Talking about her unconventional path into writing is the North East author Karen Crear with her upcoming book for the Teapots & Tequila Shorts series
Caroline Dask
Journalist at Luxe
It was a late Wednesday afternoon when I received an email from Karen and it struck me as one of the most heartfelt emails I have read in a while.
It started with Karen explaining the nature of her uplifting, laugh-out-loud northern women’s fiction novels that focus on strong and resilient women in their 30s, 40s and older. Karen felt that older women were not given a voice in fiction and filling that gap was especially important to the author.
In addition to that, two-thirds of all proceeds from Karen’s book sales go to charities that are especially close to her heart – Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Epilepsy Society and Women’s Aid.
And lastly, it was the mention of the reason Karen started writing that really captivated me. Done in a time filled with dark clouds, uncertainty and the fear of leaving the world without a chance to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming an author, she is on a path to write, inspire and bring a smile to her reader’s faces.
Karen, could you tell me what inspired you to start writing?
I’ve always enjoyed writing, even as a child, creating little stories in school. However, as I got older, it seemed uncool, so I set it aside. I entered the corporate world, often wishing I’d chosen a different path, but life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.
In 2022, after a particularly tough time for my family, my twin sister Coleen and I had the first initial thought of writing a book about our experience. We hired a ghostwriter, but his work was awful and didn’t capture our voice. Frustrated, he challenged me to write it myself.
At the time, I was bedridden due to a slipped disc, so with my laptop on my chest, I decided to give it a go. Having faced two cancer diagnoses, nothing seemed as scary as that, so I felt determined. We had a tight deadline because of an upcoming podcast on BBC Sounds, so I wrote ‘Playing With Fire’ in three months, expecting to sell maybe 50 copies.
To my surprise, it did really well, giving me the confidence to pursue my lifelong dream of writing fiction and start my Teapots & Tequila Shots series. It’s funny how life’s ups and downs can lead you to where you’re meant to be. It took me until my late 40s to follow my passion, but here I am.
Can you share more about how your personal experiences influenced your writing style and the themes you explore in your books?
My books, two in the series so far, fall under women’s fiction. I wanted to write about what I know: middle-aged women navigating daily life with its ups and downs. I focus on humour because finding laughter in everyday life makes it more bearable. I’m known for my humour among friends, and I love making people laugh.
I aim to represent middle-aged women, who I feel are often overlooked in literature. We’re still the same people, with the same zest for life, and I wanted to give that voice to older women. My ultimate goal is to make readers laugh and feel seen.
Could you give me a little brief of your books ‘The Reinvention of Lottie Potts’ and ‘Lila Glover Wants a Lover’?
The Reinvention of Lottie Potts is the first book in the Teapots and Tequila Shots series. It follows Lottie, a part-time shop worker and a mum, stuck in an unhappy marriage with a misogynistic husband. When she discovers his affair, she decides to reinvent herself with the support of friends and a new love interest. The story emphasises self-love and respect, showing that happiness isn’t about weight loss but about embracing who you are.
Lila Glover Wants a Lover features Lottie’s best friend, Lila, a corporate woman in her late 40s. She navigates the dating world, often with humourous results, while maintaining a successful career. Despite her vibrant life, she realises something is missing and finds love unexpectedly.
I’m currently writing the third book, which focuses on a woman in her late 60s. This character, inspired by someone like Miriam Margolyes, shows that age is just a number and it’s never too late to find love and live your best life.
What was the writing process like? Were there any challenges along the way of writing them?
I’m a terrible procrastinator, always finding excuses not to write. However, due to my personal and health circumstances, I’m now writing full-time. This flexibility allows me to adjust my workload based on how I’m feeling each day.
One major challenge is avoiding distractions like social media and actually sitting down to write. To stay disciplined, I set pre-order deadlines on Amazon and aim to write at least 1,000 words a day, following Stephen King’s advice. If I don’t get the words down, I can’t edit or improve them.
After writing, I revisit my work to add humour and refine the content. I avoid burnout by writing in manageable chunks rather than trying to write for hours on end.
How do you ensure that your characters resonate with readers of different backgrounds and experiences?
I ensure diversity in my books by featuring characters from various backgrounds and experiences. In the first book, Lottie Potts, the characters include Lottie, a part-time shop worker and mum, her high-flying solicitor best friend, and a bohemian jewellery designer among others. They span different ages, from younger university-aged kids to characters in their 60s and 70s.
The story draws from my own experiences, especially in Lottie’s semi-autobiographical journey. I believe in writing what I know, which includes a wide range of social standings and life experiences.
Despite concerns about whether readers would relate to characters of different ages and backgrounds, I’ve received positive feedback from teenagers to women in their 20s!
Can you tell us more about the charities you support with your books and why they are so important to you?
I donate two-thirds of all sales from my first book, Lottie Potts, to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and the Epilepsy Society. My grandson, Lucas, has drug-resistant epilepsy and is under the care of Great Ormond Street.
They’ve been incredible, and donating to them feels right. Lucas was perfectly healthy until he had a massive seizure at four. He now has up to 100 seizures a day and requires ongoing treatment and tests, making these charities very personal and important to me.
Additionally, the two books I wrote with my sister, ‘Playing with Fire’ and Healing from the Burns’, support Women’s Aid. We donate a portion of our sales and all fees from public speaking to this charity, which is very close to our hearts. Supporting these causes is far more fulfilling than any personal gain.
Can you give us any hints about your upcoming books or what readers can expect next from you?
The next book continues Lottie’s story, with characters appearing across all three books. It focuses on Lottie’s mother, a straight-laced and lonely woman whose life is shaken up when her flamboyant sister and a younger character move in. She ventures into dating in her late 60s, inspired by my mother who met her partner at 71 on Tinder.
The story blends humour with poignant moments as the characters navigate late-life dating and unexpected challenges. It’s about reinvention and seizing life’s adventures, even in later years. The book explores themes of ageing and the realisation that the best chapters of life can still be written.
I’m excited to feature an older character like my lively 76-year-old mother, showing that age doesn’t define vitality. It’s a celebration of life’s possibilities, and I hope readers find it inspiring.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your writing and charitable work?
I hope my writing brings smiles to people’s faces. In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by news and challenges, so if my books can offer a moment of laughter and upliftment, that’s my goal. While being an author is tough with all the marketing, I’m motivated to sell books not for personal gain, but to support charities close to my heart.
Facing cancer made me realise what truly matters in life: appreciating sunsets, birdsong, and the love of friends. It’s about stepping off life’s treadmill, re-evaluating priorities, and making a positive impact. Despite the hardships of being in the ‘big C club,’ it liberated me to focus on helping others and spreading cheer.
In my books, like Lottie Potts, I emphasise self-love over traditional romance. It’s about realising you’re enough on your own, without needing external validation. This message of self-empowerment is what I hope resonates and leaves a meaningful legacy.
You can read more about Karen’s books and purchase them here.
