News: My Second Novel is Coming Your Way⚡️
A Few Words On My Print Debut & The Inspiration Behind It
So happy to announce that False Idols, my second novel (and print debut), will be available online and in bookstores 14th August 2025!
I expected writing novel number two would be a struggle - that “tricky second album” that so many creatives fear. I knew I had a novel in me (and I believe virtually everyone does) but could I really write two? Was I even “that kind of writer”?
Pertinent questions, given I hadn’t actually sold my first book yet. Writing draft after draft of my second when I wasn’t sure if I was even a novelist was a big thing in itself, let alone any other misgivings.
Yet still, I loved every minute of it.
I can’t wait to tell you more about how I wrote False Idols and sold it to my publisher within a month of selling my first novel to Audible. My paid subscribers will be receiving a special issue of Writers Workshop detailing the journey next week.
So, what’s the story this time?
The Blurb
“Sadie's been adrift, looking for an escape from her new house and old memories, when a chance encounter leads her to one of the most exclusive wellness classes in the city.
At first she's sceptical, but the classes - and the attention of its magnetic leader, Lilith - are transformative, other-worldly, completely addictive.
No one in Sadie's life understands that Deep Flow isn't a cult, but a community. One that offers the chance to feel powerful in her own body again, maybe even a way to finally let go of her past.
When the sisterhood, and Sadie's place within it, comes under threat, the hidden cost of being part of Lilith's inner circle becomes clear. How much would Sadie be willing to risk to prove her loyalty?
A searing look at power and exploitation in the wellness industry, False Idols is an unflinching, compulsive thriller by a captivating new voice in fiction - perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Celeste Ng and Emma Cline.”
A few words from Jennifer Doyle at Headline:
“I love an author who creates a suspenseful and surprising reading experience whilst exploring provocative questions, and I lapped up False Idols when it landed in my inbox. The enigmatic Lilith leapt off the page and the world of Deep Flow was mesmerising. Karla does an exceptional job of exploring how something that has the potential to do us good can do harm when in the wrong hands.”
The Inspiration Behind the Book
I’m a big fan of literary fiction that manages to have a strong story engine and something to say so there are some quite challenging themes explored in False Idols as well as huge jeopardy for the characters. However, I hope readers have as much fun reading it as I did writing it. The wellness industry has undoubtedly offered me so many valuable tools over the years but it's also fraught with capitalism, cultural appropriation and well... false idols. There's a lot to satirise and I hope readers see something massively recognisable as they delve deeper into the world that exists within this novel.
Finally, a bit of housekeeping:
About a week ago, I sent out The Ampersand’s first ever reader survey. Admittedly, it was terrible timing given the US Election so I do understand why so few of you got round to filling it in! But please consider this a friendly nudge to complete it if you haven’t already. Your answers will help me continue to improve The Ampersand and I’d be eternally grateful for your time. It takes about 5 minutes max, is totally anonymous and most questions are optional.
Thank you!
&, As always, thank you for being here.
With love,
xK
Can't wait to read!
Yesss, congrats. Putting my order in now