Author Interview: The Literary Spotlight with Author Karoline Ettinger
Today, I’m super excited to welcome Karoline Ettinger to The Literary Spotlight! Karoline is not just an author; she’s a storyteller with a mission—to bring light, love, and hope into the lives of her readers, especially young hearts. Her stories resonate on a deeper level, weaving messages of resilience, courage, and positivity that linger long after you’ve turned the final page.
What makes Karoline stand out is her passion for empowering youth through the magic of storytelling. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, her books serve as a comforting reminder that kindness, love, and hope can make all the difference. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming tales or someone looking for inspiration, Karoline’s work has something special for everyone.
In this interview, we’re diving deep into her creative journey. From the spark of an idea to the process of bringing her characters to life, Karoline opens up about what it takes to create stories that truly connect with readers. She’ll share the highs and lows of her writing career, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the inspiration behind her heartfelt narratives.
Get ready for an inside look at the world of Karoline Ettinger—a writer whose words have the power to brighten even the darkest days. I can’t wait for you to hear her story, her advice for aspiring authors, and her take on why storytelling is such a vital part of our lives. Let’s jump right in!
Introduction:
Cyra: Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your writing background? What inspired you to become a writer, and how did your writing journey begin?
Karoline: Hello! My name is Karoline Ettinger, and I am the author of The Kallos Trilogy. I grew up in Southern Arkansas with my parents and older twin brothers, where we spent a lot of time outdoors. My mother is an avid reader, so I get my love for books from her; and my father is a physician, so I would say he helped to inspire the main character as a healer. I also have a medical background as a speech-language pathologist, specializing in brain injury rehabilitation, where I worked primarily in the acute hospital setting. This special population of patients also played a role in shaping this story to be the inclusive tale it is.
Currently, I reside in the Pacific Northwest with my French husband, three daughters (ages 5, 3, and almost 4 months), and girl Yorkie. I have fallen in love with these PNW forests and landscapes. You’ll find a lot of nature and yoga in my books, for these are some of life’s greatest healers in my mind.
I now spend my days homeschooling my children, where their imaginations inspire my creativity daily! I began writing when my oldest daughter turned fourteen months old. My three daughters are the reason I began and continue to write. I want more stories filled with light and love for them to read as they grow. I want more stories of hope, courage, and kind friendships for them to
lean on when they hit those difficult teenage years. Magic surrounds us. I hope as they read these stories, they embrace the beauty surrounding them and remember to believe in the power of their magical hearts. I am passionate about providing our youth with stories of a kinder world, including positive coping strategies, and hope to touch young hearts through the power of words. Our children are our future, and it is an honor to write for them.
Creative Process:
Cyra: Could you share a glimpse into your creative process? How do you approach developing ideas and turning them into stories? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the writing zone?
Karoline: I honestly began writing on a whim. I only had a vision of a story for my daughters to escape into as they grow. I created no outline, nor did I have an idea of where this story was going. I simply wrote from my heart, believing the story needed to be told, and it proved me right! I often joke that I was merely the median for which these characters chose to tell their own stories. With books two and three, I created a clearer vision, having spent so many months with the characters by then, but the story continued to surprise me along the way as I wrote.
As far as getting into a “writing zone”… I am only able to write when my daughters are sleeping or napping, so I often find my focus interrupted midstream. I have to take notes throughout the day as ideas pop into my head. But, I am thankful for the interruptions because the girls keep me present, and this present moment is full of magical inspiration.
Writing Influences:
Cyra: Who are some of your favorite authors or literary influences, and how have they shaped your own writing style? Are there any books or works that have had a profound impact on your writing career?
Karoline: I love Lucinda Riley’s Seven Sisters series. It is beautifully written. Her descriptions take you directly into the story, and she really helps you connect to each character. I also love the cultural aspect of these novels, learning something new with each story I read. They inspired me to include cultural influences in my own trilogy, traveling throughout each book.
My mother read Wise Child and Juniper to me growing up, and those moments of her reading aloud to me are some of my fondest memories. They are probably the reason I adore stories with powerful women and healing herbs.
The Four Agreements and Living Beautifully are two books which greatly influence my thinking and actions in my own life, and you’ll see their teachings subtly highlighted in my trilogy.
And of course, Harry Potter, Hermoine, and Ron were my best friends growing up! They made me fall in love with the idea of magic and mystery.
Challenges & Successes:
Cyra: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your writing career, and how did you overcome them? How do you handle writer’s block or periods of self-doubt? On the flip side, what
achievements are you most proud of (books, projects, etc.) in your journey as an author? Were there any scenes or moments in The Kallos Trilogy that were particularly challenging to write? How did you overcome those hurdles to ensure they resonated with authenticity?
Karoline: The querying process is daunting. I think most authors can agree with that statement! It’s so challenging to take a full novel and condense it into a 300-word enticing blurb and then to keep moving through rejections. The same can be said with writing a synopsis. How do you capture the essence of the story you’ve poured months into at a detailed level in just one to two pages? It’s
difficult, but it’s part of the process.
I think it’s natural to experience waves of self-doubt which hopefully ebb and flow with moments of feeling pride in your work. I often need to remind myself that I wrote this story for myself and for my daughters. I wanted to leave behind a sort of legacy for them to always know my heart on a deeper level, and this trilogy captures a piece of me which will live on forever. It’s important to
remember the intentions behind WHY you wrote your story in the first place and to not get sidetracked by numbers or opinions. This story and these characters won’t be for everyone. Some will love them and some simply won’t resonate with the books. That is totally okay, because I was true to my vision for the story and true to my heart in writing it. Therefore, it is a success because
I finished, and I was brave enough to put it out there for the critical eyes that will surely come. I’m proud of these books and proud of the hope they provide to young readers. If they only touch one or a few hearts, then I have succeeded.
I struggled most with writing from the villain’s perspective. It took quite a bit more pausing and thinking to get into an evil character’s head (compared to the other characters who flowed!). I made my main antagonist complex, and complex I can understand a bit better! No one is purely evil or purely good.
Character Development:
Cyra: How do you develop compelling and relatable characters in your stories? Do you use strategies or exercises to ensure your characters feel authentic, genuine, and three-dimensional? Alina begins her journey at just fifteen, burdened by a prophecy. How did you approach her growth throughout the trilogy, and how does her character evolve in response to the challenges she faces in both her world and herself?
Karoline: For me, the first draft is just getting to know the characters and how they fit in the story. Then, you breathe a little more life into them with each edit. As I write, I think about their background, their personalities, their motivations, etc, and I use this information to better create their dialogue and determine their actions so they match their personality not only superficially but deeply. Character development is fun—diving into so many different personalities keeps a writer on their toes!
Alina never fit in with her family, aside from her grandparents. She grew up not understanding her powers or knowing of her magical background, hiding her special ways from everyone. Upon choosing to follow her destiny into the Kallos, she had much to learn about her family secrets, the importance of forgiveness, and the magnitude of her own magic and purpose. She’s lived a
life of isolation. Her growth not only came in building her confidence in herself to fulfill the prophecies, but also growing in her confidence to navigate a new world and gain strength in leaning on these kind friendships and mentorships. It’s a beautiful story of love, life, and the power of uniting.
Plot/World Building:
Cyra: How do you approach plot building to balance intricate twists and maintain a cohesive storyline when crafting your novels? Can you share any tips for aspiring writers on developing compelling plots? World-building is crucial for many genres, creating immersive settings that feel authentic and integral to the story. How do you go about constructing worlds that feel both fantastical and believable? Can you share your approach to balancing detail and narrative flow when introducing readers to a new world? The world of The Kallos is filled with magic and mystery. Can you share some insights into the magic system you’ve created?
Karoline: Since I am not a plotter, I found my flow and balance through multiple edits. I read the books through chapter by chapter, making sure each scene had a purpose to move the story forward toward the end goal. Every chapter counts. Every conversation, every scene, every word must have a purpose in the story. Don’t underestimate the little mysteries throughout to keep the
reader engaged as they’re awaiting the final reveal.
I always say that the true magic in the Kallos is that it is our world in a deeper dimension. The beauty we see (although intensified by magic) is all around us right here on Earth. It is what our Earth could be if we were kinder inhabitants. And on the flip side, when we learn of the dark fairy Atticus’s world of Skotadi, we see an even deeper dimension which has been obliterated, its lifeforce destroyed through greed. The Kallos is beautiful, magical, and utopic in its balance. It’s this balance that the main characters are fighting to protect.
Oh, the balance is so difficult! I had a lot of characters in this story and introducing them along with the world of the Kallos without feeling bogged down was a challenge. I found reading it back aloud really helped. I took time to determine what information was necessary to the story and what was just a nice detail to know as the author. To help make your characters and world
more realistic, you really must know them on a much deeper level than your readers need to. So, some of the information is just stored in notes or in your mind as the author. It’s not necessarily spelled out in writing for the reader, although they’ll feel the details through your writing. This helps to not over-dump information that could be left out. You can also spread the details of the world out, showing how the world works within the story rather than telling it all at once.
The Kallos is so magical! It is beautiful like Avatar in its colors and detailed intricacies, yet it is simple in its systems, taking us back to a time of living off the land and caring for our earth more than our comfort. There are no motor vehicles. No electricity. No running water. Of course, they can portal, fly, and move at lightning speeds, but much of the magic is in their connection to
self, source, and one another. They respect the balance of life, appreciating nature, the animals, and the magic people equally.
The Kallos has a beautiful magic system, from the powers of healers using energy exchange, healing with touch and intention, and herbal remedies we can use right here on Earth to the powers found in the elves and fairies. There are also the protective animals and the magic beings, such as Bert, our gnome, and Dex, our brownie, who house extreme skills. Much of the power Alina must master involves unlearning that she is not special and relearning the potential she truly possesses. It is a powerful story of courage, growth, and beautiful magic.
Dialogue and Setting:
Cyra: Dialogue can breathe life into a story, especially when intertwined with the setting. How do you use dialogue to enrich your settings and evoke a sense of place? How did you research and recreate your book’s atmosphere, culture, and nuances for your
story? The world of The Kallos feels both magical and immersive. How did you go about crafting the settings for the trilogy, and how do they reflect the emotional journeys of your characters?
Karoline: Dialogue is essential. It’s how you get to know the characters and place them in the story. I want my readers to feel as if they’re saying goodbye to their dearest friends when they complete the last page. As the author, that means I must really know who each character is, including their culture, background, and personality. If I give each character the time and attention they
deserve so that I, the author, know them, then I can create something really special in their dialogue exchanges with one another so the reader can also connect to them on a deeper level. It’s that connection between reader and character that I think is key—where you can feel yourself in the conversations as if you were truly there.
In the Kallos, Alina trains alongside nine magical mates, including other healers, fairies, and elves. Each trainee is from a different country, and they travel as a group throughout the books to train in each other’s lands. We not only learn about the magic system of the Kallos and the magic within each specific group, but we also get to immerse ourselves into the different cultures of these wonderful characters. On top of the cultural differences, people with disabilities are also represented in the trilogy, and they are some of my strongest characters. I enjoyed researching through books, YouTube videos, documentaries, following advocates on social media, etc., and I hope I did them justice in capturing some of the special aspects that make them stand out. Again, the Kallos is a land without modernization (although its wisdom is exceptionally advanced), so it was research done mainly to gain a sense of the heart of the people in question. Their foods, their customs, their general vibe, their strategies for success. This world we live in is stunning and the people in it are worth getting to know!
Creative Inspiration:
Cyra: Where do you find inspiration for your stories? Are there any specific themes or topics you enjoy exploring in your writing? Did your personal experiences change the way you approach creating characters and storylines?
Karoline:One hundred percent, my personal experience changed how I approached creating these characters and this storyline. As I stated earlier, I wrote this story for my daughters, so that when they hit those difficult teenage years, they would lean on these kind friendships and rediscover the beauty in living. I hope they feel what kind, loyal friendships should look like through these
stories, and that they value themselves and their hearts and intentions more from the strength found in each character. They are currently 5, 3, and almost 4 months, and they continue to inspire me daily. Seeing the world through their eyes truly opens up my own perspective to the magic surrounding us! They notice the details. They live in the moment. No phones. No pictures.
Just playing and being PRESENT. Me being present with them really helped me see a little more beauty in each day and made me more grateful for the little treasures in life. I’m so thankful for all my daughters have taught me.
Editing & Revision:
Cyra: How important is a writer’s editing and revision process? Please share your approach to editing your work. Do you have any suggestions for writers to improve their attention to detail and editing skills?
Karoline: I completed so many edits! Editing is crucial. First drafts are just getting my ideas on paper. Second, third, fourth drafts (cons of being a pantser!)… that is where the magic happens! These edits and rewrites are where I add in the details, the beauty, and the immersive experience for my reader line by line. Reading aloud helped me catch many errors, and taking highlight notes on what’s happening in each chapter helped me keep the flow fluid.
Social Media & Reader Engagement:
Cyra: What strategies do you recommend for connecting authentically with readers through platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram, and how has engaging with readers on these platforms influenced your approach to writing and book promotion? How has this platform impacted your relationship with your readers and your approach to writing? What’s been the most rewarding aspect of connecting with your readers through social media?
Karoline: It’s so encouraging to receive a message from a reader who connected to your story and characters! It makes the struggles of writing completely worth it! I have asked many readers who their favorite character is after reading my trilogy, and I have received seven different character responses! This, to me, is incredible, because it made me believe there is a character for most readers. The Kallos Trilogy is inclusive and loving, and it was my goal to create a safe space for all readers to escape into. I wouldn’t know that I accomplished this without social media making these conversations possible! On the flip side, I love reaching out to indie authors who I’ve read, telling them how incredible I found their story and hopefully empowering them to continue with
their writing dreams.
Also, I think it’s special that your readers can gain a sense of who you are and what you stand for through your pages. I hope my readers can follow my journey and know a little bit more about me as a mother, wife, yogi, nature lover, and cheerleader for kindness and others through my posts!
Personal Insights & Reflections:
Cyra: Beyond writing, how do you balance your personal life with your career as a successful author? What does success mean to you as an author, and how do you define and measure it? What is the most rewarding and fulfilling aspect of being an author for you?
Karoline: It’s difficult. For me, my job as a mother and wife is priority and writing takes a back seat. I know this time with my children being young is fleeting, so I am cherishing it while they are little. There will be more time for writing later, but for now, I write when they nap or after they fall asleep at night. That being said, I can’t completely put it on the backburner. Although my professional time is limited, it is important for me to carve out some time for writing because writing fills my cup of positive energy. It is my passion.
I have always said and continue to believe that if my words touch one life in a positive way, then I have succeeded. I believe it has done that, and that will forever be my intention with each project I create: to touch one life. In thinking this way, I keep my intentions pure, and hopefully, it will touch many more hearts for this reason.
Advice for Budding Writers:
Cyra: What advice would you give aspiring authors just starting their writing journey? How do you handle rejection and criticism in the publishing world and literature?
Karoline: Rejection is inevitable. Whether it be from agents or publishing houses or even after publishing from readers. There will be readers who adore your stories and readers who do not connect with them at all, and that is okay! Stay true to YOU, let your heart guide your writing, and your words will reach the readers who need them most.
Impact and Connection:
Cyra: You describe your work as a mix of light, love, and hope, often touching young hearts through powerful stories. How do you balance suspense with these uplifting themes, and what do you hope readers will take away from the journeys of your
characters?
Cyra: The suspense comes from the battle between good verses evil. Darkness surrounds these characters, building in strength and numbers in their realm and threatening all they hold dear. The characters must face their own insecurities in order to defeat it, working alone and uniting together to overcome the darkness and protect the balance in the Kallos. I hope readers take away
a sense of hope for a kinder world after reading these stories. I hope they better understand the power of love and the importance of working together with loyal friends to overcome evil. And I hope they just enjoy escaping into a magical world where the characters become your best friends while reading. Our world needs a little more light and kindness in it.
Personal Touch:
Cyra: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that readers might not know? Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of writing that influence your stories? If you follow my socials, you already know I am a nature lover and a yogi! You see both of these
strongly in my writing. Reading these stories is like taking a long, adventurous hike in the most magical places on Earth! You also see yoga and meditation mentioned throughout as a positive coping mechanism for Alina (our main character) handling her stress and recentering in the chaos.
Gratitude:
Cyra: Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans who have supported you throughout your career? Do you have any final thoughts or messages you’d like to leave with aspiring authors or your readers?
Karoline: I am so thankful for every person who reads these stories or suggests them to friends or family members! I know it is a commitment to purchase a book (although book one is free on Kindle and E-books!) and spend your valuable time reading my stories, so I am forever grateful for those who have taken a chance on my books. I also want to thank the parents and adults who have purchased my books for their children or young friends/family members to read. Thank you for trusting my words with your younger loved ones! As a mother, you can feel confident that this trilogy is safe for children, which was one of my strongest motivations for writing them in the first place.
Community and Networking:
Cyra: How can readers stay connected with you and keep up with your latest work?
Karoline: I am on Instagram and TikTok Karolines.quill and Twitter/X Karolines_quill as well as on Facebook Karoline Ettinger – Author Page. You can follow my journey and life through these apps or find completed projects on my website Karoline-ettinger.com. I’d love to connect with you all and share in our love of books! If you read this trilogy, please reach out and let me know what you
think!
Favorite Quote:
Cyra: What’s your favorite quote that keeps you going?
Karoline: Oh, how to choose? I will list a few which have touched me throughout my life below.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandi
“The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.” – Rumi
“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” – Henry Van Dyke
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be
felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller
“In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” – Anne Frank
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Future Projects:
Cyra: Could you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or books you’re currently working on? Is there anything else you want to share?
Karoline: Oh, I’d love to! Although my writing is slow with a newborn, I do have a novel started with notes on where it is going. It is an adult fantasy from the mother of the “chosen one’s” perspective. It is the spiritual, magic world against the machine world, although the good and bad are rather gray. I am a pantser not a planner so I merely have a rough idea of the storyline, but I expect the plot to explode once I really take the time to sit down and place fingers to keys. It’ll be fantastic!
