Karen Nappa Exploring the Depths of Romance and Realism
Mystery, and Love in Regency Romances
Karen Nappa, an Amazon bestselling author, writes realistic BDSM romance inspired by personal experiences, emphasizing Safe, Sane, and Consensual practices. Her stories balance romance, suspense, and authentic relationship dynamics.
Karen Nappa, an Amazon bestselling author, has been captivating readers with her seasoned BDSM romance novels since 2019. Her works, including the popular series “Small-Town Submission” and “Doms in Uniform,” are known for their realistic and romantic portrayal of the D/s lifestyle. Living in the Netherlands with her dominant husband, children, and two Chausie cats, Karen’s life is as vibrant and dynamic as the stories she writes. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, kickboxing, and listening to heavy metal.
Karen’s personal experiences in the D/s lifestyle significantly influence her writing. She shares, “Most of the BDSM scenes in my books (if not all) are based on personal experiences. I know the freedom of being bound, I’ve experienced subspace, and I’ve tried many impact toys (I really, really don’t like canes).” This authenticity allows her to create scenes that are both realistic and relatable for readers familiar with the lifestyle. Her emphasis on Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC) practices ensures that her stories, even when they start with unconventional relationships, maintain a foundation of trust and respect.
The inspiration behind Karen’s series often stems from her personal journey and professional challenges. “When I started writing, it was with a publisher who turned out to be less than trustworthy. Along with dozens of other authors, we fled ‘the Woodshed’ and most of us turned indie,” she explains. This led to the creation of the “Small Town Submission” series, an interconnected family saga with a dark secret. The “Savage Billionaires” series marked another significant shift in her career, especially after her co-author Ellen decided to quit writing. Joining Red Hot Romance Ink, Karen embarked on this new project, continuing to explore and expand her storytelling.
Writing romance with a BDSM theme comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Karen notes, “A big challenge for me is that I write erotic romance, and because of the BDSM element in my books, it’s often mistaken for erotica. I have nothing against erotica, I just don’t write it.” Her focus is on relationship-driven narratives where sex and BDSM are integral to the characters’ connection. The reward lies in depicting the depth and complexity of these relationships and the trust involved in BDSM dynamics.
A big challenge for me is that I write erotic romance, and because of the BDSM element in my books, it’s often mistaken for erotica. I have nothing against erotica, I just don’t write it. My books are mainly relationship-driven; however, my characters use sex and BDSM to
cement that relationship, and they don’t close the bedroom
(or dungeon, kitchen, etc.) door.” – Karen Nappa
Balancing the sensual and romantic aspects of her stories with elements of suspense and drama is something Karen does with finesse. “The backbone of my story is the relationship, and the sensual parts help move that connection along,” she says. Influenced by authors like Colin Forbes, Alistair MacLean, and Desmond Bagley, Karen weaves suspense into her plots, ensuring that the romance and drama complement each other seamlessly.
Through her books, Karen hopes to provide readers with a realistic view of BDSM relationships. She also aims to encourage older women to explore their sexuality and kinks. “Life doesn’t end after 40 (or 50 or 60), and you don’t have to be a 20-something virgin to discover new and exciting things about yourself,” she asserts.
Karen’s writing process is a blend of planning and spontaneity. “I’m a mix between a plotter and a pantser. I always start out my stories with a solid outline. About halfway through each manuscript, my characters act up. They don’t listen, they get a mind of their own, and they have me running in circles,” she shares. This dynamic process often leads her to skip forward to the epilogue, giving her and her characters a clear destination for their happily ever after.
Karen Nappa’s journey as an author is as compelling as the stories she writes. Her dedication to authenticity, her ability to balance romance and suspense, and her encouragement for readers to explore their own desires make her a standout voice in the world of BDSM romance.
