Meet Karen E. Osborne | Fiction Writer of Suspense and Mysteries

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen E. Osborne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve wanted to write all my life. A busy career in higher education and then as an international consultant and speaker sidelined that dream. But it never left me. A voracious reader and lover of movies, I felt the pull to write with each book I read, each story that unfolded on the big screen. Storytelling is a powerful force. It helps us give testimony, inspire others to think differently, and brings us together. I love being part of the writing community. I love being a writer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My first novel — Getting It Right — had the gestation life of a pregnant mama elephant. Whew. I had so much to learn but my protagonists, half-sisters Alex and Kara, demanded I not give up. They wanted their story told. Essence Magazine labeled it a summer best read the year it came out.

Tangled Lies, an award winning and Amazon Kindle bestseller murder mystery, released last year. It also featured two protagonists — 70 year-old Vera and 25 year-old Dani. They team up to solve the murder of Vera’s grown son. It was fun to write. I’m not an outliner but with a mystery you have to be clear about the how, who, why, and when of the murder. I love growing as an author. This year’s novel — Reckonings — was released in June. It’s more in line with my first book — a suspense, page-turning, family saga. And my first Audible book.

There were many challenges writing my first and third novels because they incorporate tough subject matter. Rape, incest, #MeToo — all ripped from my own life. I find writing therapeutic. I was a victim as a child and teenager, then a survivor, and now, for many years, a thriver. I thank God for all who helped me heal.

I’m also grateful for the perseverance and grit it takes to keep going. To face the computer every day and write. Writers write. And finish. Seeing my three books all lined up on my bookshelf keeps me humble and grateful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

We’d start with a planning lunch at the Meating House in Tradition, Port Saint Lucie. There we’d sit on the spacious deck overlooking the lake and enjoy a lovely meal and glass of wine while we mapped out our week.

Next stop is Hutchinson Island. The beaches, restaurants, and parks are great. A day at Jensen Beach, lunch at Kyle G on the water or maybe at Shuckers and watch the waves. Walk the beach in the cool of the evening.

The next day, we’d bop down to West Palm Beach and see a play at Dramaworks. It’s a beautiful community theater. I had it in mind as I created the theater in my novel Reckonings. Dinner at Pistache Bistro sitting outside enjoying the activities around us. The next day we’d take in a show at the Kravis Center.

Then we’re off to Delray. Lots of places to eat and shop. I’d be sure to check out The Delray Beach Public Library. They are always hosting amazing reading and author events.

We’d end our week in South Beach, enjoying the sand and sun, array of restaurants, and the dynamic human show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people helped me along the way. First and foremost, I thank God. I’m grateful to Gotham Writers Workshop for helping me learn my craft, for Akashic Books for giving me a chance, for Black Rose Writing for believing in novels two and three — Tangled Lies and Reckonings. My family has also been supportive — husband of 54 years Robert and son Bob have helped me above and beyond. The South Florida writing community is also special. That’s why I started my Zoom show — What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing?  To give back and pay it forward by helping and supporting my fellow creatives. https://www.kareneosborne.com/blog-1

Website: https://www.kareneosborne.com/

Instagram: WriterKarenEOsborne

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-e-osborne-6406939/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kareneosborne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Karen-E-Osborne-Author/100064046949068/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN9Sxl3l-eGsVh4N13q66GA