Karen Charles transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. An educator by profession, she is renowned for her thriller “Fateful Connections,” which unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11. “Blazing Upheaval” promises to deliver another chilling, heart-pounding experience. Karen and her husband reside on the serene shores of a beautiful bay in Washington, where she draws inspiration for her compelling narratives. Explore her insights and musings on the writer’s life through her blogs on “My Life As A Writer” at
www.weaveofsuspense.com.
Her latest book is the thriller, Blazing Upheaval.
Website & Social Media:
Website ➜ http://weaveofsuspense.com
Twitter ➜ http://www.twitter.com/karenra24229683
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/karen.rabe.7/
Interview:
Thanks for this interview, Karen. Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regard to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing? Can you tell us about your journey?
It has been pretty much smooth sailing through the process of writing and publishing
Blazing Upheaval. I published with Bookbaby. I chose to self-publish to maintain complete control over my work, from the content to the cover design. I can earn a higher percentage of royalties compared to traditional publishing. Self-publishing is a much faster process, allowing me to get my books to market quickly. I retain all rights to my work, allowing me to decide how my books are distributed and promoted. It provides me flexibility in pricing, marketing strategies, and the ability to update content as needed. It was a great decision.
When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?
I have an Airbnb open year-round on a beautiful bay in Washington State. I also enjoy hiking, traveling, and growing flower beds and orchids.
What makes your book stand out from the rest?
My books stand out due to their unique blend of real-life experiences and thrilling fictional narratives. By drawing from true events, I create a strong sense of authenticity and relatability, which resonates deeply with my readers. Additionally, my skill in transforming these experiences into suspenseful and gripping stories keeps readers engaged and eager to see how the real-life elements are woven into the fictional plot.
My focus on genuine human experiences and emotions, combined with my ability to craft intricate and suspenseful plots, sets my work apart. The fact that I infuse my thrillers with authentic details from true stories gives my books a unique depth and richness that many thrillers lack. This combination of truth and fiction not only captivates but also educates and evokes strong emotional responses from my readers.
Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?
BLAZING UPHEAVAL Chapter One
based on a true story
By Karen Charles
CHAPTER ONE
Tiffany glanced out the bank of windows along the side of her first-grade classroom. Ashes rained down as though the heavens were on fire, creating an ominous darkness. Anxiety gripped her! What was burning? The fire alarm had not sounded at school.
Most parents heeded the warning of unrest in the community and kept their children at home. Out of the six students, who showed up that day in Tiffany's class, only Orlando remained. He sat in his seat, engrossed in a book with stunning marine-life photography. He was unaware of the chaos outside.
The principal of Leo Politi Elementary School, bordering Koreatown in Los Angeles, sent an urgent request for parents to pick up their children immediately. In any emergency, teachers could not leave until all their students had left the campus.
The ringing phone on Tiffany’s desk startled them both. “Hello,” she answered, remaining calm.
“Bring Orlando to the office. His mom was called. She must have rolled over and gone back to sleep. The principals will supervise him until she gets here. You need to leave, NOW!” explained the school secretary.
“Orlando, get your backpack. We’re going to the office,” Tiffany instructed. She grabbed her heavy school bag and purse.
Stepping outside onto the walkway was a terrifying shock. The cool morning air was filled with orchid-gray billows of swirling smoke. The acrid smell stung her nostrils. Clasping Orlando’s hand, they rushed to the office, sheltered on the covered sidewalks.
Another student also waited in the office. He cried softly in a corner chair. The principal and the vice-principal would wait for their parents to pick them up while the secretary and Tiffany headed home. A somber principal hurried them to the staff parking lot, unlocking the gate. He reluctantly let them out into a hellish nightmare of rioting, arson, looting, and murder!
The night before, the Los Angeles School District instructed the teachers to come to school as usual if the area looked calm. Coming from the San Fernando Valley, Tiffany took the Olympic
If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?
Blazing Upheaval would be put in the Martin Luther King Day holiday section because one of the settings in the book is January 17, 1994, Martin Luther King Day, the day of the Northridge Earthquake.
Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?
Each thriller is a complete story in itself.
When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or a full-time profession?
No, I never did.
What is next on your to-do list?
I am always working on marketing my books and writing another thriller.
