It is with great pleasure that I welcome bestselling thriller writer Karen Moore back to the blog today to chat about her new book, Release, and all things writing. Thank you for making time to chat to me today, Karen.
What is your genre and why did you choose to write in this genre?
When I write, I try to produce novels that would appeal to me as a reader. I love reading thrillers, crime, suspense, psychological dramas – anything that is gripping and fast-paced. I particularly like Nordic Noir, with its iconic characters and often bleak settings, and underlying social issues.
I’m fascinated by the different ways people react when faced with dilemmas and crises and I like to explore this in my writing.
What inspired you to write your book?
The original inspiration for my books came from the distressing migrant situation in the Mediterranean, with large numbers of people trying to flee from Africa into Europe via Sicily, often in appalling conditions. Many didn’t survive the journey. Little seemed to be done at the time to bring this under control. It was clearly a lucrative business for the traffickers. Although the situation has improved, nevertheless it continues, albeit on a smaller scale and with a different focus.
The main character in my book, Hanna, finds herself unwittingly caught up in this world, a world that threatens her safety, that of her young daughter, Eva, and those around her.
In Release, the threat returns, and Hanna’s life is once again shaped by fear. Soon the boundaries between her current and previous life start to blur and a decision to return to Sicily for her best friend’s wedding turns out to have fatal life-changing consequences. How far will she go to protect the people she loves?
Release is the sequel to my first book Torn, but it can also be read as a stand-alone novel. I didn’t intend to write a sequel, but I felt that I hadn’t finished with the characters, nor they with me, and this spurred me on.
Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
It has to be Hanna, the main protagonist. She starts off as a rather superficial, naïve girl and develops into a feisty young woman prepared to fight for her family and friends, as well as her sense of justice.
Do you have another story planned or in progress? When can we expect to see that?
I’m currently writing the third novel in the series with the same main characters, although the central theme has changed, and the action has shifted to mainland Italy. I’m probably two-thirds of the way through but conscious that most of the real work will be in the editing.
Who is your favourite author?
Too many to mention, but I still love the Brontës and Daphne du Maurier.
What do you like to do when you’re not planning or writing your next book?
In no particular order, I love travelling, cooking, walking, and playing tennis.
When did you know you wanted to write novels?
I’ve always enjoyed writing in one way or another, from long letters to penfriends (remember them?) and short stories at school when I was young to quirky press releases during my PR and marketing career. That, together with a vivid imagination, led me to creative writing later in life. My first novel was an idea for a short story that just grew and grew.
Do you write novels in other genres?
I’ve dabbled in other genres but only for short stories, not novels. I’m quite happy with my genre, thank you!
What do you like most about being an author?
The creative process – constantly coming up with new ideas and being amazed when the characters develop a life of their own. Plus the fact that as a writer, you’re always learning something new. And it’s wonderful when people enjoy what you’ve written.
Do you have a specific routine for writing? Is there a special place or particular tool you use?
Not really, but I need peace and quiet as I’m easily distracted. I tend to get lost in what I’m doing and once I’m in the zone, I’m difficult to distract even when my cat, Lexi, waltzes across the keyboard demanding attention. Mornings work better for me as that’s when I’m most alert.
What advice do you have for other writers?
Listen to advice from others but use it judiciously and develop your own style and ideas. Enjoy your writing but focus on the editing process too. And read, not just your preferred genre, but beyond that.
If your book were to be made into a movie, who would you like to play main character’s part?
Jessie Buckley – she’s such a great gutsy character actress. I’m sure she’d do the role justice. If only I should be so lucky.
Blurb for Release
A threat returns. An attack with fatal consequences. A life lived in fear.
When Hanna’s estranged mafioso husband, Luciano, is released early from a Sicilian prison, she fears he will come after her and her young daughter, Eva.
The revelation leaves her with a dilemma. Invited to Sicily to attend her best friend’s wedding, can she really take the risk?
But even staying at home in North Wales may not be safe. Something strange is going on at her old cottage in the hills. As the lines between Sicily and North Wales blur, Hanna uncovers a criminal operation that leads her to fear for Eva’s life all over again.
Will Hanna ever be able to release herself from Luciano’s grip? Or will her discovery lead her into even deeper danger? And how far will Hanna go to protect the ones she loves?
The Author
Karen Moore is a British thriller writer currently based in Cheshire. She has lived in Italy and France and worked as a tour guide in Europe, the USA and Canada, followed by a career in PR and marketing.
The Links
Both books are available in e-book and paperback format on Amazon:
Release - http://mybook.to/releasenovel
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