Author interview: Susan Karsten

[image error]  I’m delighted to have fellow author Susan Karsten join me on my blog today to bring you up to date on her latest writing projects, and a little bit of fun to brighten your day!

Thanks for taking the time to meet my readers!

 

Susan’s first published novella, Charlotte’s Dilemma, is a Regency romance. Miss Charlotte Broughton, sticking her delicate toes into society’s marriage mart, is caught up in a scandal, not of her making. Though she was innocent, her parents banish her to the country where they hastily arranged a position for her to teach at a small estate school. She makes the best of her reduced circumstances and is befriended by a neighboring family who are members of the nobility. The son and heir of the family, Lord Hipwith, is kind to her—lending her books and visiting the school. The intrusion of another scandal threatens Charlotte’s fragile hopes, and visitors from London bring the fear that her shame would become know in the backwater village she now calls home.

Excerpt:

Dear Mother, You’ll be happy to learn that I have arrived at my destination. The arranged hideaway exceeds expectations. The village is remote and on the outside edge of civilization and therefore perfect for stashing away a shamed maiden.

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Charlotte chewed on the end of her pen. What more did she want to share with Mother Dear? A mother who allowed her to be shunted out of sight, shipped to the hinterlands without a hearing. The court of public opinion took precedence over maternal loyalty and above the truth.

 

A few more questions for Susan…

What inspired you to write this story?

Charlotte’s Dilemma, a Regency novella, was inspired by the chance to have my work published in a novella collection with several other authors who are also with Prism Book Group. The genre could have been anything I wanted, but of course I picked my long-held favorite — the Regency Romance.

The over-arching theme of this book has to do with injustice turning into blessing. Banished due to a scandal, Charlotte keeps her courage to go on. Not understanding how her current reduced situation is God’s will, she trusts and “does the next thing.”

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There are several reasons to read this novella: It’s fun! Even though the victim of a scandal in society, Charlotte’s lighthearted acceptance provides smiles and chuckles. Then there’s the handsome hero, Hugh (and in true Regency mode, you don’t learn his first name until the very end of the story). Another reason to read is to immerse yourself in a clean, pure romance. And finally, if you like the Regency genre, there’s no reason not to enjoy Charlotte’s Dilemma.

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Interesting writing quirks/ habits while writing this piece? How did these help the story progress or increase your investment in your narrative or characters?

Beginning several chapters with letters written by Charlotte to her mother were enjoyable to write. The letters were a convenient way for the character to vent about her dilemma, while keeping her chin up on a daily basis.

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What is your favorite aspect of this story and why?

I am enamored with stories in which injustice turns into blessing. Banished due to a scandal, Charlotte keeps her courage to go on. Not understanding how her current reduced situation is God’s will, she trusts and “does the next thing.”

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List some (or all) of your previous writing projects or experiences

A Match for Melissa, 2017

A Refuge for Rosanna, 2019

An Escape for Ellie, coming soon

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What projects are you working on now?

My first cozy mystery, The Missing Quilt Mystery, will be published in 2020.

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Include links for your blog, website, etc.

Blog: graciouswoman.wordpress.com

Facebook: Susan Karsten – author

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Thanks again for joining us on my blog, Susan!