KARA LOUISE AUTHOR OF ONLY MR DARCY WILL DO ANSWERS QUESTIONS PLUS BOOK GIVEAWAY

I am pleased to introduce Kara Louise author of one of my favorite books 'Assumed Engagement.' for a q and a season.

Thanks so much for inviting me here today. Thanks so much for the great questions and I hope your readers will find it interesting and helpful!

·  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

            There were different times in my life when a mere trace of a thought of writing crossed my mind. I actually started a book back when we got our first computer and got 3 pages done. I then realized I could never write a whole book. Then about 30 years later, just before I discovered “Pride and Prejudice” and the wonderful community of fans and fan fiction, I started writing a story based on information I found doing genealogy. I got 3 chapters done! I think I was a little more ready! When I discovered P&P, both in the ’95 film and her book, and began reading all that was out there based on her novels, I decided again to try my hand at writing.

·  How long does it take you to write a book?
            I wrote my first book, Assumed Engagement, in 3 months. My last novel, Only Mr. Darcy Will Do, was begun in 2003. I finished it in 2009. (Not all that time was writing.) So it really varies!

·  What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
            It has changed over the years. I do my best writing when I am alone and have large chunks of time. My husband’s schedule has changed, so he’s not gone as much. I have adapted and work on my laptop in the living room when he’s there. I just take advantage of moments when the muse prompts me and I have the time.

·  What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Most of my writing has been done without any outline or notes. I just hoped to remember where I wanted to go with things. Because of that, sometimes I would write a scene that’s coming up later because I know exactly where I want to go with it. Now, I’ve begun making a folder with notes, characters, background, and that type of thing.

·  How do books get published?
            I’ve published 7 novels, all of which started out being self-published. I published them through lulu.com, which puts the books out on online stores (amazon, barnes and noble) and digital books on the Apple iBookstore, and also offers it in pdf. I then uploaded them separately to Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. Two of those books were then picked up by Sourcebooks, who at the time, were picking up a lot of Jane Austen novels. They changed the titles, gave them beautiful covers, and professional editing.

·  Do you have a favorite recipe you would like to share with us?
            I’ll give the link to my favorite chocolate cake – it’s a chocolate, caramel, and toffee cake that’s real easy. You can find it here: http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/2105499-Chocolate-Caramel-Toffee-Cake.

·  Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

            Most of my books are variations, and I came up with the ideas when I asked how would the story be different if something else happened. In “Assumed Engagement,” I wondered what would have happened if Mr. Darcy had written his sister to tell her he was going to make an offer of marriage to Elizabeth Bennet. Of course Georgiana would assume any woman would accept him. Since we know that Mr. Darcy often wrote his sister, I thought it made perfect sense. Then I had to have something happen to him that required Georgiana to send for Elizabeth so I caused a carriage accident and have him unconscious. In “Only Mr. Darcy Will Do” I asked what would have happened if Mr. Bennet died and Mr. and Mrs. Collins move into Longbourn.

·  When did you write your first book and how old were you?

“Assumed Engagement” was my first book. I wrote it 11 years ago when I was in my late 40s. J

·  What do you like to do when you're not writing?
            I do have a part-time job working at my church doing publications. (So I am almost always on the computer!) As far as hobbies, I also love crafting, and have dabbled in tole painting, cross stitching, and a variety of paper crafting.

·  What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

            Once I began writing stories based on Pride and Prejudice, I was surprised at how much I wanted to take the time to develop each scene and character, something I didn’t think I could do way back when I started that first story and only made it through 3 pages.

·  How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
            I’ve completed 7. I think my favorite is “Only Mr. Darcy Will Do” because I think it is the best written. But I have a special place in my heart for “Darcy’s Voyage,” which was quite an adventure for me to write and “Master Under Good Regulation,” because it gave me a love for English Springer Spaniels, and now we have one named Reggie, based on the ‘star’ of that book.

·  Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
            Do your research, both in what you’re writing and in the writing process. I’ve learned a lot from workshops, books, and blogs that give great writing tips. Also, write what you like. If you can capture in your book the passion you have for it, it will spill out to the reader.

·  Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
            I do have people email me, comment on my facebook author page, or ask to friend me on my regular facebook page. I love hearing from people who have read my books. Usually the ones I hear from have very positive things to say. I’m always happy to respond to their comments and questions. Usually they tell me that they really like one of my books and when the next one is coming out.

·  What do you think makes a good story?
            I think a good story needs to have well-developed characters (and in Jane Austen novels, they must reflect those characters she wrote) and a good plot. Another important thing is to have a good editor whether or not you self-publish it or submit it to publishers.

·  As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
            I probably wanted to live on a ranch and have horses. That finally came true 8 years ago when we moved to 10 acres out in the country and we have 3 horses. We’re not really on a ranch, but I did get my horses.

ONE LUCKY COMMENTER WILL WIN A COPY OF A BACK LIST BOOK FROM ME THEIR CHOICE OF KINDLE OR PAPERBACK

Thanks, Charlotte, for inviting me to your blog!

Kara Louise