Our first guest for the inauguration of Alphabet Author of the Week is here! All week this week we’re celebrating A. Let’s have a round of applause for the talented Karen Cote and her Avatars!
Karen, your website is spectacular. You talk about Avatars being your brand. Can you explain what you mean by that? What role do they play in your newest book?
Hi Adriana and thank you so much for this fabulous opportunity. Your idea rocks, is unique and will define who you are as an artist. It is also the concept which led me to creating my avatars.
I learned from a mentor that branding myself had to be something outside a title of any certain book I am writing. People don’t remember book titles. They remember names. Hence…Nora Roberts, Danielle Steele… I can’t remember a single book title they’ve written but I surely know they’re names.
I also wanted something fun and different for people to enjoy. Not only the viewer but the guests I host as well. It has helped my SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tremendously and bringing awareness to my name is all an author can ask for.
Which Avatar was the most fun for you to create? Why?
Lily, the heroine in my book, and Jet the hero is a close second. How often does an artist get to bring their characters to life?
Are your Avatars based on people you know in real life?
For the most part no but I must add a caveat. Every avatar’s voice is someone near and dear to my heart. For instance, the hero, Jet, is my husband’s voice, of course, while my daughters and other members make up the rest. I thought it only appropriate those closest to me be represented by the characters I hold nearest to my heart.
Lily looks like such a kick ass chick. If you had to pick ONE word to describe her, what would it be (yes, only one!)? Why?
Inclusive. It is my hope every reader will relate to her on some level.
Be honest: Are you team Mark or team Jet? Why?
Good question and extremely perceptive of you. You’ve obviously done your homework! However, it’s really not difficult to decide since any hero I write about will always have bits and pieces of my husband. If you don’t mind indulging me, I will let my dedication forever written in Erotic Deception speak for itself.
In humble gratitude to the Good Lord above, I’d like to dedicate this book to my real life hero…Todd Cote´. My lover, my best-friend, my soulmate, my husband. Thank you, God for this great gift I do not deserve but You’ve given in such generosity. I love you, Cote´. You are my happily ever after I never knew to be possible.
Thank you so much for sharing, Karen!
Please visit Karen and her Avatars at: www.karencote.tv
What a beautiful dedication! I can’t wait to read this book. Karen, you are a gem. Not only were you building your brand, you were building Muse authors and Muse. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.
Oh, Karen! Funny, and you might not believe me, but somehow I already knew that’s what your dedication would be and that every word would be true. No one can ask for more from life and I’m so happy you have it!
Ro, you can’t know the impact you have had, not only on my career, but me personally. You have helped set my sail in my career and wherever the waves push me I know you will always be there holding my hand. Love you and thank you.
Thank you so much Adriana! People need to watch out for you. You have something unique. Build on it and I hope you find the support I’ve been blessed with such as Ro.
My dearest Gail. Love that light you keep shining. I don’t think I could ever repay Muse for bringing me such blessings. I love the relationship we’re building. It’s the true riches of success. Books will come and go but this warmth of support will always remain.
Love you!
Karen, you are obviously well-loved and so inspiring to other authors.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I love that your heroes are based on your husband – how many people can truly say that?? 
Adrianna, this is a wonderful way to showcase Muse Authors. You and Karen both are doing a wonderful job of sharing your good fortune with the rest of us–two very creative bloggers.
Karen, your avatars are lots of fun to see and hear.
Thanks, Barbara! It’s easy to be creative when you have someone fabulous to work with, so I got lucky.
I have an awesome group of women and men as my source! 
Your dedication is so sweet. I like that your characters sound like your loved ones. That’s neat. I think we (authors) have something in everyone of characters that we could trace back to the people in our lives. Even if it’s just a tiny quirk. My Hero runs his hands through his hair when he’s frustrated. My husband does the same. I didn’t realize I had included that until rereading my MS during the editing process – it was a subconcious thing for me to do.
Great interview,
Michelle
Conciliun, July 2012
http://www.conciliumbooks.com
http://www.michelle-pickett.com
Hey Karen, Now it’s time to put you and your new release in the spotlight. You have generously shared your platform with us, so it’s your turn to shine. I love your creativity and your way with words. I love hearing how special your hubby is to you. All the best to you both. Fun interview…
I think, Karen, you are the most innovative promotor I know. Your talking blogs are very impressive. And yet your promotion is not of yourself, but of other authors and not just friends, either. That puts you very high on my admiration list. Congratulations on the release of your novel Erotic Deception. You will succeed. You have already!
Lovely interview, Karen and Adriana. I’m even more excited to read Erotic Deception, now. The avatars are very cool, no doubt, but the person behind them is a real sweetheart.
Adriana, you are a very special and gracious host. Thank you so much for the inspiration you are.
Barbara…I love you. Thank you for the visit and the precious remarks. I will treasure them.
Michelle, you are adorable. Thank you for stopping by and for your nice thoughts on the dedication.
I giggled on your comment about my characters. My hubby will always play some part in my heroes but my reference to family members sounding like my characters was meant literally. My family recorded their voices for the avatars I created of Erotic Deception’s cast.
Now I’ll need to read through my writing to see if there are actual elements of my family in the story…lol.
Thank you again and hugs.
J Q, now you know you had me at Hey Karen. Love you sweet friend and thank you for always making me smile. Your friendship is also one I cherish and have come to rely on.
Wendy, what an incredibly kind thing to say. Of course I could say the same of your parties and don’t you have a newsletter? Gonna need to do more there. I love the people I interview so promoting others is something I enjoy as I know you do. It’s easy when the people are so wonderful.
Thank you my frien for stopping by. Big hugs.
Hey! Did you take my elephant? Goodness, he loves your place.
Sweet-sweet Arlene. I just think the world of you. As you know, my admiration for what you do is strong and brings beauty to an otherwise grim situation. I can also say in getting to know you and your humor is something I adore. You are so funny! I look forward to meeting you face-to-face.
Hugs,