Never give in, never give up!
by Karina Kantas
(Greece)
Write about what you know
Genre: Urban Thriller
I knew I wanted to be a writer since my teens and I was determined it was going to happen. It wasn’t until I moved to Greece that I decided to take my writing to another level. The first piece I ever had published was a film review. The cheque is framed and sitting above my computer. Being able to call yourself a published writer is a powerful achievement.
Bio:
I’ve written articles for several magazines; anything from band reviews, summer articles, film reviews and recently, a piece about a local demonstration against a planned rubbish dump next to a popular tourist resort. This report was sent to Greenpeace. I’m also a featured book reviewer for Future Fire and have had several poems published. I’m the author of the popular urban thriller, In Times of Violence and the short story collection, Heads & Tales.
Inspiration:
Rock music. Whether it’s classic or heavy I’m always listening to it when I’m writing. The music, vibe and lyrics inspire me. Even if I’m writing horror, fantasy or a comedy, I always have it playing in the background.
Self-published:
My first self-published novel is In Times of Violence. I decided to take the SP route after too many rejections from agents and publishers. I knew I had something new and edgy and given the chance it could be a very popular book. I was right to take the chance. In Times of Violence has received excellent editorial reviews and has been loved by hundreds of readers.
I first published through Lulu but because of shipping prices I changed to a UK Press. Unfortunately that was a very bad move and now I’m one of 17 authors that are taking the publisher to court. I returned to Lulu as they now have their books printed in Spain and so shipping charges are reduced. Lulu is an excellent place to self-publish and one of the cheapest ways to go about it. I’ve no regrets about returning to Lulu. My short story collection, Heads & Tales is also self-published through them.
Why urban thriller?
Readers of I.T.O.V begged me to write a sequel, which I have done.
Huntress, which is due for release November 08, is the follow up to I.T.O.V; but this one is strictly for adults. Huntress is much more than a sequel; containing hard core drugs, sex and rock and roll.
My new novel, Lawless Justice, is another urban thriller; but this one is about a gang of FEMALE vigilante bikers. Sexy, dangerous women you will love to hate!
The books are violent, Huntress is sexually explicit, but that’s what you expect in a novel about bikers.
The characters are tough, mean and violent but there’s another side to these stories; the warmth and love each member has for their brother/sister. It’s not just about the excitement and violence, it’s also about the respect, love and feeling of belonging. Against your better judgment you’ll find yourself liking and even caring about these tough characters.
Most of the characters in my urban thrillers are trying to find themselves. They don’t fit in; never felt they belonged. They’re searching for something.
Life is exciting, it’s about new experiences, whether good or bad. It’s an ugly world we live in and unfortunately, violence plays a huge part. I don’t think I stretch the truth. I tell it how it is. Everyone wants to be a rebel and I allow my readers that pleasure.
Unfortunately this is an unknown genre and agents and publishers are not in the rush to take a chance on something new. With sales in the hundreds, I’ve proven to myself and others that there is a market out there. It wasn’t easy, as SP relies on the author doing all the work. It can be very stressful and time consuming and as I’ve found, internet promotion unproductive.
Because of the wide world web, everyone suddenly wants to be a writer and seems to think they have the next best thing. If you’re determined and are ready to fight for your talent then I wish you all the best. But just know; there’s a gigantic sea out there with millions of little fish like yourself who are trying to get into the net.
Conclusion:
In Times of Violence, Huntress, and Heads & Tales are self published books and I’m proud of that fact. But I’m in the process of finding an agent for my new novel, Lawless Justice.
These novels deserve a larger audience; the problem is getting the word out there.
My readers range from the ages 15-80 and all have enjoyed I.T.O.V. Look how big S.E.Hinton’s Outsiders is. In Times of Violence can be just as popular given the chance.
Visit Karina's website.
