Good afternoon and evening my fellow bloggers and readers,
Today in an all new author Q&A Session, we have the YA author, Karen McQuestion, who latest science fiction book have arrested the minds of lots and lots of readers across the globe. Yes, Karen is here to talk about her latest release, From a Distant Star, about her journey and about her life beyond books and all.
Read the review of From a Distant Star
Me: Hello and welcome to my blog, Karen. Congratulations on your new book, From a Distant Star. What was your source of inspiration behind this book?
Karen: The ideas for my books seem to come from various sources. This time around, old movies played a role: Men in Black, The Host, E.T., The Day the Earth Stood Still. I’ve seen them all and wanted to write my own take on the story.
Me: How did you research for this book, especially the science fiction part of this book?
Karen: Just between us, research is my least favorite part of writing fiction. For this book, I was happy to do all my research online. Google led me to some interesting articles about SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) as well as to a message board where members exchanged theories about alien visitations to Earth.
Me: Tell us one trait of Emma and Scout that intrigues you the most.
Karen: Great question! For Scout, I’d have to say I love his innocence. He has such a pure heart. And Emma is stubborn, but in the best, most loyal way.
Me: How will you describe your journey so far as an author? Was it always your one true dream to be an author?
Karen: I’ve wanted to be an author since I was nine years old, but getting from there to here was a challenge. It took years. I tried everything to get my books published and had a few near misses, but it wasn’t until the Kindle came out that I had some success. I self-published initially and did so well that eventually I was contacted by a publisher who offered me book and audio book deals. I’ve also had my books translated into several different languages, which has been a thrill.
And yes, it was always my one true dream.
Me: How will you describe your normal writing day and what do you do to get away from the stress?
Karen: When I’m working on a novel I try to write at least 2000 words per day. I use my laptop, so I can sit in a really comfortable chair. I love music, but when I write I prefer quiet with no interruptions.
To get away from stress, I try not to over-schedule myself. Some people thrive on having a lot going on in their lives. I’m not like that. I’d rather have less I have to do, so that I have the time to do the things I want to do.
Me: What's next up on your writing sleeves? Please tell us briefly about it.
Karen: I’m working on the fourth book in my Edgewood series. Originally I envisioned it as a three-book series, but readers are clamoring for more, so I’m happy to oblige.
Me: Thanks so much Karen for joining me today on this interview session. I wish you luck for all your future endeavors.
Karen: Thank you for interviewing me, Aditi! It was a pleasure.
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Karen's Bio:
Karen McQuestion is the bestselling author of books for all ages. Some of her titles include Hello Love, Life on Hold, The Long Way Home, and the Edgewood series. Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and the national NPR show, The Story with Dick Gordon. She has also appeared on ABC’s World News Now and America This Morning. McQuestion lives with her husband and kids in Hartland, Wisconsin.
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