“The Lady on Esplanade is about ghosts, grief, and flipping murder houses.” — Karen White
In her third appearance on Uncorking a Story, bestselling author Karen White uncorks the story behind her 37th novel, The Lady on Esplanade. From her unexpected start in writing—sparked by Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series—to her reflections on the evolving publishing landscape, Karen shares insights into her creative process, her beloved characters, and the importance of community in a writer’s life. Plus, she gives us a peek into her latest ghost-filled mystery set in New Orleans, where murder houses and restless spirits collide.
Karen’s writing journey began unexpectedly after reading Outlander and entering a contest judged by Diana Gabaldon, which launched her career. The Lady on Esplanade is the third book in a spin-off series from her beloved Tradd Street novels, featuring fan-favorite character Nola Trenum. The novel blends mystery, ghostly encounters, and emotional depth, as Nola and her nemesis Bo flip a haunted murder house in New Orleans. Karen reflects on the challenges of modern publishing, including the pressure for authors to be influencers and entertainers. She emphasizes the importance of writing community and friendships with fellow authors like Lauren Willig and Beatriz Williams. Karen shares personal stories about her dog Sophie, life after loss, and the joys and challenges of being a pet parent.
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