Author Interview
How did you become a writer?
The approach of my 40th birthday had me sitting down to make a bucket list of things I always wanted to try but hadn’t gotten around to yet. Top of the list was writing down this story that had been playing out in my head about a handsome sea captain and the remarkable woman he sees one day swimming in the ocean. The characters would not leave me alone. Once I started writing I was hooked!
What inspires you to write?
The characters in my head and all the lovely possibilities of love, adventure, and peril.
Tell me about your protagonist. What's your favorite trait and/or weakness?
In Captain of My Heart, Jack Aston is a man trying hard to walk the straight and narrow after making a lot of mistakes in his youth. He is a real gentleman but doesn’t believe himself to be a good guy, which is totally endearing. His weakness is Vivian. It was fantastic to watch him learn how to accept good things and to realize that he is worthy of love.
What are your current/future projects?
Currently I am writing about Jack’s older brother Andrew, the Duke of Gilchrest. The Duke is awakened one night to find a cat burglar sneaking to his bedroom. When he traps the intruder up against the wall he is shocked to find that it is a woman. She surprises him with a kiss and escapes back out the balcony doors. Lady Emma Whittingham is leading a double life. The trouble is she can’t seem to stay out of the sexy duke’s bedroom. Each time she visits him under the cover of darkness is another chance he will figure out her real identity. But when she is shot while out on another job she turns to the only man powerful enough to protect her and her family from ruin.
Do you have a routine you follow when writing?
My daily routine involves getting up early to exercise and shower. Then I get my kids off to school. When the house is quiet I make a second cup of tea and sit down to write. Setting aside this time each morning is important to me. But honestly, life can get crazy and inspiration and ideas often come at me while I am in the grocery store or driving in the car. So I bring my laptop with me everywhere. I write during piano lessons, lacrosse practices, and after my family goes to bed. A writer/mom has to do whatever it takes!
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
There is never a wrong time to start writing. If you have discovered writing is your passion follow that dream. Write what you love, meet other writers, and learn all you can about the craft. I love inspirational quotes. My favorite hangs by my desk, “Be Brave and Chase Your Dreams.” –Bill Clinton
What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you?
Email me at karla@karlakratovil.com or find me on Twitter @karla_kratovil
