Meet Karilyn Bentley

My guest today is fantasy author, Karilyn Bentley. Welcome to My Writing Corner. Did you always want to be a writer?

I never thought about being a writer until about twelve years ago. That said, I always wrote as a child, just never thought of it as more than fun. <g> My first books were like Nancy Drew and after reading the Little House on the Prairie series I kept a running dialogue in my head so that I could write my life story in case anyone asked. Which is a clear sign I should be a writer. <g>

Your website says you write fantasy with a touch of humor. How did you decide to write that particular subgenre?

Well, I like the supernatural, be that paranormal or fantasy. And my books have some humor in them (my sense of humor, that is!). You can't be serious all the time. And I hope the brand helps the reader know that my books are a mostly lighthearted romp even if they appear a bit dark.

How did you get your first book published?

I won a contest at The Wild Rose Press for a werewolf novella in their Got Wolf anthology. I was one of the six winners. I kept hitting the refresh on the computer since winning seemed surreal. <g> After the anthology was published, I asked my editor to take a look at Magical Lover (the first book in my Draconia Tales series). She politely declined, so I countered with an offer of rewrites. After several more rewrites (yeah, it was that bad at first) she accepted it. I've been with TWRP ever since.

Tell us about your latest book, Demon Lore. The cover is fantastic.

I love this book! It's been my favorite book to write. It's an urban fantasy and features Gin Crawford, a messed up ER nurse who also happens to be an empath. She discovers a magical bracelet that gives her demon and minion fighting powers. She's not happy about this discovery. The series is her story of how she comes to accept her new gifts. Demon Lore is the first in the series.

What a great premise! What gave you the idea for this story?

Well, originally it started off as a different story entirely. I kept playing around with it and the idea popped into my head. Gin kept talking to me, so I made it her story.

Give us an idea of how you develop your characters.

They come into my head. I know all authors say that, but I really have no other way of explaining. I gain insights into their flaws and characters the more I write their story. There were several things about Gin I didn't realize until I completed the book.

Do you always know how your story is going to end?

Not always. I'm a pantser, i.e. writes by the seat of my pants. I know the opening, the characters and in general where I want the story to end. Then I write. Usually the endings change. <g>

What are you working on now?

The second book in the Demon Huntress series and edits for the fourth book in the Draconia Tales series, The Detective's Dragon.

What do you read when you are not writing?

 

Romance, fantasy or mysteries.

Tell us a little about your writing day – how do you make time?

I used to always write between 8-9PM. Then we got a puppy. Now I try to write whenever possible which is usually when the puppy is asleep. <g>

Give us a blurb from Demon Lore:

Gin Crawford has enough problems dealing with her empath abilities. Finding out she's the world's newest demon-slayer is the last thing she needs. Unfortunately, when she slips on a mysterious bracelet she is given no other choice. On the plus side, her new gig comes with Tall, Dark and Handsome, a mage who may or may not have her best interests at heart. Thrust into a power-play between good and evil, Gin must choose a side before she becomes the next victim in the ongoing battle.

How can readers reach you or find you online?

Website: www.karilynbentley.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarilynBentleyAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/karilynbentley1
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karilynbentley
Blog: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00PKY3CC4

TWRP: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=244_235_209&products_id=5972

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demon-lore-karilyn-bentley/1120908234?ean=2940150196629

Thanks, Karilyn for joining me today and good luck with Demon Lore and the series. Any questions or comments for Karilyn?