Interview with Karen Katchur, author of The Sisters of Blue Mountain

What can you tell us about your new release, The Sisters of Blue Mountain?

In The Sisters of Blue Mountain, I explore the relationship between two sisters who were once as close as they could be, and how a tragic event, one bad decision, tears them apart. I wanted to find out whether or not the sisters could find their way back to each other when they’re tossed into the middle of a murder investigation.

Who or what inspired you to become an author?

Several years ago I was watching Oprah’s book club discuss the novel, While I Was Gone, by Sue Miller. The audience was divided about the actions of the main character to the point where an argument broke out. As the discussion continued, it became more and more heated, and I remember thinking, I want to do that. I want to write a story so real where readers feel so passionately about a character(s) that they’re willing to argue about it.

It wasn’t until a couple of years later that I sat down to write my first novel, but I never forgot that Oprah show or the author.

Name a book that you feel has impacted your life significantly. Why was it so impactful?

I can’t pinpoint one book in particular that impacted my life. I think I’ve taken away something from every book I’ve ever read, good or bad or somewhere in between. Reading has always been an escape for me, and it’s still my favorite form of entertainment.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I’m not sure there is a typical day when you have two teenage daughters! But if all goes as planned, once they’re off to school, I spend an hour or so running, walking or weight training. During that time, I’m usually thinking about whatever I’m working on that day. After that I spend a few hours at my computer writing/working. Once school lets out, I’m back to being mom.

What’s in your Netflix queue?

I just finished watching the documentary series, Killer In The Family, for research on my next project. And I’m most excited about the return of Strangers Things.

What scene in The Sisters of Blue Mountain was your favorite to write?

I love writing fight scenes! It can be either physical or verbal fighting, but I love to write that kind of tension. There’s a scene in the book where the older sister throws dead fish (winterkill) at a journalist. Although the scene is meant to be full of tension, it was fun to write.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

“She believed she could, so she did.” ~author unknown

Karen Katchur is the author of the new book The Sisters of Blue Mountain. 

Connect with Karen:
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