For Wannabe Writers - Interview with Kate Smith

Hey, everyone! Do I have a treat for you today! ;)

The amazingly talented (and such a dear!) author Kate Smith agreed to give us an interview!

Enjoy!!!

Personal Information:
1) Name and Pseudonyms: Kate Smith aka Kady Cross, Kate Cross, Kate Locke and Kathryn Smith

2) Age: 40ish :-)
3) Gender: Female
4) Time you have worked, or have been working as a writer: I began writing at age 8. I sold my first book in 1999.
5) Institution you presently work at and have worked before as a writer: A bunch of awful retail jobs.
6) Level of Instruction: College graduate

About her Profession

1) Why have you become a writer? 
Because I can’t imagine NOT writing.

2) What would you say about your very first experience as a writer?
I’ll never forget the day I sold my first book. I was working at a job I didn’t like much, and the editor called me there. I spent the rest of my shift in a daze.

3) How do you view writing as a career? 
For me writing is my passion, not just a career. It’s something I have no choice in. It sounds weird, but I can’t stop writing anymore than I could stop breathing. If I go too long without working on a story I become irritable.

4) What could you say about your writing process? 
I like to plot and plan to an extent, and then I just start writing and see what happens. Each time I start a new series I have to give it its own binder that I turn into a bit of a ‘bible’ for those books. I use it to reference things that happen in other books so I can keep my facts straight.

5) Would you say that you are inspired and/or influenced by other writers? 
I would definitely say I’ve been inspired and influenced. I’m still finding new inspiration. There are so many fabulous authors and books out there -- I’ve barely scratched the surface!

6) Is there anything else you would like to add concerning your experience as a published author? 
Publishing can be a crazy business. It’s full of ups and downs, heartbreaks and disappointments. It is also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 
Don’t give up and read, read, read.

8) Please tell us about your new projects. 
Right now I’m finishing up the 3rd book in my Kate Cross written Steampunk romance series, The Clockwork Agents. The book is called Breath of Iron and will be out next summer. And then I’ll be writing the 3rd book in the Immortal Empire series for Orbit as Kate Locke.

9) Would you like to say anything else concerning your experiences in being a writer? Mention anything you consider important and you would like to share with us.  
I’ve made some of my best and beloved friends doing this job. It’s amazing to have that support -- people you can call through the good and the bad, and who always understand where you’re coming from.

3 Could you possibly complete the following statements?
Writing is…my life.
Learning to be a writer is …. difficult.

Being a writer is… Frustrating, rewarding, terrible and wonderful -- all at the same time.

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Kate Cross

Arden is an undercover agent for one of the most powerful organizations of this steam-powered world—the Wardens of the Realm, a group with extraordinary abilities, dedicated to protecting England against evil....

________________________________________________________________

Kady Cross

As Kady Cross, Kate is the award winning author of The Steampunk Chronicles from Harlequin Teen. The series has been published in Australia and Germany, and is scheduled to be published in Turkey, France, England and Italy in 2012. It will also be released in Japan.

THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET

THE GIRL IN THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR

THE GIRL WITH THE IRON TOUCH (June 2013)

Find out more at KadyCross.com!

Kate Locke

As Kate Locke, Kate is the author of the Urban FantasyGOD SAVE THE QUEEN (Immortal Empire #1), available in hardcover from Orbit.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

THE QUEEN IS DEAD (Feb 2013)

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN (late 2013)

Find out more at KateLocke.com

Kathryn Smith

As Kathryn Smith, Kate is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Brotherhood of the Blood series, and many historical romance novels.

Some of these books are no longer in print, but most can be found at your favorite online or brick and mortar retailer.

Out now -- The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

The Girl in the Steel Corset
w/a Kady Cross
Heart of Brass
Touch of Steel

w/a Kate Cross
God Save the Queen
w/a Kate Locke
KadyCross.com
KateCross.com
KateLocke.com 

State of Emergency Release Day + Interview with the Author

It's January 18th and do you know what it means?

It's the Release Day of the newest post-apocalypse/survival book by Summer Lane, State of Emergency! (You can find my review here.)

 Now, just scroll down and enjoy my interview with the author. ;)

1 1)    How long have you been working as a writer?

I started working as a writer during my Senior Year of High School. I wrote excruciatingly boring articles for different websites about things like tire rims and eyeglass lenses. It was actually very hard work, very technical, and freelance writing turned out to be a full-time job for me.

2 2)    Why have you become a writer?

When I was about 13, I realized how much I loved stories. All stories – whether they were in a song or in a picture book. I’d been writing stories since I was a little girl, but I never really wrote seriously. Right before I started High School, I started writing to have fun, to escape, and to teach myself the craft of writing so that by the time I graduated from High School, I could have a career in it. Writing was my sole focus for five years, and after I graduated from high school, I started working jobs where I could write all day until I fell asleep at the computer.

3)    Where did the idea for writing State of Emergency come from?

I wanted to tell a story about survival. Survival stories have always fascinated me, and I had had the character of Cassidy Hart in my head for a long time. I started writing the opening scene during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) purely for fun. I had no intention of anybody ever seeing the book or reading it except for myself. I was so wrong about that! The story ended up being something that just created itself, and I had to know how it ended. 

4)    Were any of your characters based on someone you know?

Yes! Cassidy’s dad is based off my own father, who was (and still is) in law enforcement. Cassidy is halfway based on myself, to be honest. To make writing real, you have to write what you know, so I asked myself this question: “If I, a totally average, run-of-the-mill college age girl had to survive in post-apocalyptic North America, how would I react?” And there I had Cassidy – but of course, an author takes that foundation for a character and plays with it, exaggerates it, and changes it. At the end of the process I had this redheaded kid with a sarcastic way of looking at things – but who was a lot tougher than she appeared.

5)  What actors would you say look the closest to what you pictured Chris and Cassidy to look like?

I’ve always said that Chris Hemsworth would be a perfect Chris, which is funny, because they have the same first name. My Chris is about the same height (minus the Australian accent!), and he always plays the tough guy very convincingly. Plus, he’s usually got the long hair thing down pretty good. As for Cassidy, she’s harder to cast. I think Mandy Moore, when she was a redhead, is pretty close, or Emma Stone. 

Yum. I totally pictured Chris as Chris. LOL.

6)  The cover for State of Emergency is pretty shocking. What made you choose such a powerful scene?

I wanted the cover to tell a story. When you look at it, you know that you’re looking at what used to be a great city. Something bad happened, and you might be wondering what went down, and why. The city represents Los Angeles, since that’s where Cassidy begins her story, and the abandoned car on the cover is actually a big part of the story.

I wanted the cover to make people think.

7)  To what kind of reader would you recommend your book?

I wanted to write a book that everybody, at every age, could enjoy. I wanted romance (for people like me, who love that kind of stuff), and adventure (for everybody), and a little bit of scariness to keep you entertained. The reason I say it’s a YA/NA crossover is because my main character is an adult (she’s 19), but she’s still learning how to grow up, which is hard enough in a normal world. Try growing up during a state of emergency. It’s YA because younger readers can enjoy it just as much as the ones who are older. There’s plenty of every element for everybody.

So, what do you think, guys? Do you have any questions for Summer? Does State of Emergency sound like a book you'd like to read?

Interview with Bella Andre + Giveaway

Please enjoy this guest post by Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the contemporary romance series, The Sullivans. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards!

Interview with Bella Andre

about her best-selling series, The Sullivans

1. You create characters beautifully and are an absolute master of plot twists. It seems like you could write in almost any genre and do a bang-up job of it. What made you decide to devote your efforts to the romance genre in particular?

Thank you so much for the compliments! I've always been a huge romance fan - I've been reading nearly a book a day since I was a teenager - so it was a natural fit for me when the characters starting appearing in my head one day. :)

2. How did the idea for this interconnected contemporary romance series first come to you? What was your inspiration?

I love the family series that have always been popular in historical romance - like Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series and Nora Roberts MacGregors - and I was also inspired by my husband's large family. It seemed like a natural fit to combine the the funny and sweet family dynamics into an overarching series of sexy contemporary romances with the alpha heroes that I love so much.

3. Everyone seems to have a favorite Sullivan. Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but who is your favorite? And who's most like you?

I'll have to plead the fifth and pick Mary Sullivan - the family matriarch - as my favorite Sullivan. She's the heart that keeps the family together and I get emotional whenever I write a scene with her. In fact, in COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER (Smith Sullivan's story), the scene where he calls his mother to ask for love advice is one that so many readers have told me is their absolute favorite scene in any Sullivan book.

As for who is most like me - maybe Sophie Sullivan from I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU. She loves to read (and is a librarian) and when she wants something (in her case: bad boy Jake McCann), she goes for it! Of course, I'm also a lot like Lori Sullivan (aka "Naughty") with her big mouth and constant laughter.

4. In your opinion, what ingredients are needed to make up a good love story? Is life the same as fiction in this respect? Why or why not?

I love to love my characters and when I write a story I need two heroic, nice, good people (and why not gorgeous, too?!) who deserve love and have a lot of love to offer in return, but who are flawed partially because they haven't found that perfect someone who compliments them like no other. I like my fiction to be a little bigger than life - the Sullivans are extraordinarily hot, sensitive and attentive - but at their heart, they're all very real.

5. How has your own love story with your husband informed the Sullivan series? Are there any scenes that are directly taken from your own life?

I have the best husband in the entire world. Sweet, loving, sensitive…and super hot! He's always supported me in everything I've ever done and I think his strength and capability to love is at the core of every hero I write.

With that said, none of the scenes are ever taken directly from my own life. I have a very active imagination. :)

6. Let's pretend for a second that you are a single woman living in the world of the Sullivans, which of the six brothers would you be most likely to fall in love with and why?

Ohhhh, now THAT is a fun fantasy! I would fall in love with each and every single one of them - and do, while I'm writing each of their stories! If I had to pick one, I might have my eye on Marcus (FROM THIS MOMENT ON) - because while all of my Sullivans are sweet, sexy and sensitive - Marcus is the only one with his own endless supply of wine from his winery. And there's just something about the oldest brother…. Then again, Zach Sullivan is such a great combination of cocky and sweet. And Ryan Sullivan has all those muscles. And Gabe is such a hero as a firefighter (and I love his dirty talking between the sheets). And Chase is so sexy and protective. And then there's Jake McCann (who falls in love with Sophie Sullivan) with his tattoo's and big muscles. Not to mention Lori's hero in the upcoming ALWAYS ON MY MIND which will be out this spring. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Lori's hero just might be the hottest hero I've ever written.

See, what did I tell you earlier? I'm no good at picking just one. So let's just say, yet again, ALL OF THEM!

7. The Sullivans and their beaux have some pretty interesting careers. From photographers and sculptors to professional actors, musicians and ball players all the way to firefighters, librarians and business owners, they lead very exciting lives! What type of research did you have to do to capture these jobs so well? Do you have any interesting research anecdotes to share?

I've written firefighters and athletes in previous series which helped with my firefighter, Gabe (CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE) and my baseball player, Ryan (LET ME BE THE ONE). I also live in Sonoma and have a lot of experience with wine and wineries which was ideal for winery owner Marcus (FROM THIS MOMENT ON) and as a writer I've been blessed to work with many librarians who served as information points for Sophie (I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU.)

For books where I need inspiration, the internet has been amazing and when needed, I also call on the help of professionals. Even though I'd written firefighters before, I still sent all my firefighting scenes to a professional and for Smith's book (COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER) I sent all the acting-set sequences to a local film producer.

8. I was very touched by the inclusion of Yorkie puppy, Cuddles, and Great Dane rescue, Atlas, in book five, If You Were Mine. Are you a dog person yourself? If you have pets, I'd love to know more about them!

I *love* animals. I had the best time writing the two dogs in IF YOU WERE MINE. They had their own little love story in that book, which pleased me to no end. There's a cat that plays a very important role in ALWAYS ON MY MIND (Lori Sullivan's story, coming Spring 2013). My whole family loves animals, and we've recently adopted a beautiful cat. Or more accurately, the cat has adopted us, smart little minx.

9. The Sullivan series is currently seven volumes long. How many more books do you have planned, and which other family members will get the spotlight in their own books?

Lori's book (ALWAYS ON MY MIND) is up next, and there are 5 Seattle Sullivans who are ready for love - I will start with Rafe Sullivan's book this summer! Plus, I have something *very* special planned for Mary Sullivan, their mother, planned to release for the holidays in 2013.

10. And lastly (for a bit of random fun), what has been the most amazing/ touching/ validating interaction you've had with a fan of your books?

Everyone who has ever written to me on Facebook or Twitter or Goodreads or via email to tell me how much they love my books and that the Sullivans have moved them in some way has touched me. I love my fans, so, so much! I have the very best time in the world writing about my Sullivans… and knowing that I have so many absolutely wonderful people waiting to read them as soon as they're released is a total thrill every single day.

The Sullivans are on tour with Novel Publicity. Follow along for your chance to win amazing prizes. We've got special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards. WOW!

You'll also get introduced to this amazing contemporary romance series via excerpts as well as interviews with and guest posts from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Bella Andre. You'll definitely want to learn more about the family that has captured the world's heart.

All the info you need to join the fun and enter to win amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!

To Win the Prizes:

1. Purchase any of the Sullivan ebooks by Bella Andre for just $4.99 (optional)
2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity (go here or just scroll down for Rafflecopter)
3. Visit today’s featured social media event (that's where the HUGE prizes are)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Sullivans: In this sexy, emotional and funny contemporary romance series, each member of the Sullivan family will eventually find true love...usually where he or she least expects it.

Get the eBooks via Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, the iBookStore, or the Kobo Store.

Audiobooks are also available for the first five in the series (with more coming soon). Plus, keep an eye out for paperback editions coming from Harlequin Romance starting Summer 2013.

About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as she started writing her first romance novel, she knew she’d found her perfect career. Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they’ll love forever, nearly all of her novels have appeared on Top 10 lists at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo.

Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine "Red Hot Reads" twice and have been translated into nine languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post has called her "One of the top digital writers in America" and she has been featured by NPR, USA Today, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. She has given the keynote speech at Book Expo America on her self-publishing success and has sold more than one million books.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.

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