I’ve been a writer and avid reader since I first discovered my love of science fiction and all things Star Wars at the age of 11 or 12, a passion that evolved to encompass paranormal and horror in my teens when I found Stephen King and Anne Rice. Eventually, my tastes further grew to incorporate romance and erotica, and now my own writing is a strange hodgepodge of all the above-mentioned genres.

Despite having harbored a love of writing for so long, I’m aware that no one has heard of me. It took me a  long time to stop listening to the voice in my ear telling me to pursue something “practical” and do what I genuinely love. And then, of course, life happened. I joined the Navy shortly out of high school, and during that period, I did a lot of reading—I fell absolutely in love with the Harry Potter novels—but one thing I didn’t do a lot of was writing. After separating from active duty and getting married in 2006, I promptly began having children. I started writing again but didn’t attempt to publish anything. I experienced quite a bit of “success”—as embarrassing as it is to say now—as a Twilight fanfiction author, and that’s when I discovered J.R. Ward and the paranormal romance genre. Around the same time, I entered a writing contest judged by New York Times bestselling novelist Cassandra Clare, who chose my entry as a finalist.

I had just begun an original paranormal romance novel when, once again, life got in the way. I ended up divorced rather suddenly with two small children in tow, and I had to figure out how to start over. Since then, I’ve had other major life hurdles. I’ve gone back to school. Twice. First, I went to one of those vocational schools to obtain my medical assisting certification (I needed something fast). Then I pursued my BA in English from the University of Texas, almost a full twenty years after most people obtain their bachelor’s degrees. In the meantime, I’ve opted to remain single, worked to support my children as a medical assistant, and finally, years after my divorce, managed to complete a publishable novel. You might be wondering what the point of all of this is. I suppose I just wanted to encourage people not to give up on their dreams, despite their circumstances. It’s not too late to go back to school—and believe me, I very much felt like Melissa McCarthy in Life of the Party—and to finally complete a novel, if that’s your desire. At one point, I was getting up at 4 AM, and sometimes even 3 AM, to get in a little bit of writing before I had to get ready for work or class. I may not be making any money off my writing yet, but I have the satisfaction of my perseverance. I have every confidence that it will pay off, eventually.

My debut novel, The Infiltrator, is a romance/dystopian catered to readers of action-y, grittier romances who enjoy an unstable, flawed alpha male teaming with a smart, tough female to overcome obstacles. A virus has rendered humanity mostly extinct. Keira Starr is alone, staying alive by staying on the run, sleeping in empty gas stations and the trunks of cars long abandoned on the highway. The world is overrun by “Ghosts,” the mindless, bloodthirsty dead, but they are the least of her problems. She is being hunted by ragtag groups of ruthless men, independent contractors for a mysterious human trafficking ring. When she is finally captured, she discovers that Derrick Caine, despite his gruff demeanor and appearance, may have a different agenda altogether.

The Infiltrator

The Infiltrator is always free on Kindle Unlimited, but from 8/10 to 8/14, I’m offering a FREE promotional download. I hope you’ll check it out! Reviews are always welcome and appreciated.

Kari

Oh, and hit me up on Twitter! I’d love to hear from you! I need some romance novel recs – preferably with a paranormal edge!
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