Francis Where were you born/where did you grow up, did you have an easy childhood?
I was born in Northampton, UK. My childhood wasn’t an easy one. I was bullied and terrorized in every school I went to.I think that’s why I started writing, to escape the unsettling reality.I got my own back on the bullies by gruesomely killing them off in my supernatural thriller STONE COLD.
Give some background information about yourself, are you generally an optimistic person or pessimistic?
I used to be a very optimistic person. I had a busy social life. I loved life. But when I became ill. Everything changed. I can only work on the computer for 10-15 minutes before I’m in pain.
Francis: Tell us your latest news, what are your current projects?
I’m slowly working on book one of a fantasy trilogy called Illusional Reality. I promised my fans I’d get another book to them. I only have four more chapters to edit and then the book goes to my secret readers before being published. The cover is ready and I’m hoping to have the book published by next year. But it’s going slow.
Francis : What genre do you consider books to be? Have you ever thought of writing in another genre, for example if you wrote a Children’s book, how would it turn out?
I write in all genres and different writing styles as you will be able to see in my two collections HEADS & TALES & UNDRESSED. I specialize in thrillers but I also write, non fiction, poetry, prose, short fiction, short stories in the genres of horror, comedy, sci fi, romance and fantasy.
Francis: Have you ever been flattered by a comparison to a well-known author or by a review?
Many of my readers have said my style and plots are similar to the best selling author Martina Cole, which is such an honour as she breaks all the rules.
Francis: What inspired you to write your first book?
Life inspires me to write. It was the author S.E.Hinton that inspired me to write my first novel IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE. I adore her teen novellas such as The Outsiders.
Francis : Do you have a trademark writing style, what makes your work recognizable?
Well, I specialize in urban thrillers. I write about outlaw motorcycle clubs and there are not many books like that around, especially written by a female author.
Francis : Do you write short stories? If so how do they differ to your novels?
Yes. I have two collections of short stories and flash fiction also known as five-minute fiction. When I’m stuck or my muse has gone for a walk, I ask my fans to give me three random words. I’ll pick the three that grab my attention and then write a short story using those three words.
Francis: How did you come up with the titles of your books?
I find titles are very easy to come up with. I just jot down words to do with the book; how you could summarise the book in one or more words. They must be memorable.
Francis: How much of your books are based on reality, how much are based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
There is always a piece of Karina in my books. You have to write about what you know. STONE COLD & IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE are very biographical.
Francis: Are you sometimes shocked by some of your own writing/ideas?
My ideas can be shocking to others. But I’m not shocked. Most of my ideas come from nightmares. I don’t sugar coat. I tell about life. How it was and how it is. I’ve never written anything that made me uncomfortable. If anything, I have got a lot of closure from my writing. ROAD RAGE is my most shocking book.
Francis: Do you see writing as a career?
It started out like that. I knew I had found a niche and I was hoping to get my books out there and become a best selling author (every serious author wants that.) Unfortunately, agents and publishers didn’t want to take a chance on an unknown genre. I know if they had given them a chance the books would have took off.I have found a hole in the marketplace. It’s their loss, as my international fans have loved my work.As long as people buy, read and love my books, I will keep writing.
Francis : Is there a character in one of your books that really stands out for you? Could he or she be compared to any well-known literature character?
Cass, later known as Ice, is one of my favorite characters. She is the main character in my vigilante thriller LAWLESS JUSTICE. Cass is a broken and naive young woman. It is when she meets the Kittnz that she let’s Ice out to play. You don’t mess with Ice. Ice is my alta ego.She kicks arse without remorse.Ice allows me to be the rebel I never was.
Francis: What makes you proud of your books/life as a writer?
I’m proud that I’ve had over 35 publications. I’m proud that people still continue to read and love my work. And finally I’m proud that a publisher picked up my thriller HUNTRESS.
Francis: Who is your favorite author and what is it about them that you admire?
There are so many authors that I love. S.E.Hinton would be at the top of that list. Becca fritzpatrick, Dean Koontz, Patterson just to name a few.
Francis: Who designed the covers for your books, were you happy with result?
I was lucky enough to find some very talented artists online that were kind enough to do the covers for my books. And I’m fortunate to call them my friends.
Francis: What was the hardest part of being a writer?
The hardest part about being an independent author is the time and effort needed to market and publicise your own work. One book wouldn’t be too bad. But I have seven! I spend hours online promoting my books.
Francis: Other than writing do you have any other interests; do they connect up with your writing?
As well as writing, I’m also a singer. I used to be a singer in a rock band so that definitely helped with the research for my biker thrillers.
When I’m feeling in the mood, I also sketch and paint.
Francis: If your books were adapted into being films, which director dead or alive would you want to direct them? Which actors would you like in the films? What would be the overriding mood of the film?
Fans have told me they would love to see LAWLESS JUSTICE on the big screen. It would make an incredible movie; something never seen before. My ideal director for that book and all my thrillers would be Quentin Tarantino . He would give the film the rawness and edge it needs.
Francis: Do you socialize with other writers or creative people? Do you know any obscure or up and coming authors/or perhaps other creative people who desrve recognition?
Many of my virtual friends are creative. I have collaborated with an artist in a horror comic called BLOODLUST the first edition is free to download on Lulu.com.
Francis:Which method of death would you choose out of the following
A being ripped apart by lions
B facing a firing squad made up by shadowy figures, who you suspect you have had major altercations with, during the course of your life.
C you find yourself in a hospital, in a country far from home, with doctors and nurses you can’t communicate with, attached to devices that indicate you are in a critical condition. You don’t know how you got to the hospital/country. Death is inevitable however.
If I had to choose one of these deaths it would be the terminally ill amnesic patient. At least there are painkillers in the hospital and I would be cared for until I stop breathing.