Do you research your novels?
Absolutely, I research my novels. Because I love to take
road trips, researching locales and events is one of my favorite aspects of
writing. In the name of research, I’ve learned to hurl atlatls, gone kayaking
through the caves of Lake Superior, and danced with Azteca Concheros, Oneida,
and Jumanos, to name but a few of the activities I’d never have tried
otherwise.
However, online research is not without its
occupational hazards. Because some of my characters have met with suspicious
demises, I have an online search history that (hopefully doesn’t but) probably does
put me on some sort of FBI-CIA-NSA watch list.
For instance, in Fox Tale, I researched suicide by
jumping from dangerous locations, drug overdoses, the Japanese Yakuza
(organized crime syndicate), and Senicide (the abandoned of elderly relatives).
So far in Silkworm, my current WIP, I’ve researched
how surface warships bomb the land with chemical warheads, as well as how fast
DF-27 hypersonic missiles could invade Taiwan. I’ve investigated J-11 and J-16
fighter jets, H-6 bombers, YU-20 military transport planes, Mirage 2000-5
fighters, S-35s, and AWACS surveillance aircraft. I’ve looked up how to
assassinate people with guns hidden in umbrellas and how to tell the difference
between standard military codes and “friendly” IFF codes to clear planes into
China’s airspace. I’ve learned how to hollow out electrolytic capacitors and
set detonating caps for plastic explosives inside them to demolish a concrete
wall to assassinate a character.
So one occupational hazard of research is
wondering if you’re on any FBI-CIA-NSA watch list—okay, on which
list(s).
How much impact does your childhood have
on your writing?
My entire world view was created as a child. How could
childhood not have impacted my writing? A few memories directly impact it,
but less overtly, I think my early years color most of my writing.
Why do you think what you do matters?
A few—and I do mean, a few—times people have
told, texted, or messaged me, saying that my writing helped them in some way,
but I sure don’t see my face on the cover of Time magazine for being Person of
the Year 😉
Have you ever found true love?
Yes, I’ve been blessed twice.
How many times a day do you think about
death?
Mostly, I’m too busy with deadlines to think
about death. Just keeping up with life’s obligations demands all my
attention, but the older I get, the more it crosses my mind. Death is
inevitable, and as my mother used to say, it’s the last experience you’ll have.
FOX TALE
by Karen Hulene Bartell
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
Heights
terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he
diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she
begins a journey into the supernatural.
She’s
attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts
urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.
She’s
torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their
passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe
jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends
true of kitsunes twisting time and events?
Excerpt
Three:
“Ava, are you all right?”
“Yes…” His anxious eyes cleared my mind like fog lights
cutting through mist. “I am all right…no thanks to you.”
“I deserve that.” His chin dropped on his chest.
“That and so much more.” This time, anger rose in my throat
like acid reflux.
After the breakup, I couldn’t mention the bastard’s name for
a year. Always questioning what I’d done wrong, I finally realized his leaving
was his flaw--not mine. Then I fantasized telling him off, rehearsing what I’d
say and how I’d say it…
But now, face to face, the bluster left me.
Worry lines radiated from his glistening eyes.
Mute testament to what? Grief? Remorse? Like drops of water
eroding stone, what thoughts etched those furrows? His face was haggard. His
looks have changed, but has he?
“Your behavior two years ago was unconscionable.” I pressed
five, and the elevator doors started to close. “I shouldn’t have come.”
He intercepted, and the doors reopened. “Please stay…”
I took a deep breath, debating. Then rather than hold up the
car again, I stepped into the vestibule.
“Can you forgive me?” A deep V showed between his red-rimmed
eyes.
“No. Standing me up on my birthday was bad enough, but
eloping…That was unforgiveable--and crocodile tears won’t help.”
“Yet here you are…” A light flickered in his moist eyes.
“I know.” I glared at my nemesis in a silent standoff,
annoyed as I stifled a sigh. “What I don’t know is why.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a
best-selling author, keynote speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who
writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to rolling-stone parents who
moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in
books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at
night—reading feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an
imaginative escape. An only child, she began writing her first novel at the age
of nine, learning the joy of creating her own happy endings. Professor emeritus
of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the Texas Piney Woods
with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued
*Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.
Connect with Karen:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHuleneBartell
MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/karenbartell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HuleneKaren
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/karenhulenebartell/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/611950.Karen_Hulene_Bartell
Website: http://www.KarenHuleneBartell.com/
Email: info@KarenHuleneBartell.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/author/karenhulenebartell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhulenebartell/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-hulene-bartell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhulenebartell/
3 comments:
Thank you for hosting today.
Looks like a great read.
I like the cover. Looks great.
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