If you haven’t heard of historical romance author Kimberly Killion, you’re missing out. Kim writes sexy Scottish historicals that have been nominated for many awards, including the prestigious Rita. She’s also a wonderful person and a great friend.
Welcome Kim to the blog!
Have yo
u always been a writer? Do you have or have you had another career? If so, how did you make the transition/how do you keep your careers separate?
No, I haven’t always been a writer, just very creative. My mind is never at rest. I work part-time as a Graphic Design Instructor at a college in St. Louis, Missouri. Although an artist by profession, I traded my paintbrush for a pen about ten years ago. After writing and illustrating a mystical world of fairies, I began to explore the realm of romance novels. I discovered a passion for words within the arts and do not feel there is much of a separation between the two. Art comes in various mediums; oils, watercolor, computer graphics. To me, it is the same when authors create ‘word pictures’ through writing.
How did you get your “big break”?
I went to the 2007 RWA National conference in Texas with one goal; To sell. I had one completed manuscript, *Highland Dragon*, and one manuscript partially written, *Her One Desire*. I had two interviews set up, and luckily one was with Hilary Sares of Kensington. Though she perked up when I mentioned my contest wins, I didn’t have her full attention until I started talking about the book I had in the works. At the time, I only had five chapters written on *Her One Desire*. Hilary was very interested in the premise of this particular story and asked to see everything I had written on it to date, in addition to *Highland Dragon*. Ten days after the conference I got ‘THE CALL’. Hilary wanted to buy both books from me. The catch…she wanted *Her One Desire* to hit the shelves first. Of course, I was exhilarated, excited, but I only had five chapters written. Long story short…I had 
to write 80,000 words in three months. But, I DID IT! I had no life. My kids referred to me as ‘that woman who lives here.’ But I had 103,000 words written and mailed out to my editor on time. Whew!
What’s your writing schedule like?
I get up between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. It is the only time my house is perfectly quite. No phones, no emails, no kids, no husband. The world is at peace, and I am my most creative in the mornings. By 6:00 a.m. I have to get myself and my ‘offspring’ ready for work and school. I’m gone from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to work and run errands, after which, I feed the other humans living in my house and can usually be back to writing by 6:00 pm. I blissfully slip into bed around 10:00 p.m.
This year you were a Rita finalist. Describe what it feels like to be nominated for a RITA.
I was in complete denial. Kelly St. John left a message on my machine and I called her back to tell her there must have been a mistake. She laughed and assured me there was no mistake. When it actually sank in I got that feeling. You know the one you got when you were a kid and someone bigger than you picked you up and spun you around by your arms. I think I continued to spin for several days. It was an honor to be recognized and has since made me a more confident writer.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers? And how did you keep your spirits up until the first book was published?
Perseverance. If you want it bad enough, it will happen. You must continue to learn. Find a critique partner or group. I found it easier to learn the craft of writing from reading ‘bad writing’ vs. ‘good writing’. Join online writer’s group and take classes. Read all the How-to books and never, under any circumstances should you ever give up.
You get a date with a ROMANCE HERO. Name one hero(yours or someone else’s), the book 
he is in and what you would do on the date.
The hero has to be ‘my’ Broderick from my debut book, Her One Desire. I spent months researching him and making him perfect. He makes me laugh. He makes my heart pound and he is damn good in bed. Where would we go on a date, you ask? His place for drinks. I always wanted to go to Scotland.
Where can we find you on the web?
http://www.kimberlykillion.com/
http://www.twitter.com/kimberlykillion
http://www.facebook.com/kimberlykillion
Thanks to Kim for stopping by!
Leave a comment! Two people will win a copy of Highland Dragon. Winners will be announced on Wednesday.
*Disclaimer- For some reason each book has a tiny white mark, one on the hero’s face the other on the heroine’s. A publishing/shipping problem.
