Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Occupational Therapist and Minister by trade. After experiencing deep challenges, I took a Creative Writing Course, and I wrote the stories of the orphans and vulnerable children I looked after while working among the poor.
I am a newbie author, and I am writing my second novel, based in Kalk Bay, Cape Town. It is called The Kalk Bay Mysteries.
I love playing in rockpools, painting, and hiking, amongst other things.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Pocket Rainbow, and it spotlights aspects of orphans lives in a poor township in South Africa. I worked with the kids for over a year, and wanted to expose their stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm, well, I tend to write best in the middle of the night…when I should be sleeping. I find that a disturbed night from worry is best satisfied with writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Agatha Christie, Alexander Mc Call Smith, the Bible, Alexandra Fuller
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a mystery story set in the quaintest village in the world:Kalk Bay, Cape Town. I am basing the characters on my great-great aunts who lived there.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t reached the stage of being able to make that decision, but I hope it will be pretty-hot.com!!!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just publish your book. Finish it and publish it. You can find out how to do all the finicky bits as you go along. Just publish.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think that ‘show, don’t tell’ is not the way to keep a story going . Agatha Christie, for instance, seldom used it. It slows down the story too much of used regularly.
What are you reading now?
I am actually reading a lot of websites about marketing your book! That’s all I currently have the time for.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to go full-time…I would really like to learn how to make best-sellers.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd. So very cleverly done. It could only be done once. Readers are very canny.
Author Websites and Profiles
Karen Ess Website
Karen Ess Amazon Profile
Karen Ess’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile