Interrogating Karina Kantas

My 10th interview already.  Doesn't time fly!   This interview is with the deceptively (from the photo, anyway) Biker Chick Karina Kantas - also known as LadyHawk.

How do you strike the balance between writing something you want to write and writing something that people want to read, in terms of the compromises you make, if any?

I write what I want to write. Thankfully there is a market place out there for my genre of books and I have readers that want to read my story. The only compromise is making it readable. Following most of the "rules of writing" making sure the reader can relate to the MC's and they are likable even if it's only a little. People want to be able to put themselves in the character's shoes, so keeping it real is a must.


What excites, attracts or appeals to you about the genre(s) you write in.

I have always had a love for the bikers lifestyle, although I don't live it. I love the freedom and the brotherhood.
It's new, It's raw and edgy. Whether you're into bikers and rock music.. everyone wants to be a rebel. I allow my readers that escape from reality. Most don't know about the world of outlaws, so it's an eye opener for them.


Do you have a box, drawer, folder etc where you keep thoughts and ideas for future stories? Such as names you have come across, bits of dialogue, ideas, characters - even if you have no idea when you might use them? 

Boxes (plural) I've been at this game for over 15 years and have kept every note book, printed MS, and scribbled idea. I used to carry a Dictaphone around with me and record ideas and scenes, so I have plenty of mini tapes in my drawers as well. I'm never without a pen or pad. And I have several half filed notepads of plot ideas, that will probably never see the light. 


How much of you is in your characters? Which of your characters is the you that you’d most like to be? Or be with ? 

I'm always the main female MC. I put my soul into the character. She is my alter ego. The person who I'd love to be... if I had the guts.
I've always had a soft spot for Dylan, the sexy, bad boy in my first novel In Times of Violence. I think out of all my characters I'd love to be Ice, from Lawless Justice. She gets to kick some butt and not answer to anyone.


Do you become so wrapped up in your writing that your spouse wonders if they're married to you or one of your characters?

Hubby knows not to push me, because sometimes Ice shows up. And you wouldn't want to be in the same room when Ice is pissed off. Lol


What type of book do you like reading? Is it the same genre as you write?

Unfortunately, there are not too many books similar to mine, and I think I've read them all. I read all genres apart from Sci-fi... I have a hard time getting into those books. I go through genres, first it was chick lit and now I'm into vampires and the paranormal, at the same time I'm reading books like A game of Thrones and Hunger Games.


What lengths do you go to to convince us readers that your book has the X factor?

I'm stuck in a Greek village full of old people, The only tool I have for marketing is the internet and trust me when I say I take full advantage of it. I'm online up to 7 hours a day promoting my five titles. I know my novels have the Xfactor, but it's no good for an author to rave to others about have awesome their book is. Readers need to do that!
I can promise you you've never read anything like it before. I'm certain you will read it in one sitting (as most reviewers have stated that) There is a huge potential for the genre of book and it's only the beginning. Read and judge for yourself.


How do you feel when a reader points out the spelling mistake(s) you have made?

Great, I'm thrilled they do. It doesn't matter how many times you read the MS You're going to need extra eyes to catch the mistakes. But I would prefer if they contacted me privately and not posted my errors in public, where they can't be deleted even after you've corrected the mistakes. 
You wouldn't believe how many typing errors I found in Hunger Games Kindle version. 


What do you like most about visiting KUF?

It's a great support platform for me. Not a place to make sales as there are more Kindle authors here than readers. But if I ever have a dilemma or question, I know it's going to be answered quickly and politely.


What is on your near horizon?

I'm currently submitting my new thriller Road Rage to UK literary agents. I can't do this alone anymore and I really need help to get the word out about my books as they deserve a bigger audience.


Where can we find you for more information?
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/karinakantas
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/226865.Karina_Kantas
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karina-Kantas/31754864225
@karinakantas ( twitter)
http://urbanhype101.wordpress.com/