‘Risks I’ve taken’: Karen Rose talks about jumping into the breach.
Every time I start a book, it’s an emotional risk – and a terror. It’s like standing at the edge of ravine and realizing that the first step is a freakin’ lulu. Parts of me end up in the book, whether I want them to or not. That’s great when it’s a heroine who is totally kickass, but when it’s the villain … not so cool.
Most of the time I’ll worry, Gee, I hope nobody thinks that I’m really like that. But there have been a few villains I’ve read later and thought, Dang girl, I do that. (Not killing anyone, of course, but sometimes the OCD stuff. Or sometimes the evil villain laugh spills out, too. Bwahaha.)
I sold my first book in Dec, 2001 and it was released in July, 2003. For eighteen months I waited… It was like being double-pregnant and waiting for the child to finally emerge. New mothers sometimes experience a panic shortly before birth – OMG, I’m going to be responsible for a LIVING THING. I won’t breathe easily for the REST of my LIFE!
About a month before the release of DON’T TELL, I felt a similar panic. OMG, I’m going to have a real book. On the shelves. People will READ it. AND KNOW WHAT’S INSIDE MY HEAD! ACK, my thoughts are NAKED!
It’s emotional exposure at its most extreme.
Now, thirteen years and sixteen books later, I’ve learned to live with the risk and to mask the panic. And to only claim ownership of the parts of me that end up in my good guys!
If only I could read faster 
Well, as long as you don’t….oh, wait, I’d be giving stuff away in the book, wouldn’t I? Congratulations on another night without sleep for me! It was a great book.
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Worth the risk I think I have every one of your books and re read constantly. You are an amazing talented author. Can’t wait for the next book
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I love your books. I discovered them last year when I went on long-term sick leave, and they have helped to keep me sane! I’ve read all of them (some several times) including your eBooks, and you are now firmly established as my favourite author. I also love the way you interact with your readers. You are so much more “human” than all the other authors I read. As an aspiring writer myself (different genre), you are a great example and inspiration to me. I love all the little nuggets of information you reveal about how you work, and how you got started (any and all tips welcome!). Your books take me on an emotional rollercoaster, your posts to your readers make me smile, and your husband’s comments make me chuckle. Keep up the amazing work!!
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I love your books have got a book list that I am ticking off of your books have all but one of Chicago series, all of Philadelphia and Minneapolis series keep them coming out.
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