This interview is well overdo. I had the good fortune of visiting with Chris Karlsen toward the end of the summer and had planned for this to be my last Summer Songs - Interview Series with fellow writers, but then I had to have surgery and have been away from the computer for several months. So without further adieu, let's get to know Chris Karlsen!
WELCOME CHRIS KARLSEN!
Tonia (T.M.): I am back again with my Summer Songs Interview Series. This week I would like for us to get to know Chris Karlsen, the author of two wonderful books, Heroes Live Forever and Journey In Time . Chris, thank you for agreeing to answer some questions about yourself and your writing. First, I would like to know what inspired you to write your first book in the Knights In Time series?
Chris: Hi Tonia. Thank you for inviting me to your blog.
As a young child, I remember seeing The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, the movie. I thought the premise about a woman who loves a ghost was wonderful, but the movie was so sad. Later, in college, I saw it again and thought, if I ever got to write this story, I would make it very different and give the characters the ending I think they deserve.
Tonia (T.M.): Have you been writing long?
Chris: I have been writing for almost eight years.
Tonia (T.M.): Would you say there is a particular author that motivated you to begin writing?
Chris: There are several authors I find inspiring and who continue to inspire me. I love Mike Connolly, John Sandford, Julia Quinn, Julie Anne Long, Steve Berry, Bernard Cornwell and so many others.
Tonia (T.M.): I had the opportunity a few months ago to read Heroes Live Forever. I believe I told you I should have made notes during my journey with you through the book because there were so many wonderful things that touched me, as I read. I felt a connection with your characters, Elinor, Basil, and Guy. I often found myself torn between who was my favorite of the knights, and I think Guy won many times. *smile* I am glad he got a chance to be in the spotlight, so to speak, in Journey In Time. For you, did you have a favorite when writing and developing these characters?
Chris: My Knights in Time books are hero based stories. I loved my character, Basil, when I was writing him but my character, Guy, did continue to whisper in my ear, and he did make me smile all through Heroes. The third book in the series, which I am currently outlining is also hero based.
Tonia (T.M.): I know from reading about you on your blog that you have lived in quite a few places, one of which was Paris. Did your experiences, memories, or the scenery from where you lived play a role in the backdrop for your Knights In Time series although it is set in England? Or was it your travels through Europe that added your vivid imagery in these books?
Chris: Although, I have never lived in England, I have visited probably two dozen times and love it there. With their medieval history, I knew this series needed to be set there. I love Paris, but wanted these stories in England. I have a book from a different series coming out in winter, which is set in Turkey, another place I love and spent time.
Tonia (T.M): I have not had the opportunity to start reading Journey In Time yet, I am sad to say. However, I want you to know I am very excited to get started soon. I have purchased a copy so I could carry it with me on my phone. That being said, give me a hint at one of your favorite moments in this new book.
Chris: I think one of my favorite moments in Journey In Time is when Shakira first rides into Elysian Fields, Guy's holding. Her shock and confusion and what she's experiencing I worked hard on and tried to go deep into what is going through her mind.
Tonia (T.M.): I know you have hinted that there will be a third book in the series. Have you given further thought to that idea?
Chris: There is a third book in the series, I am calling, Knight Blindness, and the hero is a character from Journey In Time. It is also time travel. I will be starting the first draft soon.
Tonia (T.M.): Do you have other books that are not a part of the Knights In Time series?
Chris: I have a romantic thriller called Golden Chariot, which will be out in winter. It is a nautical archaeology thriller set in Turkey and involves an American female archaeologist and a Turkish investigator along with artifact smugglers. I am finishing the first draft of the sequel to it right now.
Tonia (T.M.): I have to ask, do you have time to read much in between projects?
Chris: I always take time to read. I have to read a lot for research, but late at night I take time to read for fun. I just finished Buried Prey and am now reading Scandalous Lovers.
Tonia (T.M.): Thank you so much for participating in this little interview and for being a guest at my blog. Would you like to offer advice or encouragement to anyone out there who is contemplating writing for the first time?
Chris: My advice would be commit, truly commit to the craft. That means spending hours in front of the computer and knowing some days it comes easy and somedays you are happy to get three paragraphs. Study the craft, take workshops or read the books by some of the really good instructors. Be willing to make mistakes, edit out some of what you love, and don't let rejections keep you from continuing to write.
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Thank you so much Chris for letting us get to know more about you personally and your work. I am sorry it took so long to get this posted. I love your work, and am looking forward to reading Journey In Time and your other works in the near future.
