Hmm…. Don’t read too much into the Friday the 13th and Karen White. There was nothing scary about meeting her!

Karen White stopped by Lemuria Books to sign and read from her latest book, Sea Change. But as 2 ladies (Terri and Stacy) found out, Karen was gracious enough to sign all the books they had to have signed. Karen White  appreciates fans!

It was a nice book signing, a small group of ladies eager to meet Karen and hear tidbits about past books and upcoming books. One man even stopped by for a minute to get a book signed for his significant other- now that’s love!
Karen White also had family stop by to support her- which was lovely. We heard stories of inspiration from characters in her books- it seems some family members play a role in the inspiration of characters, which made for a nice little chat about where writers draw inspiration.

Other tidbits that Karen told us: Sea Change debuted at #12 on the New York Times (NYT) list. Her first book to make the NYT was Beach Trees. Another interesting tidbit about Karen’s writing- Sea Change is the first book where the main character has brothers, the other books are either only children or sisters.

When asked if there was any interest in her books to be made to movies, Karen told the group “the odds of getting a book made into a movie are very slim, but there has been interest.” Another audience member asked Karen “Where does she get ideas?” Karen’s response- ” always has a stewpot going on in back of her head (even though she’s not a cook!) and that the best ideas come when she’s not thinking of the book.” Karen also informed the audience that she likes to write about “multi-generational family stories- a grandma or a grandmother figure, a mom, and daughter.” Another question was asked as why did she like to write about the coast- her reply was ” she likes to write about storms, not just physical storms, though; sometimes internal storms.” Karen says when writing she “always starts with the main character and her conflict and the rest comes together” (when she said this, she reminded me of Susan Gregg Gilmore- she said something in a similar vein at the Booktopia event about her writing- I wonder if that is a trait of Southern writers?)

Good news if you are a Karen White fan- After the Rain (sequel to Falling Home) will be released in the next few months. Also, Karen’s first hardcover book will be released in June 2013.

Check back later for reviews of Sea Change and Falling Home– the 2 books I purchased and had signed by Karen White.