Author Karina Bartow is joining us today for an interview. Accidental Allies, Book 3 in the Unde(a)feted Detective Series, is now available for pre-order.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Accidental Allies
Author: Karina Bartow
Genre: Mystery
BLURB:
Everybody’s experienced a rocky start to a new job, but few can top Minka Avery’s return to Orlando PD.
After six years as a stay-at-home mom, Minka’s nervous but excited to sit at a detective’s desk again. Before she has a chance to break in her badge, however, her career resumes with a bang when someone bombs the county courthouse.
With many disillusioned with the justice system, several brow-raising suspects emerge right away. Minka and her new partner, Renee, follow several tips that lead to dead ends, until they zero in on the courthouse’s former security guard. Their attempts to apprehend him send the city and police department into chaos. Meanwhile, Minka contends with the lingering suspicion of another party being involved. Could his accomplice be closer than she thinks?
INTERVIEW:
Welcome! What was the inspiration behind your latest release?
Accidental Allies is the third installment of the Unde(a)feated Detective Series, so I had to decide what turn I wanted the series to take. In its forerunner, Brother of Interest, Minka Avery, the protagonist, had taken a break from the police force, but she loves detective work so much that I knew she’d eventually return to the Orlando PD. Let’s just say I opted to bring her back with a bang!
Where do you get your ideas?
From all over, really. Minka is deaf, so I draw a lot of her experiences off of the hurdles I face from living with a disability—Cerebral Palsy, in my case—and yet wanting to pursue the goals you desire to.
Do ideas for plot or characters appear first?
Almost always the characters. Once I start developing them, they form the plot.
Have you ever traveled when researching information for a book?
Yes, I have. As a matter of fact, I went to see the courthouse where the bombing takes place in Accidental Allies and even had lunch at the diner across the street from it. I like to engage all of my senses when I’m setting scouting!
When did you begin writing?
I started writing little stories when I was nine years old, but I didn’t take it too seriously until I was eighteen.
How many hours do you dedicate each day towards writing?
Usually three to four.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I was born with Cerebral Palsy, so I only have limited use of one hand. Naturally, that affects my ability to type, but I’ve always been determined to do it all on my own, unless I’m on a deadline.
What does literary success mean to you?
Of course, it’d be thrilling to land the best-sellers list or a movie deal, but what matters most to me is having people enjoying my work. I really endeavour to make readers feel what the characters are going through and form a connection with them.
What writing tips or marketing advice would you like to share?
All aspects of it require commitment and perseverance, from writing a draft to seeking a publisher/agent to lining up promotional stuff. Because of that, I always say don’t give up!
Which authors inspire you?
I’ve enjoyed Nicolas Sparks’ style as well as Marie Benedict. They both can really throw you into the story and get lost in the characters.
What project are you currently working on?
Another novel in the Unde(a)feated Detective Series, as well as two mini-installments in the form of short stories that Author TG Wolff will feature on her Mysteries to Die For podcast.
AUTHOR BIO:
Karina Bartow grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio. Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her. Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want. Her works include Husband in Hiding, Brother of Interest, Forgetting My Way Back to You, and Wrong Line, Right Connection. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!
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PURCHASE LINKS:
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