Author Bio:
I was raised in Chicago. My father, a history professor, and my mother, a voracious reader passed on a love of history and books along with a love of travel.
I am a retired police detective. After twenty-five years in law enforcement I decided to pursue my dream of writing. I write a historical-time travel romance series called Knights in Time and a historical suspense called The Bloodstone Series.
I am also working on a world war two series of novella romances. The first is Moonlight Serenade and currently available. The second is my work in progress at the moment and will be titled, The Ack-Ack Girl.
What inspires you to write?
For most of my stories it has been a character who works their way into my psyche. I rarely can put a fine point on what exactly inspired the character. The characters view of an event or the world around is something I want to give voice to. They're my vehicle through time and place. Setting is a major contributor to my inspiration. The Bloodstone series is set in Victorian London and the main character is a London detective. It was the setting of Victorian London that was the basis for the series. It's a setting that, to me, lends itself perfectly to murder and dark activities. It is both romantic, eerie and a wonderful mix of society.
Tell us about your writing process.
I started by outlining my stories. That said, the last few I have been writing by the seat of my pants and not attempting to outline first. It can be a struggle for me and it is slower as I work through moments and events. That said, I also am enjoying the freedom of writing outside the initial idea and outline.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes. I've done both. When a support character is getting too much page time or starting to become the star too often I will tell them softly to stop pestering me and I'll give them a book or their own. I also listen to the character when I've had them say or do something I'm unsure about, then I will listen if I sense it is the wrong thing for the character.
Who are your favorite authors?
Bernard Cornwell. I love his Saxon Tales series. There are too many to list in the series but the lead character is wonderfully candid and crafted.
Joe Wambaugh and his Hollywood Station series. He writes the best cops having been one himself. There's humor and pathos in the various men and women. I really loved book 1, Hollywood Station.
Julie Anne Long and her Pennyroyal Green series. She's brilliant at writing strong female and male characters who dominate a scene but not each other.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I got tired of beating my head against the NY publishing wall. I had a friend who started her own small publishing house, Books to Go Now and she asked if I'd consider publishing with her. I did and haven't looked back.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I worry for print. I don't see any younger people reading print. I feel like that is such a sad thing as the tactile experience of just sitting and reading and turning the pages is calming (for me anyway). I also fear a loss of interest in reading by many younger generations. There seems to be a lessening of interest in the worlds the written words creates. I believe publishing will be more and more dependent on either e-books or audio.
What genres do you write?
Historical suspense and historical romance
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Chris Karlsen Home Page Link
Follow Chris Karlsen On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
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All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.