Hi! Would you tell us a
little bit about yourself?
Karen Tjebben: I
live in central North Carolina
I know authors get asked this
a lot but do you have any advice that you would give to aspiring writers?
Karen Tjebben: Perseverance and dedication
are key ingredients to success. You must read daily and write even when you’re
not inspired. Find a trusted friend to read your books and give you their
honest opinion. Be open to their suggestions, but most importantly, fall in
love with your characters. If you don’t love them, your readers won’t either.
When
did you realize that you would like to write and publish a book?
Karen Tjebben: I’ve always thought it would
be cool to write a book. In college, (while studying elementary education) in
my literacy courses, I’d peruse the picture books and nonfiction children’s
books and dream about writing my own book. At the time, it seemed impossible,
but as the internet expanded and companies like Amazon grew, the dream started
to take shape and become a reality. When my twin daughters went to
kindergarten, I set aside time each day to dedicate to writing. Surprisingly,
the story that unfolded in my head was not for elementary students, but it was
better suited for young adults who enjoy supernatural thrillers. When I
finished the first series, The Scintillate Series, I transitioned to
adult romantic suspense and began The
Savage Security Series.
Can you tell us, in your own
words not the book description, a little about your book?
Karen Tjebben: My Savage Security books are a mixture of romance and suspense infused
with a healthy dose of creep factor.
Blood Kiss is
about a woman who is threatened by a stalker. Alisha is pro-active. She isn’t
waiting around to see what her stalker will do. She decides that she will
protect herself. While gun shopping, she meets Mike, a man with the skills and
the heart to help her. I love Alisha and Mike. They are both smart, assertive,
and have big hearts.
Avenging Kiss
is about revenge. Summing up this book is more difficult. There isn’t one main
character or hero. Instead, Avenging Kiss
explores the reality that one’s actions don’t just affect that one person, but
rather the truth that actions have unintended consequences that can negatively
affect others. The problem/solution is resolved in Avenging Kiss, but some
threads are left dangling.
Coveted Kiss
deals with the fallout from Avenging Kiss.
It can be read independently of Avenging
Kiss, but it would be most enjoyed after reading Avenging Kiss. Jack is in full alpha-male mode as he protects Bella
in the aftermath of Hazeem’s murder attempt. Logan
Are
you working on anything at the moment?
Karen Tjebben: I am working on the rough draft for the fourth
book in the Savage Security Series. Stolen Kiss is about a serial killer who
unintentionally crosses the paths of the men from Savage Security.
What
is the easiest part of writing in your opinion?
Karen Tjebben: Hitting
publish and crossing my fingers that readers will enjoy my stories. Oh, wait…
that’s when the real stress begins.
What
is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
Karen Tjebben: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a
single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” Jane
Austin’s wit and wisdom are evident in this quote from Pride and Prejudice. In a time when a woman’s social standing and
standard of living depended on a husband, every man was considered eligible,
but the wealthy man was the ultimate prize.
Do you have anything you would like to say to your readers?
Karen Tjebben: Thank you! Thank you for choosing to read one of my books. Everyone’s time is precious and fleeting, and I want my readers to know that I appreciate them sharing their time with me.
Random Quickies!
Pepsi
or coke?
Karen Tjebben: Pepsi, but right now I’m going through a Dr. Pepper stage.
Favorite
kind of chocolate?
Karen Tjebben: See’s truffles. I fell in love with See’s Candy when I lived
in California
Favorite
movie?
Karen Tjebben: Pride & Prejudice - the one with Colin Firth. If you haven’t seen
it, stop whatever you’re doing and settle in for the best 5 ½ hours of your
life.
Favorite
book to movie?
Karen Tjebben: Pride and Prejudice. The British mini-series released in 1995.
Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy.
Favorite book or author? Yeah,
we know it can be hard to choose! ;)
Karen Tjebben: I can’t just say one. I love
Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Dean Koontz. I love thrillers with a hint of the
supernatural. For the romantic in me, I love Elle Casey, Elise Sax, and
Trish McCallen. Their books fall into the romantic comedy or romantic suspense category.
Hardback/Paperback
or eReader?
Karen Tjebben: My
iPhone. I love the flexibility of reading on my iPhone or iPad. I can take my
books with me wherever I go and read a few pages while in waiting in the
carpool line or at appointments. Plus, there’s no easier way to read a book in
the dark of night under your sheets.
Have you ever been out of the
state where you live?
Karen Tjebben: I’m a southern girl with a
bit of an identity crisis. I grew up in Virginia New Hampshire California Los
Angeles California North Carolina
Psychological Romantic/Suspense
Date Published: June 2016
Alisha Woods knew she was in trouble. The situation was progressing. The harmless flirtation had long past intriguing and now bordered on terrifying. She had to take action, go on the offensive against her stalker. As she opened the door of Young Guns, she promised herself that she’d be ready when he came for her. She would survive.
Mike Lewis lived each day knowing that life could evaporate in a moment. Ghosts followed him, haunting his soul. He craved redemption, a chance to right the wrongs of his past. And when Alisha walked in, he recognized his chance at redemption. He would save her.
After everything Mike had done to prepare her, she thought she was ready. But as the blood spilled from her lips, Alisha’s mind raced for what she could have done differently…
She should have listened to Mike.
About the Author
Karen Tjebben lives in central North Carolina with her wonderful husband, twin daughters, and two hamsters. When her girls left for kindergarten, Karen discovered that she needed to fill her days with something, and that was the beginning of her new career in writing. She loves to create worlds filled with unique characters that she hopes will delight and raise goose bumps on her readers. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and seeing the world through her daughters' eyes.
Contact Links
Thanks for the chance to appear on your blog. Happy reading.
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