Interview Author Karen Chance + Giveaway

Filed in Giveaways , Interview , Karen Chance , The Geeky Lover Posted on May 24, 2011 @ 6:00 am 24 comments
We are very proud to welcome author Karen Chance here at Book Lovers Inc today. She’S the author of the wonderful Cassandra Palmer and the Dorina Basarab series- I love them both. Today she’s here to talk about her books her next release, Hunt the Moon, which will be out next week and why you really should check them out. Be sure to stay tuned till the end because I have a little giveaway for you.


BLI: Hi Karen, can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Karen: You know, I’m honestly my least favorite topic of conversation. I can talk about the books all day, or the characters or the plots or what-have-you, but me? Not so much. That’s probably why the “biography” part of my website is so messed up. I tried to do it straight—I really did—but it just seemed so…weird. To this day, I don’t know why anyone cares, but since I get this a lot, I finally got off my lazy butt and wrote up a halfway serious-sounding paragraph. I offer it up to you for whatever good it does (it should be read in an impressive announcer-ish type of voice for maximum effect):
Karen Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series of novels, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a history teacher (she holds a Ph.D. in European history), which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home. Visit her website at KarenChance.com or connect with her on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/cassandrapalmerseries. Will that do?
BLI: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?

Karen: I think a book lover is kind of like an author: a true author needs to write, just like a true book lover needs to read. It’s like feeding an addiction.Pretty much anybody can get enjoyment out of a good book, but the book lover is the one camped outside the local bookstore, at midnight, in the rain, waiting on that next Harry Potter release to go on sale (or whatever their drug of choice might be).It’s a compulsion, and it gets us weird looks from passing motorists, but we don’t care. We need our fix, damn it!
BLI: Are you a planner or pantser?
Karen: I don’t think I’m either (is it just me, or does that last one sound dirty?) I do have notes,and a general idea of where each book needs to go, which I try to sort of kind of maybe halfway follow. That usually involves a lot of swearing and hair pulling until the story takes me and I forget everything else, which is usually when I do my best work.But I wouldn’t be able to do that work if I hadn’t put in some thought and research beforehand. So I guess I’m half and half.
BLI: Can you tell us a bit more about the world you created in your Cassandra Palmer and DorinaBasarab series and what makes them unique?
Karen: Cassie is unique because she is the Pythia, the modern-day equivalent of the ancient oracle at Delphi, and the chief seer of the supernatural world. But unlike most clairvoyants, Cassie doesn’t just see different times; she can visit them, too, chasing down rogue mages attempting to alter the timeline or trying to avert a supernatural war before it happens. All that, plus juggling two very different guys and…well. It keeps a girl busy!
Dory is unique because she’s nuts. Literally.As in crazy as a bedbud and much more dangerous, at least part of the time.It comes with being a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire–which isn’t comfortable for Dory or for the big, bad vamps she stalks as easily as they chase their own prey.It’s become even less comfortable lately, because the vampire she keeps running up against is one of the good kind, and he’s less interested in fighting than in…other things. Dory is starting to wonder which of them is actually the crazy one.
BLI: How or when did you discover the paranormal/fantasy genre? Did you always enjoy reading these kind of novels?
Karen: I’ve always read fantasy, ever since I could stagger around with a huge, combo-sized version of Tolkien almost as big as me. But urban fantasy is a relatively new find. But then, it’s a relatively new genre, isn’t it? I started reading it six or seven years ago, and writing it shortly thereafter.
BLI: When I first started your series and learned about Mircea’s connection to Dracula I immediately had to head to wikipedia to check. How did you do your research for your series?
Karen: A lot of different ways.Because of the aforementioned waste of time advanced degree in history, a lot of “research” is just leftover old class notes. Other things I actually have to look up in books on folklore, mythology, history, etc. And whenever I come across an interesting article or news story, I squirrel it away. A lot of that sort of thingturns out to be useless, of course, but sometimes I get lucky. It helps being an intellectual magpie—ooh shiny!
BLI: When you started writing Cassie’s books did you expect that your readers would actually fall for two heroes- Mircea and Pritkin (as it happened here in the Book Lovers crew). Was it intentionally or as much a surprise for you as it is for me as a Mircea lover?
Karen: Well, I am surprised to hear that the same person likes both of them, because they’re so very different.And because it’s usually a case of love one and hate, loathe, despise and want to kill the other. I have had people get quite…feisty, about it.
BLI: Cassie lived through some big adventures in the previous books. One of the most fascinating points for us was always the time travel- even though it can make your head hurt. *wink* How do you keep track of the different times in your novels?
Karen: I don’t know; I’ve never really had a problem with it.Some people like more linear storylines, but I’ve always been more of a Kill Bill kind of girl. I don’t really care which order a story is in, as long as it’s entertaining. And I don’t think the time travel aspects are really that different from other books doing flashbacks—except in being more interactive.
BLI: Hunt the Moon is the newest addition to Cassie’s adventures. What can you tell us about it?
Karen: It’s basically second (or in this case fifth) verse, same as the first: someone is trying to kill Cassie. Only that doesn’t make so much sense anymore. Yes, she’s about to be crowned Pythia, a leadership position among the good guys, and yes, they are in a war, so that makes her a target. But there are other targets, too—a lot of them—and plenty of those would actually be more damaging. Yet calamity Cassie is still attracting the devil’s share of the bad guy’s attention. In the course of finding out why, Cassie, Mircea and Pritkin discover a lot more about the war, who is really behind it and what’s really been going on, as well as more about each other. It’s a good read.
BLI: For those who don’t stalk your website- you also offer free stories around your series on your website. Why did you decide to give those to your fans? When will the next one be up!
Karen: Soon, soon! In fact, depending on when you publish this, the next in line may already be out. It’s called “A Family Affair” and deals with demons and hell and other fun stuff like that.
BLI: Will there be any meetings between Dorina and Cassie in your future novels?
Karen: I think that’s safe to say. As good as he is, even Mircea isn’t going to be able to keep dancing around this one forever. He is Dory’s father and Cassie’s suitor—sooner or later his two worlds are bound to collide. Probably with resultant fireworks.
BLI: Do you have any ideas or plans to write books in a different universe or a different genre?
Karen: I’ve had a science fiction series in my head for ages that I’d love to get to, but I think it may have to wait a bit. I get the impression that my readers might just string me up if I start another series before I finish the ones I’m already on!
BLI: What is your favorite type of supernatural being?
Karen: Something I haven’t heard about before. I’m always thrilled whenever my research brings me in contact with a new creature. Like my favorite recent find: the Bonnacon. It’s a huge mythological bull from the Celtic tradition that, among other things, craps napalm. Yes, you read that right. No, I did not make that up. I didn’t have to. Some ancient Celtic storyteller did it for me. And people wonder why I like research.
BLI: What is next on your schedule? How many Cassie books are planned and do you already know when we will get our next fix?
Karen: I never know when things are going to be published, so I can’t be of much help there. I can say I hope to have the next one finished by the end of this year or early next.
BLI: And yes we have to know- will there also be more Dorina books? *puppy eyes*
Karen: Yes! I am happily at work on the third one right now, in fact. It should be done in the next few months, if I’m lucky!
BLI: Now some mean questions:Can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?
Karen: Because they’re awesome! Well, I’m the author, what did you expect me to say? But really, I don’t know where else you can get that particular type of magical mayhem. If you want a relaxing read, they’re probably not your thing. But if you want to be transported, thrilled, amused and maybe a little overwhelmed, they’re the cheapest vacation around. Oh, and it would help me pay off my college loans, so I’d be really grateful, too!
BLI: If there was some literary crossover, which character do you think would be BFFs with, Cassandra or Dorina?
Karen: Neither. They are both fascinating characters to read about from the comfort of a nice, safe living room, but to know? Are you kidding? Either one would probably get me killed! I like my friends with fewer enemies—way fewer.
BLI: If Cassie and Dorina went head to head, who do you think would win…or more importantly, would you be cheering for one over the other?
Karen: That’s an evil way of asking me which one I like best, isn’t it? Well, it isn’t going to work. I won’t be tricked into taking sides, particularly when they could both kick my ass!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Because I love this series so much one commenter will have the chance to win either book 1 in the series, Touch the Dark, or the latest addition, Hunt the Moon. 
 or 

All you have to do is tell me why you should win it- creativity will count this time. 
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This giveaway is open worldwide(everywhere Book Depository ships to)!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, June 4th and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!
Copyright 2010-11 Book Lovers Inc.

About Susi


Susi is a geeky vegetarian from Gemany. She just finished university and now works as a civil engineer in steel construction. Besides her reading addiction she also knits like a maniac while listening to audiobooks. Susi also blogs at the Secret HEA Society.

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24 Comments

Join the Discussion
  • Danielle May 24, 2011 at 7:04 am

    FANTASTIC! I have been hoping for a Dorina/Cassie clash since we first met Mircea's feisty daughter. I. Can't. Wait!

    "did you expect that your readers would actually fall for two heroes- Mircea and Pritkin"

    – I totally love both guys too! But if you put a gun to my head, I'd probably choose Mircea. He's just so suave … but I kinda love how the Pritkin/Cassie romance snuck up on readers (and the characters!). This is definitely one paranormal romance series in which one of the romances was also a massive mystery for quite a few books.

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  • Sharon May 24, 2011 at 7:58 am

    LOL, I love how she answered your last question 🙂

    Great interview! I would love to know how you snagged this one 😉 (who or what did you have to sacrifice to the great blog gods/goddesses? )

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  • Birgit May 24, 2011 at 8:02 am

    I should win … or rather, I must win … seeing how I'm a lot like Cassie and my inner oracle told me that "Touch the Dark" would be on my book shelf soon! Just to be sure I did the time travel thingy too and watched Susi type in my data at the Book Depository! What more proof do you need? 😀

    danaan at gmx dot at

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  • Berinn Rae May 24, 2011 at 9:13 am

    I have all your books already and LOVE them (so pull my name from the hat). Great interview! And IMO, Pritkin can beat up Mircea anyday. 😉

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  • Bethany C. May 24, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    I should win because my pet bonnacon ate all my books, so I desperately need something to read.

    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  • Blodeuedd May 24, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    Because I am pretty awesome too and that is why I should get to read it. A book written by an awesome writer should be read by an …oh I can't I am not awesome *cries a bit* but I am sure that I will become more awesome if I read it 😉

    blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com

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  • Barbara E. May 24, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    The Cassandra Palmer series has been on my radar for ages, and I've never had a chance to start it. I blame it on my poverty, I just can't buy every book I see that sounds good, darn it. I think I should win because I'd really appreciate the chance to get started with the first book, Touch the Dark.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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  • Jen B. May 24, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    Ok, first, I am always looking for new authors to read.
    Second, I think the covers are cool. That is obviously, way important.
    Third, I am way broke right now so I could really use a free book.
    Fourth, I am practicing writing reviews so this would be another book for me to review.
    Fifth, it's not like my bookshelves aren't alreay overflowing (cough).
    Finally, I really like winning things.
    Thank You.
    GFC follower.
    jepebATverizonDOTnet

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  • Linda May 24, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    I need to win this! *sighs*
    I have absolutely NO creativity. I'm as imaginative as a block of wood. Blockhead that's me! I hv to resort to losing myself in the writings of creative authors like you…..

    Now if i were more creative, I'd build my own worlds with a dashing hero of my own. And save myself a lot of money from not having so splurge so on books books n more books!

    http://twitter.com/LindaThum

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  • marybelle May 25, 2011 at 2:26 am

    You have it, I want it. Not creative at all, but succinct and right to the point. I will not beg, but I may resort to a bribe or two.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  • Sophie May 25, 2011 at 4:34 am

    I win because I hacked your computer :p

    AAAaaand… I'm actually doing a photoshop of the covers for a wallpaper. Plus a few other things, the drag queens, for example. What do you think of Pritkin wearing that little red dress? *evil cackle*

    chtitegourmande@hotmail.fr

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  • Tore May 25, 2011 at 9:53 am

    I love reading paranormal books. I would love to read this series. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  • Angel May 25, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Karen Chance is completely awesome! I can't wait to read Hunt the Moon!!!

    Please enter me in the contest as well: angelreel@yahoo.com

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  • Lorenda May 25, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I would love to win a copy of Hunt the Moon. I'm about to move to India and I must endure a 14 hour plane ride with 3 and 5 year old boys! I'll need the book to keep me sane!

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  • mbreakfield May 26, 2011 at 11:18 am

    Love the Bonnacon story. Please enter me in the giveaway. thanks
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  • mrsaubergine May 26, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    So many of my online book club friends have been recommending the Cassie Palmer series to me, but sadly they aren't in shops here in New Zealand, nor can I find them at the library 🙁 The Book Depository has been my salvation with other series, so I would love to win the first book so I can start seeing how awesome these really are!

    Thanks for the opportunity 🙂

    mrsaubergine1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  • Ren May 27, 2011 at 7:12 am

    I must win because… Random Generator God (or Goddess) love me,so they will pick me as the winner! LOL.. And I never win BLI's giveaway *sobs* .

    I'm intriguing to read your books, look like another new try series for me 😀

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com

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  • Jeanne May 27, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    This sounds interesting I would love to read Touch the Dark 😀

    I should win because the book won´t be just for me but also for my friends so there will be more people who will read the book 🙂 There is also chance that I´ll do giveaway with this book too xD

    Thank you so much for this giveaway!

    Rathouska.jana@gmail.com

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  • Melissa (Books and Things) May 29, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Oh man… when I'm told to be creative, I suddenly get brain dead and become uncreative. I guess that is the rebel in me… uh… like Cassie! Yea! That's it! That is why I need it. To become more like Cassie. Okay… told ya… no creativity! 😛

    Oh and I'd LOVE the latest!

    books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  • kara-karina May 29, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    O_o_o! What an awesome giveaway! Cassie was my first, but Dorina is the dearest :)) I've been pushing your books on all my friends and they loved it. And I can't wait for Cassie and Dorina to meet. In fact I expected them to at least see each other in the last book of Cassie *wink*
    Whatever happens I'm getting the book, but the victory in this contest would have been sweet 🙂

    impy80(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  • Pamk May 30, 2011 at 12:59 am

    Today is my 25th wedding anniversary and I deserve to win this since i've put up with the same man for that long and it's been a bad weekend. My aunt had to have emergency surgery and I'd to stay a couple of days with her and I couldn't sleep good at her house so I spent most of the day today napping. But me and hubby did go out to red lobster which was fantastic.
    scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com

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  • JessS June 1, 2011 at 2:22 am

    Awesome giveaway.
    I should win because I love Dorina's books but haven't had a chance (heh heh, just ignore my lame puns) to read any of the Touch The Dark series. And now that you've mentioned there are two heroes I want to see which I will fall for 😉

    Thanks,
    jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com

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  • Athena June 1, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    I should win Hunt the Moon b/c I CAN'T WAIT!!!! Well that and b/c the town I live in has NO bookstore. Yes you read that right, NO BOOKSTORE I have to brave the hideously digested traffic in the next town over, fight my way through soccor moms with cocktails and grannies who even give the bird slowly, and truck drivers with to much caffeine,to get to our sadly and strangely understocked B&N which is ALWAYS swarmed with teenagers looking for the starbucks. Have Pity Please.
    purpleflame5000(at)aol(dot)com

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  • Mel June 3, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Why should I win? Because my bookmark is lonely and needs constant new books to keep it company! Plus I've been suffering from Cassie withdrawal…and need my Pritkin fix! 🙂

    notanotherbookblog(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

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