It's always an exciting time to see your first book in print.
Please welcome Karen Van Den Heuvel and her debut book!
Welcome to An Indie Adventure, Karen. Tell us, what inspired you to write your book Hidden Bloodlines?
Hi, L.A., thanks for having me on your blog for my launch week. Talk about an exciting time.
The inspiration for Hidden Bloodlines originated from two sources. The first was a weekend stay my husband and I took at the historic Stanley Hotel, registered as the second most haunted hotel in the country. It was a unique experience which started when we checked in and had the pleasure of speaking with a group of “ghost busters,” replete with electronic devices they planned on using to detect ghosts. The second was my daughter’s first romance. The young man’s mother wanted only one thing for her son — to become a priest, and I asked, “What if…”.
The inspiration for Hidden Bloodlines originated from two sources. The first was a weekend stay my husband and I took at the historic Stanley Hotel, registered as the second most haunted hotel in the country. It was a unique experience which started when we checked in and had the pleasure of speaking with a group of “ghost busters,” replete with electronic devices they planned on using to detect ghosts. The second was my daughter’s first romance. The young man’s mother wanted only one thing for her son — to become a priest, and I asked, “What if…”.
What were your experiences as a child or adult that contributed to you becoming a writer?
I have always had a passion for writing and reading stories. As a very late bloomer (in 9th grade I was only 4’9”, weighed 60 pounds, and looked like a 7 year old), I was severely introverted. I spent my time either reading mysteries or playing basketball with my male cousins and their friends. I learned perseverance at a young age.
What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?
I am a plot driven writer which means I need to work extra hard creating emotional characters.
What is the first thing you do when you begin a new book?
When I begin a new book, I research. My research includes visiting either the real place in the story or the place that inspired the fictitious setting. Even though I am writing fiction, it’s very important to get the facts straight to make it “real.” I confess to being more of a “seat of the pants” type of writer so I don’t make a true outline, but I do create the GMC (goals, motivation,conflict) for both the hero and heroine. Often I don’t know what a character is going to do until it “happens.”
If you were a TV, film or book character, apart from one you've created, who would you be? And why?
I would be Dr. Elizabeth McCord because her life is professionally exciting, she has an interesting family and a happily ever after relationship with her husband.
Give us a brief summary of Hidden Bloodlines :
Gutsy Colorado attorney Victoria Bailey has just successfully prosecuted a serial killer…or has she? Betrayed by her college sweetheart, she’s vowed to remain single and dependent on no one but herself. All goes according to plan until her best friend’s wedding rehearsal. A missing groom, a murdered trial assistant, and an unexpected encounter with two men from her past bring her well-controlled life crashing down.
Highly decorated, retired Navy SEAL Christian Van der Kruis has seen much death and is ready to experience a new life. Now part of a global special ops organization, he attends a wedding, never expecting to be brought face-to-face with death and the only woman he ever loved … Victoria.
Buy Links:
Bio:
Karen Van Den Heuvel’s diverse experiences as an attorney, certified civil mediator, registered dietitian, teacher, speaker, and published author with more than 20 years experience in the corporate, government, and private sectors have fueled her desire to help people live fuller, richer lives. She has two grown children and lives with her husband in Colorado.
Find Karen:
Karen, I can't wait to read your book. Thanks, LA, for hosting Karen.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dena! I was told that all Friday releases, including my book, would be offered by the publisher at 50% off on Friday through Monday.
DeleteKaren, the book sounds enticing. Some time you'll have to let us know how the romance with the fellow whose mom wanted him to be a priest turned out. Hope it sells a million. Cheers
ReplyDeleteThank you Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a guest on my blog today. It's always inspiring to have a debut author, it gives all the rest of the aspiring writers hope on their journey to publication. And believe me, it's the journey that counts, the destination is the cherry, but the journey is often the most fun :)
Hugs
L
Thank you for hosting me LA! It has definitely been an interesting journey.
DeleteKaren, do you want to tell us a bit about your "interesting journey?" ... more than you have so far? It's always fun to read the path people take.
DeleteHugs
L
Let's just say I have probably managed to make every mistake in the book and learned from the road of hard knocks. However, I learned from each mistake and always had amazing fellow writers like yourself, along the way to help me through.
DeleteI had the privilege of reading Karen's book for endorsement and can tell you that her meticulous research shows on every page. Even though most of her locations are fictitious, they feel very, very real.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda!
DeleteYour book sounds so exciting. Best of luck with it.
ReplyDelete