K- My journey to publication was a long one. I’ve been writing since I was five years old, and even back then I knew I wanted to be published someday. When I was in college, and again shortly after I graduated, I submitted a YA novel, but got rejected. For several years, I gave up trying to be published and even gave up writing for a little while.
In 2004, I started writing again, and ended up with some YA novels that I thought were publishable, and were much better than what I’d written when I was younger. Then, in 2006, a friend challenged me to use my writing therapeutically to show myself that sex could be something positive and beautiful. The first scene I wrote came out better than I’d thought I could do, and I kept going with it. For a while, I posted my stories on a free story site, but then someone from that site started an erotica/erotic romance e-publisher, and I got a contract from them. My first e-book came out in March, 2009. And the first scene I wrote, back in 2006, is now part of my novel Eternal Love.
I don’t know where I draw my inspiration from, to be honest. Sometimes I use my husband to inspire me, but mostly the ideas just show up on their own.
X- What’s the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?
K- Don’t give up. Some authors receive enough rejections to wallpaper their office! Just keep trying, polish your work, and learn from any rejections you receive, especially if they come with personal comments. Also, find a beta reader or critique partner to help make sure your work is really ready for publication.
X- Tell us about your newest release.
K- My recent release is Reflected Love, part of the Spellbound Treasure line of novellas from Pink Petal Books. Spellbound Treasure is about Etienne, a mysterious woman who runs a shop (sometimes a peddler’s tent, sometimes a website, sometimes an actual store) that sells magical items that bring together soul mates. In my novella, Ralie, a human woman, and Listrial, a Fae soldier, are brought together by a magical mirror each has purchased from Etienne. It’s available at Pink Petal Books. I have a few other releases coming out this summer, so stay tuned!
X- What’s your favourite dessert?
K- Ice cream with hot fudge sauce.
X- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?
K- My wedding to my current husband. I was so nervous and excited that the ceremony passed in a blur, and the only things I can remember of it now are the look in his eyes when he saw me in my wedding gown, and my then-14-year-old daughter bursting into tears and being comforted by her 11-year-old sister.
X- If you had one wish, what would it be?
K- Owning a house, rather than renting, with a separate office for me and lots and lots of storage space. And a yard for my younger daughter, who loves to be outside.
X- What’s the one thing that most people don’t know about you?
K- Five years ago, I could barely even say the word “sex,” let alone some of the other terms that go along with it.
X- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?
K- I hope to have at least one book with a big-name publisher, as well as continuing to write for the publishers I work with now. I hope to own the aforementioned house, and in ten years I might have at least one grandchild to visit me there.
X- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?
K- Salad on the Side, an M/M shifter novel from MLR Press. Kyle Slidell, a vegan and recent transplant to Boston, has a crush on his neighbor Tobias Rogan. When Kyle is attacked one night, the truth is revealed: all of his neighbors are werewolves, and Tobias is the pack Alpha. That will be out in June, most likely.
I also have an MFM contemporary romance coming from Passion in Print Press. The title is Shiny Objects. Elena is happy living with her boyfriend Corin, until her former lover Niko returns to her life. She loves both men, but can she have them both? The release is scheduled tentatively for August.
Finally, with a currently undetermined release date, I have an erotic contemporary novella titled Forever with Benefits, which will be coming from Ellora’s Cave. Haylie Betancourt couldn’t wait to leave her hometown after high school. Ten years later, she’s returned due to circumstances beyond her control. When she runs into her high school crush Will Shaw, she sees an opportunity for some fun. But will friends-with-benefits really be enough for them?
I keep my website up to date with current and upcoming releases, works in progress, and current reviews and appearances (though I admit I’m a little behind on that last one…). I also have a blog on that site, which has a new post each day. You can also find me on my website, and Facebook.
Thanks for hosting me, Xondra!
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