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Author Interview: Karen Hulene Bartell

Is there anything you want to make sure potential readers know?

I’m anxious to hear readers’ thoughts about my characters and plots. I love to connect with readers and am always happy to answer any questions: Connect (karenhulenebartell.com) or email info@karenhulenebartell.com

 

What’s the most blatant lie you’ve ever told?

The most blatant lie I’ve told is that I’m twenty-two years old, when in reality, I have to keep scrolling down (and down) to find my year of birth

 

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

Many years ago, a reviewer wrote that I had not shown the relationship between the different time frames in a time-travel novel. I had shown the connections–several times–but that comment indicated that some overworked reviewers don’t actually read books. They simply flip through them, barely perusing the content, in order to save time and get on to the next book.

What did that demeaning comment do for me? In the subsequent books I’ve written, I make sure to belabor all significant points clearly and often to compensate for any reviewers that merely skim through books instead of reading them.

 

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

Although I was not a victim of a recent author who created fake Goodreads accounts to tank the ratings of other authors and bolster her own book, my heart goes out to the authors who were affected. After investing months–if not years of your life–into the creation of your book, receiving a poor review can be devastating to sales, as well as to self-esteem. Years ago, a similar review was aimed at one of my cookbooks. It panned my recipes and went on to “highly recommend” another cookbook, going so far as to including a link. It’s sad that some people can only feel good about themselves–or their writing–by castigating the work of others. I feel authors should encourage–not crush–fellow authors.

FOX TALE

by Karen Hulene Bartell

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GENRE:  Paranormal Romance

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BLURB:

Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.

She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.

She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?

 

Excerpt:

The kitten crawled on the pillow, purring in my ear as he kneaded my neck and shoulders with his silky paws.

“That actually feels good.” I chuckled at the irony, then exhausted, fell into a deep sleep. I found myself sitting on a shaded, grassy slope. A gentle breeze fluttered against my cheek.

No, not a breeze, Chase.

He caressed my cheek as he swept my hair behind my ear and whispered sweet nothings. His breath tickling, he nuzzled my neck.

Goosebumps slid down my spine.

Then he massaged my back. Ever so gradually, his fingers slid over my nipples, circling and gently pinching my areolas to erection. Then he lifted off my shirt while he tongued and suckled at my breast.

As latent yearnings awakened, I arched my back, enjoying the waves of sensation. With a shudder, I moaned, pulling him toward me in a deep kiss.

His growing erection pressing against my groin, his hands cupped my bottom as he rolled me on top.

Bbbrrringg, bbbrrringg, bbbrrringg.

As the alarm jolted me awake, the heat rose to my cheeks, and I scanned the surroundings to get my bearings. Mortified, I cringed beneath the sheets. What have I done? Then relieved to see only the kitten for a bed partner, I gave a nervous laugh. It was a dream–just a dream.

The kitten uncurled from between my legs, purring. Embarrassed by the sensations it elicited, I scrambled to my feet. Did the kitten trigger those dreams?

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to rolling-stone parents who moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own happy endings. Professor emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued *Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.

Connect with Karen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHuleneBartell

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/karenbartell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HuleneKaren

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/karenhulenebartell/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/611950.Karen_Hulene_Bartell

Website: http://www.KarenHuleneBartell.com/

Email: info@KarenHuleneBartell.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/karenhulenebartell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhulenebartell/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-hulene-bartell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhulenebartell/ 

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