TPJ: Hi Karen! Thank you for taking the time to share some of your indie author story with our readers. Let's start by talking about who you are and your background before publishing your books.

SECTION 1 — Author Information

TPJ: How would you describe yourself in a nutshell for readers who are just meeting you?

KRN: I teach high school English in Las Vegas, Nevada. I live with my family, one loyal dog, and a garden that refuses to cooperate, filled with plants that spite me. I have an AA in Criminal Justice, a BA in English Literature, an MFA in Creative Writing and Literary Arts, and I've almost completed my PhD in Education Leadership/Higher Education .

TPJ: Where can readers connect with you online? (Website, social media links)

KRN:

My Website -

thekrnelsonwriter.com

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

TikTok -

https://www.tiktok.com/@inkwithintent

Facebook -

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579147875700

Instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/the_krnelson

SECTION 2 — Books & Writing Background

TPJ: Before you became an author, what was life like for you? Any experiences that shaped your storytelling?

KRN: I was just the crazy person that always had a story to tell. I would try to make any and everything a story. I was always in my head and thought the world was boring.

TPJ: What sparked the idea for your very first book?

KRN: I was upset with my mama. I wrote a letter that said "Dear Mama, AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! LOVE, Punkin" I felt a little better and, once I realized I didnt get in trouble for "yelling" at her, it was no holds barred.

TPJ: What genres feel like “home” for you—and why do they speak to you?

KRN: I can't say I have a set genre. I've had ideas for everything except romance. I am not a fan of romance because it never feels real. In my mind, romance is messy. Love is scary. Ends are loose.

TPJ: How many books have you written so far?

KRN: I've written a few, but I've only published one. The title is A Woman Named Dale: In the Shadows of Grace. My second novel will come out in the next 6 months or so. It's title is You Can Get There From Here.

TPJ: Before writing your first book, did you know anything about genres, tropes, or publishing?

KRN: I knew about all of these things, and they were frustrating. Writing the words is hard enough, don't you think? What surprises me is what people prefer to read. It's neither bad nor good. Just eye-opening.

SECTION 3 — Writing Process & Experience

TPJ: Are you more of a planner or a “write as it comes” kind of author?

KRN: I am a hybrid. It's like the Hunger Games for stories in my head. If the concept can make it through my mind intact, I'll write a very loose outline on paper. Not in a notebook: that's important. After I write it on a random piece of paper, I set it aside for a few days. If I find myself running back to it before then or I'm very excited to get back to it, I'll write a rough draft and work up, down, or sideways from there.

TPJ: Do you have a favorite time of day to write—or any quirky rituals that help you get in the zone?

KRN: When I have time. No set time for me. I tried it. It didn't work. Some would say it's a discipline issue, but what they think about me and my process is none of my business.

TPJ: What’s been your biggest challenge as a writer, and how did you push through it?

KRN: My biggest challenge is being different. Of course, we've all heard there are no new ideas, but I am a fan of doing what has not been done over and over. I try to challenge myself to do what other writers might fear.

TPJ: Why did you choose the self-publishing route? What does that freedom mean to you?

KRN: What can I say? I like to take care of my babies, and if anyone needs to kill my darlings, it'll be me.

SECTION 4 — Themes, Characters & Readers

TPJ: Who do you imagine reading your books? Who are you writing for?

KRN: My ideal reader is the person who picked up my book. Seems cliche, but I want my book to reach the reader that needs it.

TPJ: What messages or themes do you hope readers take away from your stories?

KRN: My works are heavy on loving everybody, being firm but fair, you deserve what you tolerate, with a little bit of no one cares, work harder.

TPJ: Do you have a character that feels especially close to your heart? Tell us why.

KRN: Every character is special because they all play a role in the telling of the story. Without any one of them, the story wouldn't be the same.

TPJ: Can you share a favorite scene or line from your work that still makes you smile?

KRN: A favorite line from my debut would be "There's no love like church hate."

SECTION 5 — Life Beyond Writing

TPJ: When you’re not writing, what brings you joy? Any hobbies or creative outlets?

KRN: I am a high school teacher, and I absolutely love it. I also love reading, driving, eating, and generally being of service to people.

TPJ: Tell us about your family or pets—our readers love these personal touches!

KRN: I am married to my best friend and first boyfriend. We've been together since wheels were square and made of wood. We have two parasites that both drain us and give us life. I also have a service animal named Rheano. He's a pure-bred chocolate lab. If he was a fictional character, he'd be Patrick from SpongeBob.

TPJ: What’s one fun or surprising fact about you that readers might not expect?

KRN: I am a retired United States Air Force Airman. I served at three bases stateside with two deployments. I have more training than many would think.

SECTION 6 — Looking Ahead

TPJ: What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or books on the horizon?

KRN: I am working on a self-help book, which is both scary and hilarious. I also have a podcast called Writing and Killing Unicorns, but I have failed in posting as I should.

TPJ: Where do you see your author journey five years from now?

KRN: I hope my author career is wherever God wants it to be. May His will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven.

TPJ: Where’s the best place for readers to follow your work and join your community?

KRN: I am most active on TikTok. I don't know why. That would be the best place to stalk me.