Karen Hulene Bartell Interview Published on: 22, Apr 2024

An only child, I began writing my first novel at the age of nine, learning the joys of creating my own happy endings. Ghost stories kept me up at night—reading feverishly. The paranormal was my passion. As a result, I write multicultural, suspense stories steeped in the supernatural with a smack of offbeat romance--the types of books I want to read with spooky elements that make my neck hairs tingle. As I penned in ANGELS FROM ASHES: HOUR OF THE WOLF, "True love is like a ghost. Many believe in it, but few encounter it."

Supernatural refers to anything beyond the norm, anything that can’t be rationalized by science. Ghosts definitely fit the bill, but so do many other beings--or magic or extrasensory perceptions, such as telepathy, psychokinesis, precognition, or psychometry.

I set my paranormal romance novels in the real world…but with a little more than meets the eye. Just out of sight—or sometimes in plain sight—ghosts, shapeshifters, demons, angels, vampires, psychics, mediums, fae folk, zombies, and telepaths also inhabit this world. If you remove the paranormal element--the ghost, shapeshifter, et cetera--what’s left is the normal world.

I like ghosts. Many—If not most—of my novels include a ghost, but I also like cryptids, such as bigfoot, kitsunes, chupacabras, Jersey Devil, Wendigo, et cetera. Keep in mind, the characters of paranormal romances are the most significant feature—regarding both protagonists and the antagonists. To do that, I create backstories for each character—then refer to them often.

The settings for my paranormal romances are haunted houses or lonely country towns where neighbors are few and far between. Or the locales are isolated mountains or megacities. My supernatural love stories have spookier atmospheres, and the moods are darker than rom coms.

I create supernatural worlds that feel as real as this one with their own laws, histories, and constructs. Consistency is crucial, but worldbuilding can’t dwarf the human experience—human emotions, conflicts, or motivations—because readers must relate to the story’s characters and events.

I balance the supernatural elements in my stories with real-world cultural references by finding that happy medium between the normal and paranormal, where readers can suspend their disbelief yet bond with the characters.

Have to admit, I’m a pantser. I begin by creating backstories for each of the story’s characters, as well as for the ghost, shapeshifter, demon, angel, etc. I create a mythology that my readers never see, but that guides my paranormal characters’ actions and dialogue.

I refer constantly to the backstories to keep my narrative consistent and my characters on track. I try to hook the readers’ attention at the start with fast-faced action—a car accident or slip on a mountainside.

Despite the paranormal aspects, I create a credible world. Then I build suspense through foreshadowing as I gradually develop conflict.

Throughout, I establish a frisson between the romantic couple, then weave all the elements together, tie up all mysteries and loose threads, and try to end my story with a bang.

Since I relate best to women, I usually (but not always) write from a woman’s POV. Who wants to read about weaklings, male or female? I’m drawn to strong female protagonists because I admire empowered women.

The charming Texas towns, rolling hills, and majestic forests of the Piney Woods definitely influence my writing, as well as the local legends and folklore. My WIP features a Texas Rougarou.

I keep a running list of titles that come to me at odd times—when I’m walking the dog, driving, or shopping for milk. (I admit to loving alliteration: Seven Summers, Cats and Cactus, Sacred Stone.) Each time I begin another book, I scour that list for ideas, then word play, using those words as the basis for the next title.

For a series title, for example, I might use Saline Series--think salt—briny—brackish. Then I brainstorm:

TITLE: Salt of the Earth

TITLE: Worth His/Her Salt

TITLE: [With a] Pinch of Salt

TITLE: Salt and Pepper--Differing Couples: old/young, different races/types/personalities

TITLE: Salt Away

TITLE: [Rub] Salt in the Wound

TITLE: [Throw] Salt Over His/Her Shoulder

TITLE: Old Salt--Brackish Mariner

Christmas always captures my imagination. It’s such a magical season that I can’t resist writing holiday stories.

I love animals—always have. I work with the local Animal Center, and my muse/mews are three rescued cats and a rescued _Cat_ahoula Leopard dog.

HOLY WATER: RULE OF CAPTURE is a story of drought, water wars, corporate conspiracy, and record-breaking floods. It is based on true events surrounding the 2015 Memorial Day Flood of the Blanco River in central Texas.

The only way my speaking experience informs my writing is if I take informal polls of the audience to help determine preferred aspects of the current WIP.

KISSING KIN is the sequel to WILD ROSE PASS—but four generations later. Though both books are standalones, I’m drawn to family secrets because every family has its own innate mysteries. It’s a universal theme to which we can all relate.

FOX TALE is a paranormal romance about finding love amidst time shifts and shapeshifters that’s being released this month.

Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.

She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.

She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?

I start researching supernatural or cultural elements online. Once I have a basic feel for the subject matter, I travel to the locale and engage everyone I can regarding their personal experiences or supernatural/cultural stories they’ve heard.

That’s easy—traveling gives me the best ideas. Airports, cruises, road trips—you name the mode of travel—trekking inspires ideas like nothing else. Sights, sounds, scents, regional cuisine, local lore, and history all conspire to inspire.