Inside Publishing: Karen Grose on Social Issues, Storytelling & Thrills with Purpose

Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Karen Grose for our Inside Publishing series. Karen is a writer of thrillers and mysteries with a strong social conscience. With a background in education and as an exec at TVO, she believes in storytelling that entertains while addressing important issues. Her debut, The Dime Box, explores domestic violence, adoption, and family; Flat Out Lies examines recidivism; and her upcoming novel, All June Left Behind, tackles loss, grief, and ageism. Welcome, Karen.

How important is it for authors to take a stance on social or political issues in their work?

Karen Grose: “I write thrillers and mysteries, with a social conscience. As a former educator and exec at TVO, I believe writing should be entertaining yet should also illuminate social issues with the intent to make the world a better place.

“The Dime Box includes themes of domestic violence, marginalization, adoption, and how society defines family. Flat Out Lies touches on the issue of recidivism. All June Left Behind is a springboard to conversations about loss, grief, managing life transitions, love, and ageism.”

Karen Grose ‘All June Left Behind’ book cover

What’s the biggest challenge authors face when transitioning from local recognition to a global audience?

“As a new Canadian author, I hope to answer this question one day! The only experience I’ve had with a global audience was after Sharp Point Press bought The Dime Box and released the novel internationally in Chinese. It was a remarkable experience to work with a traditional publisher in Asia. I will be forever grateful to fellow author Tymo Lin and the Crime Writers of Taiwan, who guided and supported me through the entire process.”

How do you see the relationship between established authors and emerging voices evolving in today’s publishing landscape?

“I’ve been fortunate to connect with established authors online and at book events. I’ve been amazed by how generous they are with sharing tips and advice. The publishing landscape is complex, and I appreciate their guidance and words of wisdom.”

What’s the most valuable long-term professional relationship you’ve built in your career, and how did you maintain it? What advice would you offer for cultivating lasting relationships in the literary world?

“Relationships are the foundation of success. Though I nurture many, I’ll share three examples and explain the benefits.

“The first is to find a writing group to work and learn alongside. Writing can be myopic, and the insight of a writing group helps to develop craft. Yet it’s so much more than that. A writing group provides motivation, accountability, and a place to cheer each other on and to celebrate each other’s success.

“The second relationship is with an editor. When someone with an editor’s depth of expertise tells you where a novel is strong and where it falls down, it can only get better. I believe every story needs an editor, and a great editor makes every great story better.

“The third relationship is with readers. I respond to every comment that pops up on my website, and I love attending book clubs. It’s a privilege to engage with readers. Their insights are remarkable, and I’m grateful when they recommend my novels to others.”

Karen Grose

The publishing industry is known for its fast pace. How do you deal with burnout, and what advice would you give to newer authors struggling with it?

“In today’s fast-paced world, life-work balance is tough for everybody. Self-care is critical. Whether it be reflection, meditation, getting enough sleep, exercising, healthy eating, or making time for friends and family, all are important for long-term health, happiness and stress management.

“For writers, it’s the same. Some days I struggle with that balance. If I’m deep into a scene and time flies by, I may not eat as well as I should or forfeit exercise. To combat burnout, I’ve been more mindful about taking breaks and scheduling sports and social activities to ensure I’m active and present with people other than the imaginary characters in my head.”

What technological advancements do you think authors should embrace to stay ahead in the industry?

“Technology has revolutionized opportunity for writers. There are so many online communities where writers can connect, ask questions, and work and learn together. Technology has also expanded publishing options, and I’m deeply respectful of every writer’s choice. Whether writers self-publish, go indie, hybrid, or publish traditionally, I’m in awe of the amazing artistic talent out there.”

How has the role of traditional media in promoting new authors changed over the years? Is it still relevant?

“I have huge respect for journalists who work relentlessly to bring us local, national and international news. Like every sector, media is going through disruption. This makes it difficult to find space for book reviews, especially for new authors. In the void, influencers have taken on a new role by posting on social media. They certainly have the power to showcase their love for books and influence readers around the globe.”

Karen Grose ‘The Dime Box’ book cover

Do you think authors today need a deeper understanding of data analytics to succeed, or can they still rely on pure storytelling?

“In today’s landscape, writers need to focus on craft and understand the business of writing. I am not suggesting writing to trends as they can change on a whim, and I believe storytelling is central to our role. Yet the two go hand-in-hand to shape success. Data informs decision-making in the competitive world of publishing. Data analytics can help writers identify an audience, determine which platforms are most effective to reaching their target audience, refine marketing strategies, and optimize SEO.”

Do you believe the resurgence of physical books, like vinyl, is a passing trend or a permanent shift in consumer behaviour?

“I hope this resurgence becomes permanent. Millennials and book clubs that I’ve interacted with say they still prefer a physical book because turning pages enhances their reading experience, making it more immersive, and they like to build a physical library. It’s interesting to note that research suggests reading a printed book leads to higher comprehension and greater retention.”

What do you think will be the most significant shift in book consumption over the next decade?

“Though I don’t have a crystal ball, the uptick in readers accessing ebooks and audiobooks over the past few years has been notable. So too has the number of traditional publishers prioritizing digital-first publishing strategies as a business model. Though this trend appears to be slowing due to the resurgence of print books, I still worry about the digital divide and equal access to books, as well as the rise of AI in writing.”