Welcome, Karen. I’m glad you took me up on my offer to interview you. What is your book about?
When Sharly Johnson finds her cousin, best-selling author Trina Golden, murdered and a kiss and tell autobiography manuscript missing, Sharly plunges into danger, betrayal and deception as she and Ripper the Cat unravel layers of the mystery. CAT MOVES is more than a murder mystery—it’s a book about relationships, secrets and revealing that people and things are not always as they appear.
Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite? Why?
I enjoyed creating Sharly, the main character, but Trevor Rowdy, local bad boy and also the cat, Ripper, always surprised me. Plus I really dug the deputy. 
How much of a story do you have in mind before you start writing it?
Depends on the project. Sometimes all I have is the nutshell of an idea or a title, other times it’s a “what if” totally built around a character. With mysteries, occasionally the end comes first and then I have to map the tale backwards.
How do you develop and differentiate your characters?
Actually, that’s easy for me — I always feel like I’m cheating. My characters arrive full-blown from the way they talk & look, to the way they react. They dictate to me who they are, what they say and do—even their expressions, movements, voice. Maybe they really exist on some imaginary plane and I merely capture them on the page.
Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?
I have a timeline — sometimes in my head, though in a complex plot I’ve been known to create charts.
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on a new mystery series as well as completing book three in my Cupid series.
How many stories do you currently have swirling around in your head?
Truly? You dare ask me that? I have the first four books of the mystery series dancing through my mind, the current Cupid novel and the next two in that series, plus short stories running the gamut from suspense to science fiction/fantasy.
What do you like to read?
I enjoy reading a variety of books with mystery & suspense my favorite.
Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received and what was it?
I have two gems: A.C. Crispin once told me that a writer willing to rewrite was worth more than gold. Tony Hillerman said put your protagonist in a situation impossible to escape—then get him out.
What advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Beyond talent, persistence is often the difference between published and unpublished.
Have you written any other books?
Yes, many. I’m also I’m co-editor of The Spirit of Poe anthology which is a Literary Landmark Press fundraiser for the House of Poe in Baltimore.
Where can people learn more about your books?
Pat Bertram Introduces . . . 
November 28, 2011 at 9:59 am
I love your interview, Karen! You have such diverse and interesting experiences. They must make your books incredibly interesting. Plus, that deputy sounds intriguing. 🙂
November 28, 2011 at 11:37 am
Thanks, Bonnie! As writers we are so fortunate to be able to create people, situations & even worlds and then decide our own endings. Heady stuff, huh?
January 22, 2013 at 11:45 pm
Hello Ms. Karen,
I am not sure whether or not you are the one who wrote the wonderful story “Tumbleweed.” I received it from one of yahoo groups several weeks ago. The story, however, touched my heart in a very positive way.
Best regards,
Hamza Balol
Saudi Arabia
November 28, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Love your interview. You sound so interested in your characters I wish I could meet them, which, of course, I could if I read your books…. which, of course, I could if someone gives me more time for Christmas (and books, more books, always…)
November 28, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Thanks, Sheila. I do hope you’ll get to read & meet some of my characters. That are alive to me — so writing their stories is fun.
November 29, 2011 at 10:57 am
Sounds like a great read, ladies. I love getting to see how other authors face their challenges. Thanks, Pat.
November 30, 2011 at 3:32 pm
very nice interview, Nicci. reading your material I feel like I am right there in the story with the characters. Hugs, Teddi
November 30, 2011 at 5:56 pm
On every book it’s different–even for the same author. 😉