebels. There are a lot of paranormal occurrences and it is a good adventure as well.

Lainey: You just made this interviewer fantastically happy with that one word ... paranormal that is my favorite genre actually *smiles*

Karen: I like throwing in the weird stuff. Makes the story so much more interesting. Don't you think?

Lainey: Oh yes, I definitely think it makes it much more interesting when something weird or paranormal is introduced in a story.

Karen: More fun for the writer too. At least this one.

Lainey: Aha now that lets me lead into the next question for you. How did you get into writing, especially with a paranormal theme?

Karen: Writing I have always done. For as long as I can remember. My paternal grandmother was a published author. Paranormal I got into because I have a fascination with the unexplained and/or unexplainable. It just made sense to add it to my books.

Lainey: Would you like to let our readers know where you have your books published so they can go see and buy them?

Karen: http://www.lulu.com/karenmagill and other online stores. Just type in my name at online stores and they will find both my books.

Lainey: Why don't you tell us about the other book you have there then for our readers so we can let them know what a treat they have in store.

Karen: My first is called The Bond, A Paranormal Love Story.

Two people living on opposite ends of the country, have identical accidents at the same moment in time. Both have an out of body experience and meet while their ethereal forms are floating. When they part, each takes a piece of the other with them, making them true soul mates. Both have visions of the other person when they recover. When the man senses that the woman is in danger, he flies (in a plane) across the country to help her.

Lainey: I love that type of story but the weird part is you can feel that way about someone who is very close you KNOW if something has happened to them.

Karen: There have been incidents of that happening. Our minds are strange things!

Lainey: *winks* yes it has happened and to me before actually and is why I mentioned that. It can really happen to people and that is why I love that type of story.

Karen: With paranormal, all a person has to do is to open their minds and believe in what may seem unbelievable.

Lainey: Yes I totally agree and that is why I am betting the paranormal readers out there are going to love having this new release from you to read. *smiles*

Karen: I hope so. And for those of you, who have not bought The Bond, get that too.

Lainey: Can you tell us if you have anything happening with your release or anything else coming up for you? Convention, book signing, chats or … to get your readers out there involved?

Karen: I just finished a blog tour and don't have anything scheduled right now. I am looking at a few things but nothing concrete as of yet.

Lainey: Can you tell us about the blog tour?

Karen: Dorothy Thompson and her partner Jamieson with Writer's Life arranged it. Different blogs 'host' me. They ask me questions then post them on the day of the tour. Some had me write an article. There are also more reviews of Let Us Play. It is a great way to get exposure.

Lainey: Is there anything I have not asked you today and that you would like our readers to know about your and your books?

Karen: Not that I can think of. I am just happy that you took the time to interview me. Thank you for that.

Lainey: It is my pleasure Karen and I definitely enjoyed our time together.

Karen: Good because I did.

Lainey: On a closing note I want our readers to remember to check out your 2 books and all those paranormal readers out there hurry and grab them up ... please… you will love them *smiles*

Karen: Thanks Elaine! Take care.

Lainey: Thanks again Karen and I hope you have a wonderful even. I am happy to have really met you tonight. *grins*

Karen: Bye now. You have wonderful evening too. I am glad I met you as well.

Lainey: Good night Karen and thanks again.

Karen: Night.

Hi Readers! Today, we will be interviewing author, Karen Magill.

Dwan: Where are you from?

Karen: I was born in Victoria, BC Canada but grew up in different areas of British Columbia. I lived in Calgary, Alberta Canada for ten years and spent from the ages of one to three in Nicaragua. Now, I live in Vancouver, Canada.

Dwan: What inspired you to write?

Karen: I come from a family of writers -- my grandmother had a book about settling in Northern Alberta after the war published as well as a children’s book. I have always used writing to escape from the real world.

Dwan: How did you come up with the idea for your novel?

Karen: I believe that everyone needs to stand up for what they believe in and [my book] Let Us Play shows what can happen when you do. It is an adventure and love story all wrapped into one.

Dwan: What are your thoughts on self-publishing or on-demand publishing?

Karen: Recently I had a discussion with a gentleman who formerly worked as an executive for a large New York publishing house. He pointed out that all self-publishing, on-demand publishing etc. is vanity publishing and it doesn't matter to the 'big boys'. What matters is how much money can they make off of me? So can I get my books selling?
This solidified my entire plan to me. I am in control of my destiny with self-publishing. It is up to me where my career goes.
But if a person is going to self-publish, be sure to have a thick skin because it isn't for the faint of heart. There are so many ill informed people out there. Those who don't know what they are talking about, and who turn their nose up at my books because they aren't published by a big house. And they all think they know what they are talking about.
Self-publishing isn't easy, but I think it can be rewarding.

Dwan: What are the disadvantages of self-publishing in your opinion? The advantages?

Karen: The main disadvantage is the lack of acceptance by the mainstream. Self-published books are harder to get into brick and mortar stores, harder to get reviewed by standard reviewers etc. This can also be an advantage though because it causes the author to uses his/her creativity to find new ways to market his/her book. The challenge is there, the gauntlet is thrown and the author must rise to it.

Dwan: Would you self publish again?

Karen: Last time I wasn't sure. But now it is a resounding yes.

Dwan: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Karen: I find writing to be my release. With all the disadvantages and negative influences in real life, it is so much fun to retreat into a world where I can control almost everything. That being said, I try to look at the positive side to everything. I don’t always succeed, but I try.

Dwan: How did you develop the characters in your book?

Karen: My characters come from people I would love to be like; then they come from blends of people I know and mix in with my imagination to create the characters in my book. It becomes one big hodgepodge.

Dwan: Any advice for aspiring writers?

Karen: Write. Listen to the advice of those who have succeeded but try to tailor it for you. Learn all you can about promotion because no matter how you get your book published -- whether you self publish or use a traditional publisher -- you are going to need to know how to promote. Also never quit learning about the craft. It always seems to be changing.

Dwan: What can we expect from your next novel?

Karen: I am planning the sequel to Let Us Play. This one will be called Truth, Justice and Rock 'n’ Roll.

Dwan: Sounds fascinating. Thanks for joining us today.

Hello Karen,

The girls of Night Owl Romance are pleased that you have granted us an interview We would love to get to know you.

Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?

This has to be the hardest question of all. LOL. I am in my early forties and live in Vancouver Canada. I am eccentric; I like to do things my own way. I dance along the street, singing to my portable music player. I try to greet everyone with a smile even those I am not fond of. I do my best to enjoy life. Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and that has been a great learning experience for me. I know that I am not as bad as many so I count my blessings. Writing is my escape to another world.

If you could be one of your characters – Who would you be? And why?

It would be Kaya More, the heroine in Let Us Play. She is brave, stubborn, and loyal and gets to do such exciting things.

What’s your favorite genre to read?

Funny enough, it is true crime or thriller. I read everything though.

Who or what influences you when you write?

Life and a desire to control the outcome of some world influence me.

What do you do on a typical writing day?

Typically, I get up and check my email. I eat breakfast then do anything business related I have to then go for a long walk. When I get home I may read something on promotion or improving my writing. I create at night.

When you have writer’s block how do you break free?

Listen to rock music, go for a walk, and distance myself from the computer. I try to do anything non-writing related. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

Can you please give us a sneak peek at any of your upcoming books?

My intention is to write the sequel to Let Us Play entitled Truth, Justice and Rock ‘n Roll but you know what they say about the best laid plans! I have to get started on it yet.

Please tell us what you have planned next?

I am supposed to be doing a blog tour in June through Dorothy Thompson, I am going to get treatments done for both of my books so that maybe I can sell them as movies, I have to write TJR, I am going to continue to promote both books and I want to keep learning about writing, promotion and whatever.

In 5 years, where do you see yourself? In general and in you’re writing career.

I try not to think of the future too much but I would like to see my first two books doing well and at least one more published. Hopefully I would have some interest from movie people. As for me in general, I will more than likely be the same as I am now.

Who is your perfect hero? And why?

My perfect hero is one with flaws. He has to be strong and passionate and committed to what they do. I like heroes to be like that because that is real life. People are passionate about things and they always have flaws.

What do you do for inspiration?

Daydream and come up with outrageous ideas. Then I try to tone them down and see if they will fit into a story. I like to start with one germ of an idea and blow it up from there. I live in a beautiful city and I like to go for a walk to clear my head and get the ideas flowing. Life inspires me I guess you could say.

Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?

I would love to write a thriller. I even have ideas but have never been able to get them written. Maybe someday.

What type of book have you always wanted to write?

A great one, no matter what the genre. I want to improve my writing to the point where I have a book that is memorable. I have received good reviews for both The Bond and Let Us Play and that is something I am happy about. But I can always do better.

What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you enjoy the research process?

I read whatever I need to on a certain topic. I learn what I have to for the book. If I am interested in the topic then I enjoy it; if it is just something I have to know, then it can be a struggle.

Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?

Definitely help because I am the type of person that if I have to do something, I get it done. Left to my own devices, I can procrastinate.

When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

I first decided to start submitting my work about twenty years ago and it was my parents who encouraged me to try. They have always been right there for me and my biggest supporters.

What would you like to tell your readers?

When you read Let Us Play or The Bond, you are taken into a world similar to ours yet with enough different aspects to make it interesting. When you finish one of my books, you may wonder if that could really happen. My books are a journey through the unknown.

What is the best and worst advice you have ever received?

The best piece of advice I ever received was that, before I take the advice of someone, be sure that they have accomplished something and/or know what they are talking about. Everyone will tell you how to succeed in writing or any of the arts but a lot of the advice is coming from people who don’t know what they are talking about.

The worst piece I received was that I should send a manuscript to the William Morris Agency. No query or anything just send the manuscript. When I pointed out that it would probably end up in the slush pile this person was adamant that someone in the mailroom would see it and pass it on to the higher ups. Needless to say, I didn’t mail out my manuscript.

Do you outline your books or just start writing?

I have usually just started writing with an idea but I am trying to outline now. I am seeing if that will help with my writing. I am always looking for ways to improve.

Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or hinder you?

No I don’t belong to any critique groups.

What was your first published work and when was it published?

The first thing I ever had published was a poem entitled ‘Just Ain’t Right’ and it appeared in the April 1990 issue of Modern Romances magazine.

What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? MySpace site? Blog? Message Board? Group?

The best way is through email, karenmagill@karenmagill.com . You can find Karen Magill at www.karenmagill.com , www.lulu.com/karenmagill , www.myspace.com/thebondbykarenmagill , www.letusplaylovestory.blogspot.com/ as well as finding me on a few Yahoo groups.

How can readers find out more about you and your books?

The best way to keep track of what I am doing is to go to my website, www.karenmagill.com , and sign up for the free newsletter. I put it out sporadically with news on what I am doing and interesting little articles. Every member also has a chance to win prizes.

Thank you Tammie for taking the time to interview me. I thoroughly enjoyed that.
Karen Magill

Thank you for this opportunity!

Interviewed by: Tammie King

Favorites and Fun Questions

Name the one food you hated as a child but love now?

Spices. I never liked anything with spices when I was a kid but I am learning to like them now.

Hi Karen and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Currently I am marketing THE BOND and LET US PLAY as well as getting ready to starting writing the sequel to LET US PLAY. It is all being sidelined presently because I am in the middle of a move. Or I will be if I can find an apartment to move to.

Name three traits a writer must have to be successful. Which one of the three would you like to be better at?

A writer has to be persistent which I am. A writer should be talented though we have seen some succeed that aren’t. And they have to be self disciplined which is where I need the most help. I have a hedonistic personality and lack discipline. I write when I want to and do not stick to a regime and I am trying to change that.

Do you edit your manuscript as you write it, or write the entire story and then edit?

I write one day then go back the next and edit what I wrote and continue to write. Then, when I have finished, I leave it for a little while and go back and edit again. I try not to edit too much and lose the passion and feeling.

What does your writing space look like? What would you love to change about it?

My computer station is in my living room. I need noise when I write – I can’t write to quiet. I have the TV nearby and I do live alone; I guess I should stress that. If I don’t have the TV going, I am listening to music when I write. My reference books are in the hallways nearby. It will be changing soon because I am moving so we’ll see what it looks like then. I don’t want an office away from everything at this time. I need something to stimulate me.

What is the best piece of writing advice you didn't take at first, but then realized it made a lot of sense?

My paternal grandmother was a writer and she always stressed the importance of research. She loved doing it too. I never used to see the importance of it because I write fiction but even if the material is fantasy, elements are still based in reality and have to be fact checked. So now I find out as much as I can even if it doesn’t make it into the book at least I know.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you achieve that dream, or did your aspirations change, as you got older?

I’ve wanted to be a lot of things. I wanted to be a jockey. I wanted to model but I never grew past just under 5’2” so that was out. I wanted to be an actress but never pursued it with the dedication it needs. I even wanted to be on the WWF (or WWE now I guess) at one time. I didn’t want to wrestle but I wanted to be one of the beautiful women that were around the wrestlers. However I have always written from the time I was a young child it has always been my release, my escape.

People often say that if they won the lottery they wouldn't let it change their lives. Do you think it would change your life, and if so, what do you feel the biggest changes would be?

A lottery win would make my life easier. Right now I live on a combination of Canada Pension Plan for disability, a government pension and disability insurance. (I have Multiple Sclerosis.) I would be able to order more of my books and market them better. I would be able to live in a better place and be more settled.

Do you have any special collections (besides books!) or hobbies? What is the one pursuit you would love to learn more about?

I collect decorative cans and Terry Fox Loonies. What is a Terry Fox Loonie? First, you have to know who Terry Fox is.

At the age of 18, Terry lost a leg to cancer and decided to do something to help fight the disease. In 1980, at the age of 22 he decided to do something about this disease. He started the Marathon of Hope. He dipped his prosthesis into the waters of the Atlantic at Newfoundland and started to run. His goal was to run across Canada and raise money to help those with cancer. He wanted a dollar from every Canadian. Terry ran 3,339 miles and reached Thunder Bay, Ontario when the unthinkable happened. The cancer returned and had reached his lungs. He was forced to quit his quest and return to British Columbia where he later lost his battle with cancer. Yet he did manage to get at least a dollar from every Canadian and his story inspired a nation, if not the world. Now twenty-seven years later people still continue to run his Marathon of Hope to raise money for those with cancer and cancer research. In 2005, the Royal Canadian Mint honored Terry by creating a loonie – a dollar coin – with his image on it. That is a Terry Fox Loonie and I collect those. I send them to non-Canadians who have done something that impresses me or people who mean something special to me.

A hobby I have is art. I would love to be more focused and learn more about that. I did take a correspondence art course but right now I am too scattered in my life to focus.

We all agree: the best "hero" is the imperfect one. Same holds true in "real life". What makes up the "perfect-imperfect" hero in Emery'slife?**

My hero's are always paired with a strong female so they have their work cut for them. Usually they are stubborn and opinionated from page one. They start as ladies' men but fall, of course, for the heroine of the story. But my hero never totally loses his stubborn streak and he will always be able to admit when he is wrong. If a bit grudgingly. They can also tend to be a bit overprotective of the women in their lives which some may not think is an imperfect trait but others do. In my last two books, both heroes were fun loving as well as being dedicated to things that mattered to them. One to his art and the other to bringing back rock and roll music.

What is the best way to spend Valentine's Day? Go out? Stay home?Make a "big deal" out of it? Do nothing - it's just another day in theweek, after all?

I’m single so Valentine’s Day isn’t that special to me.

How do you describe Karen Magill? How do Karen Magill's family andfriends describe her?

I’m eccentric. I walk down the street listening to my walkman and I dance and sing. I am friendly to everyone but I like to be alone too. I like to retreat into my own home, turn on music, the computer and be left alone. My family would describe me as moody but basically a good person; my friends as good hearted and fun. If a bit temperamental.

MORE FUN… Ahhh remember those school-kid days when we all exchanged Valentines with classmates? Did you ever receive one you still remember today? What is the most memorable "Big-Kid" one you've received?

Nope, don’t remember anything from childhood that way. I had a boyfriend who never professed to love me but he went out of his way to buy me an orchid for Valentine’s Day. He couldn’t catch up to me so he left it on my doorstep. The poor thing got a bit frozen since I lived in Calgary Alberta at the time.

Which is better: a maid for a day or a day at the spa?

A day at the spa because I wouldn’t like a maid to go through my stuff. It is too chaotic in here for a maid!

Unexpected guests pop over for dinner. What is the Karen Magill specialty they have come to devour?

My paternal grandmother’s dish – pork chops baked with cream of mushroom soup on them. Steamed veggies and rice.

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?

PASTA! Love that pasta and it shows on my hips. My father always told me I had the hips of a brood mare and the pasta doesn’t help. LOL.

Thank you, Karen, for spending time with us! It has been a lot of fun. Best of luck with your writing.

By Brooke Wills Romance Junkies
Publishing Editor Pam Sacknea

**I don't know who Emery is - the main female character in Let Us Play is named Kaya and in The Bond is Laura. Brooke forgot to change that and I answered it for both my male characters so far.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Interview with Karen Magill, Author of LET US PLAY

I have always lived in a fantasy world and sometimes I manage to put pieces of that world down on paper for others to read. My latest work is the self-published book ‘Let Us Play, A Rock ‘n Roll Love Story’ and it can be purchased at www.lulu.com/karenmagill. My first book, ‘The Bond, A Paranormal Love Story’, can also be found there. My website is www.karenmagill.com and there is a link to my blog there where you find my unique views on the strange world of publishing and on life.

INTERVIEW WITH KAREN MAGILL

When did your passion for writing begin?

I come from a family of writers and creative people so I guess it is safe to say that my passion for writing began at an early age. It was nurtured by the fact that I was a lonely child. I grew up in small towns and was not popular with the other children so my imagination was my escape and my best friend.

Can you tell us what your typical 'writing' day is like?

Typically I wake up in the later morning hours and check my email. I eat my cereal by the computer and take care of whatever business I have to. The day time is for doing errands and the business end. Evening, nighttime and late night is when I get creative. I tend to be undisciplined and some days I can write pages upon pages while others I won’t write at all. It is a bad habit, I know but I have never been able to focus properly.

Do you write full time?

Since I live on disability, I am able to write full time. Right now, I am promoting ‘Let Us Play’ but in a few weeks I hope to be writing a new novel.

Can you tell us a little bit about your book?

In an uncertain time in the future, rock and roll music has been banned. Kaya More uses second sight to lead a group of rebels to bring it back. Their quest leads them from the streets of New York City to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the beaches of California. The pursuit heats up as combatants switch sides and the world joins forces as the rebels find adventure, music and love.

Who published your book and how has your experience with them been?

My book was published with Lulu Press Inc. This is the second book I have published with them and I am happy with them. The quality is good and the staff is professional and helpful. I find the prices to be reasonable. Being that Lulu is a POD publisher, I am responsible for everything but I was aware of that to begin with.

Can you tell us the inspiration behind your book?

Although ‘Let Us Play’ focuses on the loss of rock ‘n roll music, it is about losing the right to freedom of choice. Our society lately seems to be dictating the way we are all supposed to be thinking. I look at everyone and so many people seem to be copies of each other. I wonder where the individuality is going and I wonder if George Orwell’s 1984 was perhaps 100 years too soon? I think it is very possible for the powers to be to start taking things away from us. But then again, this is just a book.

Can you tell us ways you are promoting your book? Have they been successful?

I am just starting with promotion but right now. I have been requesting ebook reviews and looking for interviews. I am on myspace – www.myspace.com/thebondbykarenmagill - and I will be approaching everyone I know on there; I have notified everyone on my email list; I have a newsletter through my website where I also have the occasional draw; I intend on approaching Internet radio shows; I will be writing press releases which is my weakness; I have fridge magnets that I distribute and lots of other things. It is too early to know if anything is working, all I can do is hope.

Do you have a mentor?

I don’t really have a mentor but I do have heroes and I guess my biggest is Terry Fox. If you don’t know his story, at the age of 18 Terry got cancer of the bone and had to have his leg amputated. He decided to do something about this horrible disease so at 21 he started the Marathon of Hope. In 1980, he dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland, Canada and started to run back to British Columbia. His goal? He was going to run across Canada and collect a dollar from every Canadian for people with cancer. He was picky too. He would mark where he stopped every night and that’s where he would start the next day. He made it to Thunder Bay, Ontario when the cancer returned. This time it had spread to his lungs. He flew back to British Columbia for treatment but later died. Terry ran 3,339 miles and managed to raise a dollar for every Canadian. To this day people still run in his name and raise money for people dealing with cancer: he inspired a nation. In 2005, to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint created a loonie (a dollar coin) with an engraving of Terry running.

What future projects do you have in the works?

I was going to change genres and have been trying to write a thriller but I don’t think I am ready for that. So I am little lost right now and am going to be trying to get my mind around another paranormal romance.

Can you give aspiring authors words of advice towards getting published?

There are so many to be published now. A former NY executive did tell me recently that any form of self-publishing is vanity publishing BUT that isn’t bad because if you can make it sell that you can get the big boys interested. So for aspiring authors, decide how much work you want to put into your project because if you go the self-publishing route, none of the traditional methods of sale are likely to be open to you. So you are going to have to use your imagination and you will have to deal with those who don’t know what they are talking about telling you that you have ruined your career. Because you can always keep waiting for that big contract. Decide what you what you want to do and how you want to do it.

What’s one thing about your life that you think is important, but nobody asks?

What have I learned about life that I figure is really important but no one asks? That being a drama queen is a waste of time and energy. It is much more fun to be eccentric and wild.

Thank you for the interview, Karen, and many sales to you!

Interview with Karen Magill:

Hi Karen. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.
‘Let Us Play, A Rock ‘n Roll Love Story’ is set in an uncertain time in the future when rock and roll music has been banned. Kaya More uses second sight to lead a group of rebels to bring it back. Their quest leads them from the streets of New York City to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the beaches of California. The pursuit heats up as combatants switch sides and the world joins forces as the rebels find adventure, music and love.

- What can we expect from you in the future?
Lots more books. If you go to my website, www.karenmagill.com, and sign up for my newsletter which is entitled ‘Karen’s Korner’ I will keep you informed there. And you could win prizes. I also have some big promotional plans for the future. Some may work but then again they may not. Here you will know about the ones that do work.

- How do we find out about you and your books?
Once again through my website or www.lulu.com/karenmagill, or www.myspace/the bondbykarenmagill though my website is probably one of the best.

- How may readers contact you?
karenmagill@karenmagill.com

- How many readers/fans contact you?
A few. ‘Let Us Play, A Rock ‘n Roll Love Story’ is my second book and was released on September 19 of this year. ‘The Bond, A Paranormal Love Story’ was published in November of 2004. Those that have contacted me have gone on to become Internet friends.

- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?
I register everything people say but the ultimate decision on what I write comes from my heart.

- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?
One of my readers works with disadvantaged, disabled children. She has one young lady who never read. She gave her a copy of The Bond and the young woman read it and enjoyed it. Then passed it on to her mother. I was so thrilled when I heard that my book had actually enticed someone to read.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
Years ago I decided to give it a shot. I left it for a while then came back. I’m a closet romantic.

- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
A bit. A lot of the events are imagination, which you would see once you read anything I wrote.

- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I have written since I was a small child so I don’t remember what first prompted me to write. The first MS I submitted was to Harlequin Romances and it was horrid. I shredded it because it was that bad. But even back then I thought I had the stuff to be a great writer.

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
It can take anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years depending on how smoothly it goes and how focused I am.

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I go with the flow.

- What is your writing routine once you start a book?
Because I live in an apartment building, I find it easier to write late at night. Besides I am a night person. So what I have to during the day and start my serious writing after midnight. Sometimes listening to music on my headphones.

- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
I am fortunate enough to live alone and I can always turn my phones off and just not answer the door.

- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I listen to music, watch movies and tv.

- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
A desire to be more than I am, to get more out of life. That will always drive me to reach for more.

- Where do your ideas come from?
My ideas come from life. From news stories or sometimes just situations and then wondering what would happen if a certain situation were to occur around it.

- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?
Humor is important in life so it is important in women’s fiction.

- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Right now I am writing sweet romances so there isn’t any steamy love scenes. But I haven’t found them too difficult to do.

- What kind of research do you do?
I learn what I have to in order to make the story believable.

- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
I have written in different genres but when I found the site for Lulu, I dug out one of my older books, which was The Bond and rewrote parts of it and decided to publish it. That was two years ago. It was well accepted so I decided to stay with the paranormal romance genre for now.

- What does your husband/wife think of your writing?
I am not married.

- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I am 41 and single. I am a dreamer who likes to try to make my dreams come true. I am eccentric. I am the only daughter of three children and am close my parents. I am a daddy’s girl and a lot like my father. For education, I took trade courses when I needed them. I went to fashion college and secretarial college as well as taking computer courses. Since I became disabled I have taken correspondence courses in Adult Psychology and Art. If anyone wants to get views on how I see things, just visit my website and start reading my blog. I can be quite vocal.

- Fill in the blank favorites -
Favorite Dessert: Tiramisu and Crème Caramel
Favorite City: I’m not sure. I love Vancouver but I like Calgary too. I haven’t been to enough cities to pick my favorite yet.
Favorite type of hero: Dark and moody. But that could change next week. LOL
Favorite type of heroine: Easy. Strong. I don’t like drama queens, either in fiction or real life.
- What are some of your favorite things to do? Walking, I want to explore more of Vancouver and see some of the sights I haven’t seen. I have a fear of suspension bridges so I want to go on the Capilano Bridge, which is a 450 feet suspension bridge that is 230 feet above the Capilano River. I want to be more adventurous, as far as my health will allow.
I love music. And when I walk I listen to my headphones. I dance and sing. I talk with people along the way, no matter who they are. So if you are in my end of town and see a short, plump brunette with a purple backpack and cane dancing, you may have found me. Watching movies. I don’t go to theatres but I watch DVDs and have the movie channels.
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book? Morgan Llewllyn, Lion of Ireland

- Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?
Stephen King, Danielle Steele, Ann Rule, Dan Brown
- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
My grandmother, my surroundings, life, my heroes.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
No, I don’t play well with others. LOL

- What do you think of critique groups in general?
I think they can be valuable tools as long as the writer realizes that the other people in the group are just expressing their opinion. As well, some may have ulterior motives and may be not working in your best interests. But a good group is invaluable.

- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully writing under contract for a big house with at least one of my books made into a movie. Maybe two.

- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I come from a family of writers – my grandmother was a published writer – and I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I have wanted to do other things but somehow I always came back to writing.

- How many books have you written, how many have been published?br> I have completed four and two partial. Two are self-published – The Bond and Let Us Play. One of them is a sexually explicit murder mystery – very dark and it will probably never be published. The other completed is a weird murder mystery on a woman that comes down with MS and people around her in the apartment building start dying. It isn’t that good but it was written just after I was diagnosed with the disease and it was cathartic. Those two show my darker side and are steps away from the innocent paranormal romances my two published books are. One day they may get published but not right now.

- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
I do buy lots copies for promotion and resale but as for reading them, I am usually so tired of them after doing the editing, I don’t. But give me a few months and then I may read my favorite parts again.

- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
Let Us Play is my favorite and I love Kaya More. She is so exciting and adventurous. She has her faults but she is a lot of what I wish I could be.

- What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
Let Us Play was so easy for me to write because I felt so strongly about the theme. The right to freedom of choice. It has also been the most fun because so many paranormal elements were thrown in. The Bond was fun too. The hardest for me to right has been one I have been working on for years and haven’t been able to complete. I think that is because it is a thriller and I am not ready for it.

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
Usually the story. I get an idea; a what if this were to happen? And it forms from there.

- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
A situation throws two people together and out of that love forms. - What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?
The hardest part is getting the story started but the easiest is when it is flowing.

- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
I would have to say that the characters control me usually. In this book there was a character that was supposed to die. All the way through the book I intended for him to die but when it came right down to it, I was just not able to go through with it. So he lived.

- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
If I am blocked, I tried to do something else. Go for a walk, listen to music – music is a big part of my life – exercise. Anything to get my mind off the problem. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
The most rewarding thing is getting the fantasy world that I would sometimes love to live in down on paper.

- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
I would love to be doing something exciting, rescuing people or jetting off to exciting places but realistically I probably wouldn’t be. I’m disabled by MS.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Remember that not everyone who is telling you how the correct way to do things in this business knows what they are talking about. Follow your own instincts and check the credentials of those who are giving advice.

- What question would you love to answer that I didn't ask?
What is the most important thing I’ve learned about this business since self-publishing The Bond? Answer: It doesn’t matter what anyone says about self-publishing or publishing with a POD publisher. What matters is what I do with the opportunity and the quality of my work. So far, readers have seemed to like my work so I’m happy about that.

Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

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