A Passion for Writing

How did you get hooked on reading or writing romance? We all have our different stories about how we fell in love with that genre. Today's guest in My Writing Corner, Kimberly Keyes, tells us passion for romance writing began after her mom brought home a box filled with paperback romance novels—which she quickly devoured. She found herself not only reading the stories, but the “About the Author” blurbs tucked into the back of each book.

She knew in her heart, one day she would be a published romance author herself. After earning a Master’s degree in History, Kimberly combined her love of all things Victorian with the plots and characters living inside her head and forged her career as a historical romance author. She soon added contemporary writing to the mix. The result? Award winning romance novels featuring magnetic characters, unpredictable storylines, and scintillating scenes that keep her readers turning pages.

Today, Kimberly spends her time writing and dreaming up new ways to perplex and grow her characters. She currently lives in Orlando, Florida, with her faithful puppy, Papillon, a twenty-pound stray rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico. Her beloved Frank, another cuddly rescue, passed away several years ago, but his legacy lives on as the president (and founding member!) of the “Black Dog Club.” Frank frequently makes guest appearances in Kimberly Keyes’ stories.

Writing romance, she’s living her dream, and loving every minute. It’s a gift to find the one thing you’re meant to do—a gift that Kimberly never takes for granted.

Tell us about your road to publication.

Wow, great question. I wrote for years before I received my first contract offer from my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. I often hear of authors who got published right away. I’m happy for them, but that was not the case for me! In fact, my first two completed manuscripts, long Victorian Era romances, are both tucked under the proverbial bed. As a newbie author, I made most, if not all, newbie author mistakes in both novels—but I learned! 

My first published manuscript is a stand-alone fun and flirty Contemporary romance titled, Lover’s Leap. In it you meet Candace, an up-and-coming romance writer and Logan, a hot-as-hell burned out photographer. Both have links to a mutual friend and find themselves holed up in said friend’s luxury vacation home. Logan’s been sworn off Candace, and Candace has the misconceived notion Logan’s gay. Not.  

My second book, The Trouble with Tigers is a Victorian romance and the first in my Hidden Treasures series. Tigers tells the story of Zeke, the heir to the Earl of Claybourne who returns home from abroad to find his grandfather the earl has hired himself a young tiger (a type of servant—male, of course). Zeke takes instant umbrage with this overly pampered servant of the earl’s and proceeds to cause all sorts of trouble for “him.”

What do you enjoy about being an author? 

I love crafting a really well written story—and having others read and enjoy it. It’s satisfying in the way nothing else is. 

What do you find is the most challenging part of being an author? 

Definitely, the most challenging aspect of being an author for me is time management. There are always conflicting demands on my time. From errands and chores to family and friends to exercise and relaxation, there’s always numerous distractions and reasons not to sit my butt in the chair and write. The trick is in knowing when to say yes and when to say no and I’m getting better at this! 

Then after I’ve carved out the time, there’s my actual writing process. I learned long ago to respect my process, but it can be frustrating when I’m raring to go on a WIP (work-in-progress). In my writing, as in many aspects of my life, I cannot be rushed. While my overall plot tends to reveal itself to me early on, the twists and turns show up along the way, and when I force these details, I inevitably make a wrong turn and have to go back and find where I went wrong. That’s not always easy! It does have its pluses. The writing and re-writing and combing through the lines of my manuscript helps me to really know my characters and add the layers that enrich my stories with satisfying depth.

What is your latest book and how did you come up with the idea to write it?

My upcoming release, Playing Her Song, is another contemporary romance. It’s the first in a series of three books all taking place in the small town of Honeyville, NC, a made-up town loosely based on a small North Carolina town I visited many-a-summer as a kid. This book came to me while running—which is not uncommon for me. I get a lot of ideas while pounding the pavement. I was listening to some hard rock and suddenly I had this image of a hot musician who’s falling for his one-time tutor who’s come back into his life unexpectedly. I started typing the story and it all unfolded from there. 

Let's get a blurb:

Sometimes a fresh start means going back home…

When Julia's carefully constructed life takes a sudden, demoralizing nose dive, she flees to the small town of her youth. She finds the perfect landing place—a furnished cottage on a private estate in the Blue Ridge foothills. Then she learns the owner-resident is Jackson Tate—her high school crush and, until recently, the source of her greatest humiliation.

Jackson, the small town boy-turned-rockstar, never forgot Julia nor the mistake he made causing his one-

time math tutor to vanish from his life. Jackson avoids all but the most superficial entanglements of the female variety. Yet one look at Julia and he's determined to win back the friendship he lost.

Julia's ancient grudge can't withstand Jackson's lethal combination of humility and charm. But what about her teenage crush? Especially one not so one-sided after all...

Want more? How about an excerpt? 

Before she could second guess herself, she set out across the deck. A gust of wind off the mountain set the flames in the pit dancing and reminded her she ought to have brought a sweater. But she couldn’t bring herself to turn around.

She hesitated at the steps leading down. Jackson sat with his back to the house, elbows propped on the arms of the chair. He appeared mesmerized by the flames. He hadn’t exactly invited her to join him.

“It’s warmer closer to the fire, Julia,” he called without looking her way.

The night chill seeped through the short cotton dress she wore and turned her exposed toes to ice. The heat of the fire would feel really good about now.

He shifted in his seat and studied her over his shoulder.

The fire behind him made his expression unreadable, but she could imagine his arched brow. She lifted her chin and marched down the stone path to the chair beside his.

“I wondered if you’d come out,” Jackson said, his focus once more on the dancing flames.

“I hope you don’t mind.”

“Why would I mind?”

She decided not to mince words. “I guess because of your mood when you left my parents’ house tonight.”

He slanted her an affronted look. “My mood?”

“Brooding is the word that comes to mind. Or maybe just flat-out verklempt.”

The cheek facing her creased as the corner of his mouth kicked upward.

Tension she hadn’t realized she held eked out of her. Jackson, the larger-than-life, self-assured stud, she could handle. Pensive Jackson rattled her.

“I’ve never been verklempt in my life—not that I actually know what that word means.” His eyes narrowed on her, and his smile vanished. “Jules, you’re not wearing enough clothes.” He extended an arm toward her. “Come over here.”

The frigid air had permeated her very bones. But the thought of moving closer to Jackson had all her nerve endings tingling and not from the cold. Good thing her wiser, adult self knew better than to get sucked in by the self-admitted scoundrel.

“I’m okay.” She held out her hands toward the fire.

He rolled his eyes. “I can’t relax over here knowing you’re sitting there freezing.” He paused. “But then I get it. You’re afraid you can’t resist me.”

His cocky attitude and, yes, a freezing gust of wind had her out of her chair and at his side in seconds flat. “Where do you want me?” Oh God.

What’s your next project?

I’m in Historical romance-mode again, three-quarters of the way through the first draft of my second book in my Hidden Treasures series. Book two tells the story of Caden, Zeke’s younger brother, who you meet in Tigers. Caden’s used to living fast and free with few responsibilities, or at least he’s willing to act the part since everyone seems to think he’s cut in the mold of his late, ne’er do well father. And then he crosses paths with Anna. Oh, I’m having a lot of fun wit this one!

What advice do you have for beginning writers?

Three bits of advice I have for aspiring authors. First, don’t dream of writing “one day.” Start writing. Next, hone your craft. Attend on-line or in-person workshops. Practice practice practice. Writing is an art. And lastly, enter writing contests. (No, no one is going to steal your idea or your work. Everyone wants to write their own stories!) Seeing the comments made by several judges can tell you your strengths, which is immensely encouraging, and also your weaknesses. The rule of thumb is this. If one judge criticizes an aspect of your work, and everyone else raves over it, throw out the opinion of the one judge. If several judges mention something that needs work? It probably needs work. And that is advice you need if you want to become a great writer, IMO.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VVD6QMX/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/playing-her-song-by-kimberly-keyes

Social Media Links:

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlykeyesromance/

Amazon Author Page

http://amazon.com/author/kimberlykeyes

Website:

https://kimberlykeyes.net

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14291041.kimberly_keyes

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.keyes.romance

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AuthorKeyes

BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kimberly-keyes

Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/kimberlykeyesromance/_saved/

Thank you for being my guest today, Kimberly.  Any questions or comments?

School Daze

Finding just the right author and the right book can often be a challenge to any reader. Don't we all go though the bookshelves at our favorite library or bookstore, or stop by the book section in the big box stores just looking for something new to read as well as new authors to discover? This is why I enjoy interviewing authors and introducing authors in My Writing Corner. Every week brings a new author with a new book.

Today's guest is author Patricia McAlexander. She tells us that she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of New York at Albany, a master's from Columbia University and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in English.

After moving to Athens, Georgia, she taught composition and literature at the University of Georgia. Now retired, Patricia has edited local newsletters and enjoys hiking, travel and photography. However, she says most of all, she enjoys thriller romances. Her book, Stranger in the Storm is set in upstate New York. Shadows of Doubt and the book, The Student in Classroom 6 (2022) is set in Athens, Georgia. She and her husband, Hubert, also a retired UGA professor have one son.

Patricia's latest book,  The Student in Classroom 6 has just been released.

Let's get a blurb:

Although a faculty member has been killed on campus and the murderer is still at large, English instructor Katherine Holiday never suspects the criminal might be one of her students. In fact, there’s a man in her adult evening class she wishes she could know better.

Seeing no need for a college degree, Tyler McHenry, a partner in his father’s successful tree service, writes fiction for his own pleasure. No one at the University needs to know his personal reasons for enrolling in a first-year composition course. Still, he finds himself fascinated by the pretty teacher, who believes his writing should be published. 

Sounds intriguing! How about an excerpt?

“You know, Ms. Holiday,” Tyler said as he walked with her back to her porch, “it was against regulations to bring you up in the bucket. Only accredited personnel are supposed to go up.” He paused. “Just like it’s probably against regulations for University instructors to get too friendly with students in their class.”

 “It is,” she said, feeling somehow bold. “But if you can break a rule, I can. Would you like to come in for a beer?”

“That may not be so wise. I am an owner of this tree business and an owner of the bucket truck. I was not worried about breaking that rule tonight. I knew it was safe for you when I brought you up in the bucket. That is not the way it is with you and the University.  And you don’t know—” he hesitated.

“Know what?”

He smiled a little, as if joking. “Whether you’d be safe alone in your house with me.” 

                                                            *****

Would you like like to read more? You'll need to get the book! Here is the information for Patricia as well as the buy links for her new release:

SOCIAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Facebook: facebook.com/patriciamcalexanderwriter/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/PatMcAlexWriter 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/patriciamcalexander/

BUY LINKS

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Student-Classroom-6-Patricia-McAlexander-ebook/dp/B09THQ2FDT/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1648132789&sr=1-1  

Barnes and Noble (includes Nook):  

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-student-in-classroom-6-patricia-mcalexander/1141068087?ean=9781509241750

i-books: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781509241767

Thank you, Patricia, for being my guest today.  Any comments or questions for Patricia?

A Promise from the Past

It's that time of the year when we start looking for just the perfect book to take on vacation or for those lazy days sitting out by the pool or beach. Today's guest in My Writing Corner has a book that was just released that sounds perfect for afternoon summer reading. Her newest book is Prophecies and Promises.

Alana Lorens has been a published writer for more than forty years. Currently a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, she describes herself as an aging hippie who loves her time in the smoky blue mountains. One of her novellas, That Girl's the One I Love, is set in the city of Asheville during the old Bele Chere festival. She lives with her daughter on the autism spectrum, who is the youngest of her seven children, and she is ruled by three crotchety old cats, and six kittens of various ages.

Her latest book is Prophecies and Promises.  Let's get a blurb:

Tamsyn McKiernan thinks her dreams have come true. She’s engaged to a dashing Key West bachelor and finally in her widowed father’s good graces. But in her heart, she knows something’s wrong. She loves the ocean and the quiet pleasures of nature—so what does the aristocratic life she’ll lead truly hold for her?  

Mercenary captain Drake Ashton is neck deep in preparations for the Spanish-American War, running guns and other supplies to Cuban natives who want out from under their Spanish masters. He and his brother Freddie risk their lives daily, focused on saving his friends on the island. Nothing else matters but his mission.

A chance encounter with a spiny sea urchin brings the two together, and neither of their lives will ever be the same again.

Let's hear directly from the characters:

Tamsyn, what do you want most in life?

 

What every other young woman wants, I suppose—to be happy and have a secure future. Getting married to Thatcher Winslow should accomplish this.

 

What do you hope for in your future?

 

I want to be able to choose my own path when I marry—but sometimes I worry because it seems like the society wives are a closed community and I’ll never be like them.

 

What draws you to Captain Drake Ashton?

 

He doesn’t try to control me. He’s funny and warm and he knows so many things! He wants to share them with me so I can make my own choices. We like natural things, and share a great many interests.

 

What frightens you most about him?

 

Well, he’s a…pirate, right? His life is dangerous. He carries guns with him to give to the rebels. The Spanish fleet wants to kill him—I’m scared for him…and a little bit of him as well.

 

Now let's talk to Drake:

 

Tell us about your current life and why it appeals to you.

 

I’ve grown up on the water. My brother Freddie has been my charge since our parents died, so we’ve wandered a lot. We found the group of rebels in Cuba, families, men, women and children who want to be rid of the Spanish. We’ve taken it as our own cause.

 

What do you want for the future?

 

I can’t think about the future beyond the war. We’ll be lucky to survive that long.

 

What is it about Tamsyn that draws or intrigues you?

 

She’s so interested in the world. Most of those young society ladies hardly have a brain, but she’s brilliant. From outside I can see she’s being drawn into a trap, and I want to help her so badly. She is firmly lodged in a piece of my heart.

 

What worries you about Tamsyn and becoming involved with her?

 

I mean, what kind of future could I offer her even if she would consider me? I’m living day to day on the sea, facing death regularly, not safe at a plushy home like some rich islander like Winslow. As much as I want to ask her to choose me, I know it’s not the “correct” choice as society would see it.

Want more?  Let's get an excerpt:

The wine would go straight to her head soon, she knew from previous, infrequent consumption, so she must sip it slowly. One of them had to keep their wits.

She felt the curious eyes of the crew, some shy, others bolder in their observation. Tamsyn smiled at them all. One broad, bullish man came forward with a blanket, which he spread on the deck. Drake clapped the man on the shoulder.

“Good thinking, Chaney. A picnic it will be!” He gestured to Tamsyn that she should seat herself, which she did without hesitation.

Within a few minutes, trays of food came up from below decks, chicken spit broiled with crispy skins, fruits and cheeses, Bahamian bread with a thick slab of butter. The men vied for the opportunity to serve her until Drake finally dismissed them with a laugh.

“Cook has enough for all below. Go take your supper. We may have some business awaiting us yet tonight.”

The men cheered and noisily went down to eat. The skinny cabin boy remained to serve his captain. Drake saw that the boy got a plate of food, then sent him away. “A few moments alone,” he whispered conspiratorially.

“Just a few,” she said with a sad smile. “Then I must—”

Drake held up a finger, silencing her. “Not a word of that now.”

Tamsyn started to argue, then realized he would just cut her off again. It was right. What might happen in a minute, in an hour, would not be changed if she took the time to immerse herself in the joy and comfort of this time with Drake.

The food smelled so good in the fresh night air, and Drake urged her to taste everything, from sweet melons to spicy chicken. It was simple fare, but it satisfied her more than any of the expensive delicacies that had been served at the Pickhams’ buffet. Surely it is the company which has improved my appetite. Drake’s dark eyes danced in the moonlight, and he often turned to her with a smile, perhaps wanting to say something but reluctant to break the spell they seemed to be under.

But not yet, Mamma, not yet…Can you see me, Mamma? Tamsyn wondered silently. Can you see how happy I am?

*****

Want more?  Here is a book Trailer followed by the buy links:

Buy Links:

Ebooks:  https://www.amazon.com/Prophecies-Promises-Alana-Lorens-ebook/dp/B09THTHV6H/ref=sr_1_5?qid=1647885952&refinements=p_27%3AAlana+Lorens&s=digital-text&sr=1-5&text=Alana+Lorens

Paperback:  https://www.amazon.com/Prophecies-Promises-Alana-Lorens/dp/1509241442/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647885952&sr=1-5

And if you would like to get in touch with Alana directly, here are her Social Contacts:

Author Links

Website      http://Alana-lorens.com

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/AlanaLorens/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4829967.Alana_Lorens

Amazon Author Page

https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Lorens/e/B005GE0WBC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Bookbub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alana-lorens

Twitter:  @AlexanderLyndi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexander_lyndi/

Thank you, Alana, for being my guest today. Any questions or comments?