Blazing Upheaval by Karen Charles @karenra24229683 @pumpupyourbook

1. How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

I have written four books that have been published. Blazing Upheaval is my favorite.

2. How do you develop your plot and characters?

To develop my book’s plot and characters, I follow a multifaceted approach:

1. Draw from Real-life Experiences: My book is deeply rooted in my personal experiences as a teacher during significant events like the Rodney King riots and the Northridge earthquake. I use these events as a backdrop, which provides an authentic and compelling setting.

2. Focus on Themes and Messages: I start by identifying the core themes and messages I want to convey. For my book, the themes of resilience, community, and healing are central. This helps in guiding the plot and character development.

3. Character Arcs: I create detailed backstories for my characters, ensuring they have distinct personalities, motivations, and growth arcs. For instance, Tiffany, a character inspired by real-life experiences, evolves as she introduces drumming as a therapeutic tool in her classroom.

4. Plot Structure: I outline the plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This includes key events that drive the story forward and pivotal moments that challenge the characters, allowing them to grow and change. The integration of drumming as a healing tool is a significant plot point that brings the school community together.

5. Dialogue and Interaction: I develop characters through their interactions and dialogue. This helps to reveal their personalities, relationships, and the dynamics within the school environment. The way students and teachers respond to drumming sessions is a vital part of showing character development and the impact of collective healing.

6. Emotional and Psychological Depth: I ensure my characters have emotional and psychological depth by exploring their fears, hopes, and coping mechanisms. This is particularly important in a story set against the backdrop of traumatic events.

7. Iterative Process: Writing is an iterative process. I constantly revise and refine the plot and characters, incorporating feedback and new ideas. This helps in creating a cohesive and engaging narrative.

By combining real-life experiences, thematic focus, and detailed character development, I strive to create a compelling and relatable story that resonates with readers.

3. What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

My writing space is a comfortable couch by the window where I have good lighting. Next to me will be my phone, pens, notebook, and laptop. I usually write in the winter so I cozy up in a blanket with coffee and snacks. 

4. How did you come up with the title of your book?

Blazing represents the Rodney King riots. Upheaval represents the Northridge earthquake.

5. If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?

Sheila Roberts

With more than fifty books to her name, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller – and a fan favorite. Her Christmas perennial “On Strike for Christmas” was made into a movie for the Lifetime Channel and her novel “The Nine Lives of Christmas” was made into a movie for Hallmark. Hallmark also made a sequel, titled “The Nine Kittens of Christmas.” Her most recent novel to hit the small screen was “Christmas on Candy Cane Lane,” which aired on the Great American Family Channel in 2022. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in a band. When she’s not traveling, she splits her time between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California.