I’m pleased to reintroduce my Interview with a Poet/Author Series for 2018-2019 with an interview with a very special Canadian guest: psychological thriller and urban fantasy author Kelly Charron.
Kelly Charron is the author of YA and adult psychological thrillers and urban fantasy novels. All of her novels have gritty, murderous inclinations and moderate amounts of humor. She spends far too much time consuming true crime television (and chocolate) while trying to decide if yes, it was the husband, with the wrench, in the library. Kelly has degrees in English Literature and Social Work. She has worked as a hairstylist, youth outreach worker and education assistant. She lives with her husband and cat, Moo Moo, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
You write both urban fantasy and psychological thrillers. How did you get into those genres and why do you like them?
It was a natural progression for me actually. I think authors write what they’re interested in and what naturally appeals to them. I’ve always been drawn to dark subjects that deal a lot with the human condition and psychology. I love exploring what motivates people and how they react under pressure and danger. Since I can remember I have watched and read thrillers, horror and suspense. I love unraveling mysteries.
The first book I wrote was a YA urban fantasy, but even though it wasn’t a thriller, it had a lot of darkness, secrets and death. The psychological thrillers I’ve written allow me to delve even farther into these areas, but I have a lot of fun switching between genres. I think doing so allows me to rest my imagination for that genre and I’m stronger with more inspired ideas when I come back to it.
We have being Canadian authors in common. What are some of your favourite things about Canada?
We do! What don’t I love? I’ve traveled a bit and always want to come home. Canada is such a beautiful and accepting country. The people really care about one another and I think we have a great sense of humor. Look at all the incredible comics and comedic actors that come from here. I live in British Columbia and it’s so stunning. The mountains, water, and forests are remarkable. You can literally go snowboarding and skiing in May and then wear shorts and a t-shirt to hike.
Do you think it’s harder or easier to be a novelist today than say, 20 years ago,
and why? What are some pros, and some of the cons?
Tricky question. I think it’s easier now in terms of getting your novels in front of readers. In the past, you had to get past the gatekeepers of literary agent, editor and ultimately the publishing house. Besides what was referred to as vanity presses, there weren’t other ways to see your book out in the world. Self-publishing has obviously changed the game entirely and while there are many perks that go along with that, there are some down sides. I’d say there’s a mixture in the quality of books out there now because of the lack of said gatekeepers. Some self-published works go out without editing, proof reading or revisions, however I’d say that overall, the people who are willing to sit down and complete a full manuscript are dedicated and want to make sure the book they put out is to the best of their ability.
Another downside of this is that discoverability is harder than ever. Over 1.5 million books were published in 2017 alone. That is in addition to all the other books that already exist, so you can imagine how difficult it can be to have people find your novels. Overall, I wouldn’t change it though, because it allows all authors to have a voice. My goal is to be a hybrid author, with both self-published and traditionally published novels, that way is the best of both worlds.
What’s your most recent book about and why do you think people should pick it up?
Kelly: My most recent novel is titled, WICKED FALLOUT. It follows a woman named Ryann who has been in prison for twelve years for killing multiple people when she was fifteen. After she has exhausted all of her appeals and believes she’ll die in prison, new evidence comes to light and her case gets new life under a prestigious legal team who enlist the help of a forensic psychiatrist. Dr. Clafin had the arduous task to evaluate Ryann to help determine if she should be set free or remain behind bars forever.
People should pick this book up because it is so much fun! It’s a true psychological suspense that has so many twists and turns that you won’t know what to think from chapter to chapter. Reviewers have likened the cat and mouse game between my main characters to the one between Dr. Lector and Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs films.
That sounds so cool and like something I wouldn’t be able to put down. I’m picking it up for my August TBR list! What are your hobbies besides writing?
I love hiking in the woods all around the Lower Mainland. I read as much as possible and love to paint, though I barely do because I always tell myself I should be writing. Does being addicted to Netflix count as a hobby?
Yes! It does, because I’m right there with you! If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would your ideal day be?
Easy! I would hop on a plane and fly to Salem, MA on Halloween day to tour the city. So much of my fantasy novels (because they are filled with magic and witches) are centered around Salem and Danvers. I would walk everywhere, hang out in the old cemeteries and shop in the all the stores for creepy antiques and then watch everyone dressed up in their costumes and eat too much candy.
Thank you so much for the great interview! This was so much fun.
Anytime, Kelly! Let’s tell everyone a bit more about your recent releases:
A small Colorado town. An opportunity for murder.
Ryann has been raised in a strict house by her perfectionist detective father and docile mother. She plays by the rules, doing what her parents ask, getting straight As, cheering at Friday night football games, and is the voice of reason for her eclectic group of friends.
But she’s done following the rules.
Ryann’s been a good girl for far too long. She’s suppressed her dark longings to make everyone else happy.
It’s time to make herself happy—to become the person she’s always wanted to be. Unfortunately, that means a few people are going to have to die.
Her sequel, which can be read as a standalone or as part of the Wicked series, WICKED FALLOUT picks up with the main character, Ryann Wilkanson, twelve years later.
A killer’s last chance at freedom. A psychiatrist’s final decision.
Convicted of six murders when she was just fifteen, the notorious Ryann Wilkanson hasn’t been able to act on her darkest, deadliest urges for twelve years. She’s exhausted her appeals and has little hope of ever getting out of prison and back to hunting.
Until a media-hungry legal team mounts a campaign to do the impossible—get her immediately released with a commuted sentence.
Forensic psychiatrist Nancy Clafin has mere weeks to evaluate Ryann’s current mental state against her grisly past to determine if she’s changed. But under the shadow of her own questionable history, it’s not easy to separate her personal life from her professional duty.
At least that’s what Ryann is counting on.
Behind the cold steel doors of a Colorado maximum-security prison, will Nancy find a cold-blooded killer or a newly redeemed woman determined to right her past wrongs?
Connect with Kelly:
Website: http://kellycharron.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyMCharron
Facebook: https://goo.gl/UNkH3g
Goodreads: https://goo.gl/rf4NlM
Pretty Wicked https://goo.gl/EP2GQ8
Wicked Fallout https://t.co/M8QBtxyhME
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Heather Grace Stewart 