As I continue to host the BK Walker Books Authors Promoting Authors virtual blog tour, today I welcome author Karen Kostlivy.
Welcome, Karen!
Please tell us about your current release, Cyber Writers and the Zebra of Life.
Mason Witt, a skateboarding American teenager, catapults himself into the greatest adventure of his life after reading about the plight of a new Cyber Writer from Africa. Lutalo knew he would come so he sent Mason an urgent plea for help. His village has lost its precious Zebra of Life -- and his father has gone missing in the pursuit of the evil men who stole it. Here begins this thrilling adventure of two boys, a smart-talking panther, and an amazing zebra that sustains life.
What inspired you to write this book?
I realized I wanted to be a writer when I wrote parts of a story I created years ago for an English assignment. The story would not leave me no matter how much I tried to flush it from my mind, it just kept coming back to me. It was like I had no other choice but to write, so I began to write.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m currently working on books two and three in the Cyber Writers series. Since the series has educational components, I conduct a lot of research about each country, and I also have interviews with kids and adults that have visited or lived in the country where the story will take place.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The moment I first considered myself to be a writer was when my publisher sent me my contract and I was referenced as the author. I looked at the contract in disbelief and shock. That’s when it hit me; I was a writer.
Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I wish I could write full time. I wear too many hats to have that luxury. I work for a marketing company and I volunteer for a couple of non-profit organizations. I have cut back a little on both work and volunteering so I can promote Cyber Writers and the Zebra of Life and sneak in some writing. I’m always writing, even if it is on index cards or a notebook.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
You might call this a quirk, but I call it a major annoyance that really bugs me. I make my family leave the house very early in the morning when I’m ready to sit behind the computer to write. I don’t understand why I make them leave, but they need to be gone or I can’t write. The odd thing is that my outline and characters are already created in my notebook, just waiting for me to transfer them to the computer. Can you say weirdo?…LOL
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a singer or a teacher. The odd thing is I can’t sing or carry a tune. As for teaching, I used to substitute teach in between contracts and I’m married a teacher.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
First, I would like to thank you for having me as a guest today. Second, I truly appreciate any feedback from my readers. Good or bad, that is how I can grow as a writer. Also, if a reader has any recommendations of where they would like to see the character Mason travel to one day please let me know. It is fun receiving ideas from my readers on where they would like to see Mason to visit. My website has all my contact information on it as well as an area just for kids.
Once again, thank you for having me as a guest today.
Leave a comment to be entered into a drawing to win one of several gifts from promoter of this VBT, BK Walker. Gifts include: a $25 Visa Gift Card, book light,a free-of-charge virtual book tour, or one writing package which includes a journal, pen, book light, and book marker.
My next guest for the blog tour is July 28 - Arlene Crenshaw
I am 10 years old and I think this is the best book I have ever read. It is absolutley amazing!
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