Karen Randau began writing in elementary school, and most of her major life events have been processed in prose. She earned a degree in journalism/public relations from the University of Texas at Austin and, subsequently, her career took a number of turns into high tech, mental health, and non-profit. She brings her unique experiences in those fields to her writing.

Her debut novel, Deadly Deceit, was the first book in the Rim Country Mystery series. Three more series followed. Her latest book, From Chaos, released in March.

Karen resides in the mountains of Arizona.

 

If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?

Steady. I’m a very even-keeled person, and I keep pushing forward despite setbacks or lack of motivation. I do have ups and downs emotionally, but they aren’t extreme.

The Author and Creator of our lives often writes in a twist that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?

I had a difficult divorce many years ago that left me feeling like my life was over. The depression was intense, but once I was able to get out of bed, I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. By calling out to God, I came to realize that He hadn’t left me, and all I had to do was rely on Him to heal emotionally, to forgive my ex-spouse, and to get back into the game of life. I grew more spiritually than I ever had before. My life is better than it would have been had that marriage not ended. I have a son I never would have had, and he has blessed me with a grandchild. I found love again, to someone who has remained loyal and is as steadfast as I am. I discovered talents that were dormant with the chaos of my previous life.

Let’s talk about your new book, From Chaos (Independently Published, March 2023). Please tell us about it.

From Chaos is Book Two in my Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series set in rural Oklahoma. Kelsey White was the victim in Book One, Into the Fog, and From Chaos tells her story. She fled her ex-husband’s family with too many dangerous secrets to share.

Gregorio Moreno shields his broken heart with an adrenalin-filled lifestyle and shallow relationships. The second he lays eyes on Kelsey in Book One, he begins cleaning up his act for her. Because of his reputation, she’ll only see him in groups of friends. He finally lands a solo date with her, and they witness an execution-style murder. The killers see them, and they’re now on the run through the Oklahoma wilderness. To survive their ordeal, they must face their fears, flaws, secrets, and the lies they tell themselves.

God often uses our stories to teach us something. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?

Faith takes different forms for different people, and sometimes the trials we think God is putting us through are actually us not listening to God or not accepting the blessings God has put in our path.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

I used to think it was chocolate because that’s what I always gravitated toward when I was stressed. Then I felt guilty, so how can that be comfort? I went to lunch with a friend on a particularly stressful day, and I ordered an egg salad sandwich. She told me that was what I typically ordered when I felt stressed. I think eggs are my ultimate comfort food. They just make me feel good inside.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I’m probably the mysterious woman behind the dark glasses. As an introvert, I like to blend in, listen, and assess. People have told me that my tendency to stay quiet until I have something important to say makes me seem smart and mysterious. However, if the situation calls for it, I’ll become the strong, female lead.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

My most recent pet was a schnoodle. He died at age seventeen, so we were able to love him for a long time, but it was hard to let him go. He was smart, sweet, and fun. As a young dog, he loved to play chase. A time or two, he actually jumped over the couch and landed on the other side in a full run. He also liked to play tug of war. He’d hang on to his end of the rope even when my son wrapped it over his shoulder and walked around with Ranger hanging down his back. He was a great part of our family.

Thanks, Karen. It’s nice to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.

My pleasure. Thanks.

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For more information about Karen, visit her website and/or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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