Borders Partnership
Working with Borders, I presented an online show in-store featuring author interviews, book recommendations, and the latest releases to help showcase the brand. Below are the videos produced by video partner, Dubai On Demand.
Episode 83
When Michelle Obama talked about empathy during her Democratic National Convention speech, I knew I had to learn more. So when Mimi Nicklin's new book about that very topic landed on my desk, I immediately invited her to be on the show. In this week's episode, I chat to Mimi about her latest work, Softening The Edge, and her life-changing books. There's also the chance to win a signed copy of Softening The Edge - click the button below to enter!
Episode 79
I got so many comments on my Insta Stories about my office, I thought I'd give you the full tour! It makes such a difference to have a dedicated writing and reading space - I'm definitely more productive because of it! I also share a few tips if you're thinking about creating your own office space.
Episode 79
I got so many comments on my Insta Stories about my office, I thought I'd give you the full tour! It makes such a difference to have a dedicated writing and reading space - I'm definitely more productive because of it! I also share a few tips if you're thinking about creating your own office space.
Episode 78
In this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I interview Sunday Times best-selling author Clare Mackintosh about her book,
After The End. This novel is a heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting story about a couple who disagree on the medical care for their child. Inspired by true events, this is a powerful exploration of love, marriage, parenthood, and the road not taken.
Episode 74
If you’re looking for an amazing trilogy packed full of adventure, fantasy, and romance, Rebel Of The Sands is hard to beat! This YA novel, as well as its sequels, Traitor To The Throne and Hero At The Fall, follow 16-year-old gunslinger Amani Al’Hiza who has the elemental power to control the sands of the desert.
In this week’s episode, I interview best-selling and award-winning author Alwyn Hamilton about the inspiration for her books, her writing schedule, what she’s working on next and why the fantasy genre needs more female characters. Thank you to the Emirates Literature Festival for arranging this interview. Have you read Rebel Of The Sands?
Episode 73
BOOK GIVEAWAY ALERT! It's been a while since we've had a giveaway but thanks to our friends at Borders, we're BACK with the chance for you to win! For those of you who were looking forward to watching the Tokyo Olympic games this month, you can get your cultural fix by entering the competition to win a copy of the 1Q84, the complete trilogy - by Haruki Murakami. And if you're not feeling lucky, there's still this month's book club pick to enjoy by Japanese author, Sayaka Murata.
Episode 75
In this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I talk to author Courtney Brandt about her life-changing books, publishing a novel during a pandemic, and just how productive she's been during lockdown (hint - it's a lot!)
Episode 71
Every month, I ask the question 'what is the book that changed your life?' and without a doubt, I always get some brilliant answers. Tayari Jones is no exception. Check out the award-winning author's answer in this video and if you haven't read An American Marriage, make it your next read! Thank you to the Emirates Literature Festival for arranging this interview.
Every month, I ask the question 'what is the book that changed your life?' and without a doubt, I always get some brilliant answers. Tayari Jones is no exception. Check out the award-winning author's answer in this video and if you haven't read An American Marriage, make it your next read!
Thank you to the Emirates Literature Festival for arranging this interview.
Episode 70
I was lucky enough to interview Esi Edugyan earlier this year. We talked about the inspiration behind her book, the best piece of writing advice she ever received, and the impact of having writing mentors. Did you enjoy Washington Black? Join in the conversation on the Facebook Community. Thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for arranging this interview.
Episode 67
On this week’s episode of Karen’s Bookshelf, I talk to author Santa Montefiore who I was lucky enough to interview at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature earlier this year. She shares where the idea came from for her children’s series, The Royal Rabbits of London, her new book Here and Now which comes out 9 July, and her favourite piece of writing advice.
Thanks to Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature.
Episode 65
Receiving a publishing contract was one of the most exciting days of my life! I still remember the thrill of signing it. A three-book deal showed me that my publisher had faith in the quality of my work.
However, publishing deadlines can be notoriously tight and writing a book a year for three years was not going to be easy especially with a baby on the way, a toddler to look after, and a business to run.
But it was the opportunity of a lifetime and I was determined. Now, just over three years later, I'm proud to say I didn't miss a deadline but there were some stressful moments! Looking back now, I don't know how I did it but I certainly learnt a lot about what is required of published authors.
In this video, I share my five life lessons that came out of that exhilarating (but stressful!) period.
Episode 61
In this week’s episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I chat to author and producer Daniela Tully about getting her novel adapted for the big screen! There’s also a chance to win a copy of her historical fiction novel, Hotel on Shadow Lake, and because it’s published in several languages, the winner can choose to read it in English, Italian, Serbian, Danish, or French. So if you love historical fiction, head over to my Instagram page to enter.
Episode 60
With Memorial Day in the US coming up, I felt like delving into the some historical fiction for this month’s bookclub pick! Check it out and don’t forget to join the Facebook group to share your thoughts! Also, in this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I've included three brilliant book recommendations - happy reading! x
Episode 58
What does it take to write such an important novel that it's recommended by Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama? Find out in my interview with Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage who I met at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Special thanks to the Festival for arranging this interview.
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Have you read An American Marriage? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram!
Episode 59
From corporate high-flyer to environmentalist and children’s author, Colette Barr was the person I most wanted to interview about her life-changing books – especially with World Earth Day coming up on 22nd April. Find out how Colette is using her passion for good by writing children’s books about saving the planet and the life-changing books that inspired her dream.
Episode 57
This month I've chosen an uplifting story for April's book club pick - something to make us smile in these strange times! There's also the chance to WIN a copy thanks to our friends at Borders. Click below to enter.
In this week's episode, I've also included five brilliant book recommendations (including novels, non-fiction, and children's) as many of us have more time to read over the next few weeks. Stay healthy and happy reading x
Episode 54
Continuing this month’s theme of celebrating inspirational women, check out my interview with Wendy Holden. From war correspondent to best-selling author, Wendy has chronicled the lives of some remarkable women including Goldie Hawn, Barbara Sinatra, and most recently Edna Adan Ismail.
Thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for arranging this interview.
Episode 53
With International Women’s Day on 8 March, this month’s episodes on Karen’s Bookshelf are all about inspirational female authors including this month’s book club pick! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it! Also in this episode are three book recommendations by female debut novelists - happy reading x
4 Tips To Get Into Screenwriting
Episode 52
The Oscar-winning The Help, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Contagion, Fair Game…Daniela’s credits are award-winning and impressive! Not only that but she’s currently writing the screen play for her own novel, Hotel On Shadow Lake. Check out her tips to get into screen-writing and don’t forget to head over to my Instagram page to join in the conversation.
The Rosie Result Author Interview
Episode 50
I love The Rosie books and this month’s book club pick is the last in the trilogy, The Rosie Result which is fantastic. So when I had the opportunity at Emirates Airline Festival of Literature to interview the author, I jumped at the chance! Check out my interview with Graeme Simsion on this week’s episode of Karen’s Bookshelf.
Oscar Season Inspired Books
Episode 49
It’s award season so all the books on this week’s episode of Karen’s Bookshelf have a link to the big screen including this month’s book club pick. (Don’t forget to enter the competition below to win a copy!) I’m also sharing my current reads inspired by the recent Golden Globes and the upcoming Oscars!
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 47
Looking to improve your relationships in 2020? Then this week's episode could be for you featuring Marian Bahader, host of the online show Ma7adesh 2ally, and the book that changed her life - and her relationships! Enjoy!
Author Interview
Episode 46
It’s not every day you come across an award-winning, literary fiction writer so when I had the chance to interview Avni Doshi, I couldn’t wait to sit down with her to discuss her debut novel Girl In White Cotton. Set in India, this beautifully-told story is about the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship. If you’d like the chance to win a copy, all you have to do is click the link below to enter.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 45
The first episode of Karen’s Bookshelf for 2020! Check it out to discover January’s book club pick as well as three brilliant book recommendations to keep you going this month.
There’s also the chance to win a copy of this month’s book club pick. All you have to do is click the link below to enter!
Best of luck!
MEGA BOOK GIVEAWAY
Episode 44
This episode of Karen’s Bookshelf is all about giving and gratitude. With the festive season in full swing, here's my Christmas gift to you - the chance to win all 11 book club picks from Karen's Bookshelf! We've had some fantastic reads this year starting with An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen in February and ending with The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes in December. Plus, I'm including my own novels, The Good Mother, The Home, and The Perfect Lie.
So if you'd like to win 14 brilliant books then all your have to do is click the box below.
A massive thank you to everyone who made Karen’s Bookshelf possible; from our book partner Borders Middle East, Emirates Literature Festival who have arranged so many incredible author interviews, and the production company Dubai On Demand and their incredible team of content creators. And finally, huge thanks to YOU for watching and I look forward to seeing you in 2020!
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 43
On Karen's Bookshelf this week, author Keith Stuart shares the book that changed his life and it's one of my favourites as well.
(HINT - the sequel to this book was also recently published!)
Thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for arranging this interview.
Author Interview
Episode 42
This week on Karen's Bookshelf, I interviewed vlogger baking star Gemma Stafford who came all the way from LA to launch her new book, Bigger Bolder Baking - just in time for Christmas!
Check out my interview with her to find out how she achieved almost two million followers on YouTube, how she found the time to write a book, and what plans she has next!
Huge thanks to Borders and Dubai On Demand.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 41
December is one my favourite times of the year and I'm delighted to share this month's book club pick with you which is The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. What a beautiful story! Historical fiction is a departure for the author but it has paid off and she's come up with an incredible narrative inspired by true events. Check out the latest episode of Karen's Bookshelf on Instagram or Facebook where you also have the chance to win a copy of this amazing novel. I'm also sharing three brilliant reads for you to get stuck into the month as well. Happy reading!
Latest Book News
Episode 40
On this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, check out three brilliant reads for this month.
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 39
Life-changing books - we all have one! Check out travel journalist Sarah Hedley Hymers' feminist choice on this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf.
Author Interview
Episode 38
Never write to market.
Have fun on the page.
Be in it for the long game.
This is just some of the writing advice that author Jasper Fforde shared when talking about his book Early Riser which explores a world where humanity hibernates for four months of the year. Check out my interview with this award-winning author when he came to Dubai for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature earlier this year.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 37
I'm so excited to share with you this month's book club pick which is The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. A sequel to The Handmaid's Tale set 15 years later, I can't wait to hear what you think. Don't forget to head over to my Instagram or Facebook page @KarenOsmanAuthor for your chance to win a copy thanks to Borders Middle East.
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 35
Some books are so powerful, they can inspire us to change careers, to travel, to take a risk, and to do new things. For authors, it can often inspire their own writing. Have a listen to crime writer Ian Rankin talk about the book that changed his life.
Thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for arranging this interview.
Author Interview
Episode 34
Hands down one of the most interesting authors I've met! Can you imagine getting interviewed for MI6? Seriously though, if you love spy thrillers, don't miss this episode with author Charles Cumming. Earlier this year, I got the chance to interview one of Britain's best writers. Charles talked about his latest book, The Man Between, his love of research, his career highlights and what he's currently working on. Special thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 33
It's the first of the month which means only one thing - a new book club pick and I'm delighted to share The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware for October. The New York Times No1 best-selling author has created a gripping storyline. The main character Rowan takes a new job as a nanny in a beautiful house with a generous salary. It seems too good to be true and of course it is, as things start to go wrong ending up in a nightmare with Rowan on trial for murder. A brilliant thriller perfect for the spookiest month of the year! Thanks to Borders, we have two copies to give away for you and a friend. Enter the competition below!
Latest Book News
Episode 32
Looking for some reading inspiration? Check out my latest fiction recommendations at Borders and what novels you can look forward to coming out next month. Enjoy!
My Author Life
Episode 31
It's been seven months since I launched Karen's Bookshelf and I thought it was time to share a little more about myself! So in this week's episode, I talk about my latest novel The Perfect Lie and answer some of your questions about how I write. As a thank you for all your support, I'm also giving away a signed copy of The Perfect Lie! Enjoy and see you next week!
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 30
It was fascinating talking to Jasper Fforde about the book that changed his life.
Huge thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for arranging this interview.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 29
My bookclub pick for September is The Neighbour by Fiona Cummins and it's brilliant. Part horror, part thriller, this sinister novel is dark and twisted! Thanks to our friends Borders, we have two copies to give away for you and a friend. All you have to do is click below to enter!
Latest Book News
Episode 28
This week on Karen's Bookshelf, I'm talking about what's hot on the shelves at the moment (including my own novel, The Perfect Lie, which published 8 August!) as well as what we can look forward to next month. Happy reading!
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 27
On this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I found out about the book that inspired and impacted author Charles Cumming. With thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
Author Interview
Episode 26
On this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I chat to Brandy Scott who recently released her debut novel, Not Bad People. Huge thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Dubai On Demand.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 25
August's book club pick is here! All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover. The #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a tour de force novel about a troubled marriage and the one old forgotten promise that might be able to save it. If you would like to win a copy, head over to my Instagram or Facebook page @karenosmanauthor to enter.
Book Club Chat
Episode 24
To discuss this month's book club pick, Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh, I invited award-winning writer Polly Phillips to share her thoughts on the novel. Check out what she had to say! And...if you haven't read Clare Mackintosh's latest book, After The End, make sure you read this as well! It's a heart-breaking but powerful read - one of the best books of the year.
Literary Holidays
Episode 23
Looking for summer holiday inspiration? On Karen's Bookshelf this week, I asked travel writer Sarah Hedley Hymers to share three Italian literary destinations.
Author Interview
Episode 22
It was fascinating to talk to authors Cassandra Clare and Holly Black. Their fantasy, young adult books are loved around the globe. During this interview, I learned how they met, how they work together, and what they learn from their readers.
Special thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 21
On Karen's Bookshelf this week, I share July's book club pick Let Me Lie. This is an incredible twisty, chilling thriller from Sunday Times Bestselling author, Clare Mackintosh - perfect for your summer holiday! We also take a look at the latest book news for some more recommendations.
Book Club Chat
Episode 20
This week, I'm talking about Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate with Colette Barr, author of the children's Eco Heroes series.
Latest Book News
Episode 19
On Karen's Bookshelf this week, I take a look at what's hot on the shelves right now and what we can look forward to publishing next month.
Special thanks to Borders and Dubai On Demand.
Author Interview
Episode 18
On Karen's Bookshelf this week, I interview one of the UK's best-selling crime writers, Ian Rankin.
Special thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Dubai On Demand.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 17
June! A new month, a new book! I have been meaning to read Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate for a while and I do hope you enjoy it! Inspired by a true story, two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice. If you would like to win a copy, head over to my Instagram or Facebook page @karenosmanauthor to enter.
Latest Book News
Episode 16
On this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I take a look at what's on the shelves currently and what we can look forward to publishing next month.
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 15
Everyone has a book that changed their life. On this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I found out about the books that inspired and impacted Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.
With thanks to Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2019 and Dubai On Demand.
Author Interview
Episode 14
On this week's show on Karen's Bookshelf, I interviewed Jessica Jarlvi. She talked about her latest book What Did I Do, her writing process, and what she's currently working on. We also signed copies of her books When I Wake Up and What Did I Do to giveaway! Simply head over to my Instagram or Facebook page to win!
Karen's Book Club
Episode 13
May's book club pick is here as well as your chance to win! From the New York Times best-selling author Karen Thompson Walker, this novel is a powerful read about a community rocked by a mysterious illness.
Book Club Discussion
Episode 12
This month's book club pick was Roar by Cecelia Ahern and I invited fellow author Sara Sadik to come and discuss her thoughts with me about the book. Check out what she had to say.
Meet My Literary Agent
Episode 11
If you have ever dreamt of becoming an author, then here's your chance to get advice from one of the most renowned agents in the UK, Luigi Bonomi. He also happens to be my agent and it was great to interview him for Karen's Bookshelf to see what type of novel he's looking for next! Get your submission ready!
Author Interview
Episode 10
I was so excited to interview Clare Mackintosh because she's one of my favourite authors! She shared details of her latest books, the reason behind her decision to leave her high-profile position in the police force to become an author (we're so happy she did!), and what readers can expect from her novels in the future.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 9
Inspired by International Women's Month in March, this month's book club pick is Roar by Cecilia Ahern - 30 stories about 30 women, all ready to discover their own strength.
Book Club Discussion
Episode 8
I talked to two members of the Emirates Literature Festival Book Club to get their thoughts on Days of Wonder by Keith Stuart.
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 7
Writer and journalist Rebekah Heaney shares the book that chanegd her life.
Author Interview
Episode 6
Being as this month's book club is Days of Wonder by Keith Stuart, I couldn't wait to interview the author himself!
Karen's Book Club
Episode 5
March's book club novel is Days of Wonder by Keith Stuart. Happy reading!
Book Club Discussion
Episode 4
I invited two readers to give their review on this month's book club novel, An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.
The Book That Changed My Life
Episode 3
Maan Jalal talks about how the classics changed his life.
Author Interview
Episode 2
In this week's episode of Karen's Bookshelf, I talk to thriller writer Annabel Kantaria.
Karen's Book Club
Episode 1
This month's book club read is An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.
My Bookshelf
Looking for a good read? Here are some of my favourite books which I read in 2018.
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
