Karen Harrington's novel, Janeology, is a controversial work about a man trying to understand why his wife suddenly snapped and drowned their toddler son. This psychological thriller was just released by Kunati Books. In the short time Kunati has been on the publishing scene, it has become known as a company with a taste for controversial subjects. In this interview, Karen talks about her inspiration for the book, her writing habits, and a few other things of interest to writers.
When did you decide you wanted to become an author? Do you have another job besides writing?
It was a dark and stormy night. No? Well, I wish it had been. It wasn’t that mysterious when I decided to write. I really can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing stories or making up plays with my siblings. And I’ve always been fortunate to write for a living. Most of my corporate gigs – from receptionist to speechwriter – involved lots of written communications. Besides writing, I am a full-time domestic diva. 
Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
Janeology is about one man’s struggle to understand why his wife Jane suddenly snapped and drowned their toddler son. The story revolves around Jane’s genetic inheritance and nature and nurture in a search for clues about who she really is.
Two things really jump-started the writing of Janeology. First, I have a passion for genealogy, mostly because I never knew any of my grandparents. I had their pictures and many of their belongings. All my life, I looked at these things and thought, “What if these pictures could talk? What if this necklace could tell me something about my grandmother?” So I wanted to write about a character from the perspective of her genealogy.
Article comments
1 - Janet Riehl
Karen,
I love how you describe your process. It's a case of building, somewhat intuitively, yet with direction. With your background of hit the desk writing from your speech writing days, I can see how this combination worked for you: directed, disciplined intuition. I'm glad you shared this approach, because I believe it's one writers need affirmed...to combine both sides of our talents.
Janet Riehl
2 - JM
Excellent interview. It's interesting to hear from an author who doesn't believe in writer's block. :)
3 - karen harrington
JM,
Thanks for your comments. I really don't believe in writer's block. But I suppose I should qualify that statement by adding, I personally have never experienced it. I've certainly experienced writer's frustration. Then I realize it's my desire to make a first draft perfect. Ha! Has that ever happened? Legend has it Jack Kerouac did that with On The Road, but who really knows.
Best,
Karen Harrington
4 - Andrew Jalbert
Nice interview Karen. I recently ordered the book and can't wait to jump in!
Andy Jalbert
5 - Margay
Karen, great interview, as always. What a great tour you're having!