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Writer's pictureMadilynn Dale

Spotlight on Karina Kantas



Tell our readers briefly about yourself and not give just your bio. Write it as if you were on a talk show. How would you introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Karina Kantas, I’m from the UK but I live in Greece. I’m an award-winning author with 14 fiction titles published, and two more being worked on. I’m a prolific author and can work in most fiction genres. I’m also a multi-award-winning filmmaker with 14 awards from International Film Festivals, for my short films. I’m a podcaster with two podcast, Behind The Pen and Narrations By KK. Both are YouTube shows and then converted into audio podcasts. I’m also the host of the Artist First radio Network show, Author Assist. And I run Author Assist which offers affordable services and one on one training to independent authors that need help and guidance.


What books do you have available?


Starting at the top OUTLAW SERIES

In Times of Violence/ YA urban thriller

Huntress/ Dark MC Romance 18+

Lawless Justice/ Vigilante Biker Thriller 18+

Road Rage – Dark MC Romance 18+


Collections

Head & Tales / All genres of flash fiction and prose

Undressed/ All genres of flash fiction, poetry, prose and prompts.

A Flash of Horror/ Flash fiction in the genre of horror.


Illusional Reality duology

Book one Illusional Reality / YA PNR Fantasy

Book 2 The Quest/ YA PNR fantasy

Illusional Reality box set Audio book of book 1 Illusional Reality

Colouring book

Jotter/Notepad


Stone Cold/ YA supernatural thriller

Stone Cold audiobook


Broken Chains/ Dark Mafia Romance 18+




Can you tell us about your most recent release?


My latest release is Road Rage which is a dark MC romance 18+ due to graphic violence and sexual scenes. I have always stuck as close to reality in my books and so my dark romance are hard hitting, triggering but yet have a fantastic plot running through them. Characters you will love and hate and feisty female MC that stays strong no matter what hell I put her through.

Road Rage is about a woman called Gemma/ Gem who had escaped from life within an outlaw motorcycle club, and chose to the quieter life, until she falls for member of the racing club Rage. But she soon learns that Rage are no different from the outlaw MC she escaped from. Her past and present catch up to her resulting in tragedy.

Do you stay in one genre when you write or do you find yourself veering toward others?

I’m normally working on two books at the same time. But concentrating more on the genre that I’ve been binging on for months.


Are you a panster, planner, or someone in between?

100% pantser. I always have been. And I still do it the old fashioned away and write with pen and on paper before I type it up on the computer. I may make notes as I go along, but there’ no chapter plotting or story boarding, For me it’s all in my mind.


What is your writing routine like?

I only have the weekend to write. So, I get left over week work finished, promote my books and then if I have time, I’ll open the manuscript I’m currently writing or editing.


Tell me about your favorite character that you’ve created?

Ice. From Lawless Justice. She’s just joined the Kittnz MC. Ice is me if II would dare to eb dangerous, tough and not give a damn about anyone but my sisters. Thank fully I’m a good, nice person in real life, but in this book, I get to kick arse.



Do you add romance to your writing?

Yep. In most of my books. Although some are classed as romance, it’s not one of the major themes in the books.



What was your favorite scene to create?

I love a good conflict, a row, a fight. I get to let my ego out to play. I always start my books off with a conflict, then you need to find out why it happened and what the conclusions is before you can move on to another scene.


Where do you get character inspiration?

Life, books and films.


What genre do you prefer to read?

I go through binges. I get addicted to a genre and I read as many books, watched as many films and TV shows of that genre, until my thirst is satisfied and I’m ready to write my own book in the genre. I’ve just gone through the mafia genre and even though I have my book released (and is my best seller to date) I’m still reading in that genre.


Do you have any recurring themes in your book?

A feisty female character, who goes through it and doesn’t allow her past to define her.


What does your editing process look like?

Blah! Lol I send the first draft to my editor and keep my fingers crossed. We go through two drafts before the line edi.


Do you have a preferred drink or snack that you eat/drink while writing?

Wine. Lol No, just anything close by. I don’t snack. I’m to lazy to make something healthy like carrot sticks, when I’d rather spend the time writing.


When is your favorite time of day to write and why?

Nightime. When work for the day is done. I either write or read.


What hobbies do you have?

I sing. This will be the second year I will be representing Greece in the World Karaoke Championship.


What is something your readers don’t know about you or something unique about yourself?

Probably, that I sing, or I’m an award-winning filmmaker. I’m an open book, so I’m sure they know everything about me.


What defines success for you as an author?

Success is defined differently for each author. Some author don’t feel they are successful unless they have NYT BS in front of their name. For me success is the little wins, like reading new 5star review. Receiving a surprise royalty check, being asked to host or take part in a panel or webinar. The small wins define success for me. However…. I would love to get Lawless Justice on the big screen


What is your workspace like?

I had an office and then I moved to the living room and got set up on a leather recliner chair, and now I spend most of my working day sitting on my bed propped up with pillars and my laptop on a fold away small desk, that goes over the top of my lap. My right side of the bed has all my books, notes and papers for the day.



Do you have a selfcare routine that you follow?

When I need a break from writing or work, I close the lid of my laptop, go into the living room, amp up my microphone and turn YouTube to King karaoke and sing for an hour or two. I love singing. I used to sing lead in a rock band. It’s something I know I’m good at and I get so much pleasure from it. I forget about all my trouble and woe and just get caught up in the moment of the song.


What advice would you share with new or aspiring authors?

Don’t rush your work. If your story is meant to be, you will write it. Do NOT publish you book unless it’s polished. And that costs money. If you haven’t got it, save and wait until you do. Cover

Editor

To be formatted.

Your book has one chance to strike gold. Give it the best possible chance it can. We desrve, it so does your book.



Where can our readers find you?


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