what is your name?
Karina Kantas
how would you describe what you do?
I’m an author and full time mother. I have four books published. A short story collection; Heads & Tales and three urban thrillers; In Times of Violence, Huntress and Lawless Justice.
what are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on my new novel, Road Rage. It’s about the world of illegal motorcycle road racing.
what has had the greatest influence on your work?
Books and music.
After reading S.E.Hinton’s books, such as Outsiders, I was disappointed not to find many other books in that genre. I find gang/rebel fiction exciting and dramatic.
I allow my readers to step into another world, into a role they wouldn’t play in real life.
Everyone wants to be a rebel.
The rock band Iron Maiden also plays a huge influence. Their music and lyrics help me get in the minds of the characters I write about.
Up the Irons!
what is the greatest misconception about you or your work?
That I’m not just an author of urban thrillers. I’ve had over thirty publication including, poetry, film reviews, book reviews and articles. Heads & Tales has stories in the genres of horror, romance, comedy and science fiction. I have written two fantasy novels, a supernatural suspense novelette and I’m also writing an MI5 thriller.
what do you see as the main strengths and weaknesses of the medium you work in?
The main weakness is trying to find an agent. Most publishers will not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Many agents state that they are looking for the next new thing. My novels are new and raw. And yet because urban thriller is an unknown genre, agents just won’t take the chance. They’re looking for novels in the best selling genre, which at the moment are C.S.I type thrillers.
how has technology impacted upon the work you do?
Thanks to the internet, there are many places where I can showcase my work and promote my books; unfortunately, this is also a negative aspect as now there are thousand wannabe writers to compete against.
what’s the greatest piece of advice you would like to pass on?
Don’t give up your dream. No matter how many rejections you receive. Believe in yourself and your work.
where can we find you online?
Everywhere!
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&field-author=Karina%20Kantas
website
what are you reading at the moment?
I’m currently reading a collection of Richard Layman’s horror books.
what are you listening to at the moment?
In the house: Christmas songs.
On the computer: Nickelback
anything else we should know?
Heads & Tales, Huntress and In Times of Violence are available as downloads. Enjoy!
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