As I’ve mentioned before, the best thing about having this blog is getting to know authors and their work. One such author I’m thrilled to meet is USA Today Bestseller Karen Kelley. Karen writes sexy romances with a little comedy and suspense thrown in for fun. She’s visiting today and is giving away a copy of one of her books.
Join me in welcoming Karen to the blog!
Can you tell us a little about your books?
Lori, thanks so much for having me. I write romantic comedy. I’ve written romantic suspense, contemporary and aliens (think Third Rock From The Sun). Currently, I have a new series of shapeshifters. All my books have some degree of comedy and they all have a happily ever after.
Did you always want to be a writer? And how long did it take for you to get published after you wrote that first book?
I didn’t think about writing until I was in my thirties. I’d always loved Gothic romance, though. Then Rosemary Rodgers came out with Sweet Savage Love and I devoured it. A couple of years passed until I knew I had to write my own book. Six short (snort!) years later I was offered a contract.
Tell us about your call story.
I did everything wrong! I’d been up most of the night before taking care of a sick relative so my husband, Karl, answered the phone. He knew who Hilary Sares was because he’d mailed off my manuscript to her three days before—yes, three days. I was used to the 6-9 months turnaround, then a rejection. I had a choke hold on the telephone and kept repeating Ohmygosh! Poor Hilary, it took her forever to convince me this was the real deal and she was offering me a contract.
You’re a USA Today Bestseller. Tell us about the moment when you found out.
My editor, Kate Duffy, let me know. I was beyond thrilled, excited, on top of the world! My husband took me out to celebrate. What better way to end an evening then with candlelight, pasta, wine and chocolate.
What do you do when you’re not writing? Any hobbies?
Gosh, so much of my time is taken up with writing and publicity, but I love visiting family. Our son and daughter-in-law just had their first baby, a boy. Our daughter and her family live in the San Antonio area and there is so much to do there with all the quaint places to visit. My husband and I love history (that area is an explosion of history), antique shopping, and seeing the sights.
Where can we find you on the web?
www.authorkarenkelley.com Stop by and say hi! While you’re there, you can join my free newsletter group. I give away a book every month to some lucky member chosen at random.
What’s next for you?
I’m attempting to break into the young adult market because I am so hooked on it. LOL. I’m also a huge fan of paranormal. I’m currently working on one right now. The first book I ever wrote was a historical. It never sold. I fondly call it my hysterical because I made so many mistakes with that first attempt at writing, but who knows, I might just try writing another historical.
This year I have out: The Jaguar Prince, April. Double Dating With The Dead (mass market reprint) in July. The Falcon Prince, August. The Wolf Prince, Nov.
Thanks Karen!
Make sure to leave a comment! One lucky person will win a copy of The Jaguar Prince! Winner announced Saturday.