Today I'm joined by author Karen King, whose new book, 'I Do...Or Do I?' is published by Accent Press.
Me: Hi Karen, Welcome to 'Shelby Writes.' What would be the elevator pitch for 'I Do...Or Do I?'
Karen: Hi, Lynne. ‘I Do…or Do I?’ has been described as a hilarious take on Monster-in-Laws, disastrous weddings and love triangles.’ I think that pretty much describes it.
Me: I often find that I’m inspired to write when I visit a new city or country. How important is location in your writing?
Karen: Location is very important to me. I love travelling and like to slip places I’ve visited into books I’m writing. I like a mix of the ordinary and exotic in my stories so might have my character living in a city but jetting off to other countries.
My first romance novel, 'Never Say Forever,' is set in the Midlands and Spain, which I’ve visited a few times. I love the Cost del Sol area, the wild countryside, the little sugar cube houses dotted about in the mountains and valleys, the smell of the orange and lemon trees, the medieval villages and the expanse of golden beaches. It’s a beautiful place. An ideal setting for a romance.
My second romance novel, 'The Millionaire Plan,' is set in Devon and on a fairly remote island. If I don’t have my characters travelling abroad then I have them living by or visiting a seaside town. I lived in Cornwall for a few years, another beautiful place, and have used the setting in a few of my children’s stories, and also in my second chick lit for Accent. Both 'The Millionaire Plan' and 'Never Say Forever' are to be republished by Accent later this year.
In 'I Do...Or Do I?' Cassie is a journalist in London so a lot of the story takes place there. I’ve been to London a lot and love the hustle and bustle so thought it would make a great background for the story.
Later on in the story Cassie, goes on a Press Trip to see wedding venues in the Dordogne, France, where she bumps into Jared again. I haven’t been to France, but I wanted somewhere romantic for Cassie and Jared to meet again and realise that they still love each other and France seemed ideal for this. I liked the sound of the Dordogne with its chateaux and beautiful countryside. I researched it a lot online and also spoke to a friend of mine who has been on a Press Trip to France.
I’ve visited Venice and fell in love with it immediately. It’s such a unique, enchanting place, both the Lagoon itself and the surrounding islands. I particularly loved Burano, which I mention in the book. I thought Venice was the idea place for Cassie to find herself and discover what she wants to do with her life.
Me: Are you working on your next book? And can you tell us anything about it?
Karen: I was lucky enough to have a three book contract with Accent. Book 2 is written and in the editing process so I’m working on Book 3. I don’t want to give too much away, but it features a wedding - my heroine is a bridesmaid - and a lot of it is set in Majorca, which I visited last year.
Me: It sounds as though your books, with their wonderful locations would make ideal holiday reading, Karen. Thank you for coming here today to talk to us about them.
Karen: My pleasure, Lynne. Thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your blog.
A member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, the Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists, Karen King writes sassy, contemporary romance just right for reading on the beach. 'I DO..or Do I?' is her first chick lit for Accent Press. She has been contracted for two more. Karen has had two other romance novels, several short stories for women’s magazine and 120 children's books published. When she isn’t writing, Karen likes travelling, watching the ‘soaps’ and reading. Give her a good book and a box of chocolates and she thinks she’s in Heaven.
If you would like information about Karen King, or to purchase her books, please follow the links below or copy and paste them into your browser:
Amazon - http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01CGKLOKQ
Waterstones - https://www.waterstones.com/book/i-do-or-do-i/karen-king/9781910939345
Book Depository - http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781910939352
Website: http://www.karenking.net/
Twitter: @karen_king
Karen King Romance Author Facebook Page
Karen King Children’s Books Facebook Page
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/karenkingauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkingauthor/?hl=en