Interview & Giveaway with Karen Mahoney

1. When did you first start writing, and was there something in particular that inspired you?

I first started writing when I was very young, but began to take it more seriously at around 12. I just loved stories. I loved books and comics and movies. Those things inspired me, and I knew that I wanted to be an author – it took me a long time to get there, though!


2. What first attracted you to the paranormal realm when it comes to writing?

Again, this is a childhood thing: I just loved all things supernatural from a young age. I used to be a gamer (RPGs) when I was a kid, playing D&D with my brother and his friends. Yeah, I’m a geek. ;) Star Wars came out – the first time around – when I was about 4. Things like that, and reading The Hobbit very young, shaped my life.


3. In regards to your own characters, who is your favorite and why?

It’s very hard to play favourites, but I have to admit to being fond of Navin. He’s based (in part) on someone I know, and I love giving him all the best lines.


4. What other genres (besides your own) do you enjoy reading?

I read most genre fiction. A little bit of everything, really. I quite like romance occasionally, I read science fiction… I’ve recently started reading more crime. I also absolutely love comic books (American superhero stuff, especially). Once again, proving myself to be a total geek. But proud of it!


5. If you could not be a writer, what would you be?

I’d have to be involved with books in some way, so I would probably be a bookseller. I’ve worked in so many bookstores over the years, I’m sure that’s what I’d do.


6. As a reader I know how difficult it can be to name a ‘favorite’ book, would you mind listing your top three? (Past or present authors)

Honestly, it really is impossible to name a top three. It changes all the time, too! But I’ll name three I definitely love, although they may not strictly be my ‘all time’ top three:

Jane Eyre, The Demon’s Lexicon (Sarah Rees Brennan), and anything by Marjorie M. Liu.


7. What are some must haves when you sit down to write?

That’s a good question! Hmm… I must have quiet. I’ve tried writing to music, and it doesn’t generally work for me. I can write if it’s a film soundtrack – as long as it’s just instrumental, no words. But mostly I like peace and quiet. And cup of green tea helps, too. I’m trying to cut down on coffee, or I’d say that!


8. If you became trapped as a character in a book or series, which would you choose and why? (Any book, any series, new or old)

Ha! Well, I’d be Jane in Jane Eyre, of course. I’d soon sort out that Mr. Rochester… ;)









Karen's Newest Release:
The Wood Queen:
To keep her best friend, Navin, from being killed at the hands of vicious wood elves, Donna Underwood stole the elixir of life. Now she’s facing an alchemist tribunal while her mother lies dying, succumbing to the elven curse that shattered her mind. In desperation, Donna seeks an audience with Aliette, the fierce and manipulative Wood Queen, who offers a deal: if Donna can use her strange and burgeoning powers to help the wood elves, Aliette will free her mother from the curse.

Along with Navin and Xan, the half-fey guy she’s falling for, Donna struggles to unlock the secrets of her iron tattoos in time to save her mother’s life. But some secrets are better left untold…





About the Author:

Karen is British and currently lives near London with way too many books and comics, though she dreams of one day living in Boston. She doesn’t mind if you call her Kaz.


Find Karen:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Karen is giving away a signed copy of The Wood Queen to one lucky winner!

Rules for entry:
- Giveaway closes February 22, 2012 12AM EST.
- Open INTERNATIONALLY
- Leave a comment and fill out the FORM below. Entries in the comment section will not be counted.