What is one of your favorite things about writing?
I love the freedom of writing. It’s really funny to see people shake their heads. So many, just do not get it.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
I usually have a character in mind. That being said, they usually come to mind in some kind of setting. As an example, in Quotable, I was standing in line at Borders (yes, I said Borders). They used to have stacks of large books, and the one that jumped up and landed in my arms (I believe that’s exactly what happened). I opened it, and the first quote I read was so ridiculous, that I pictured this brainiac using it as a way to keep people from becoming too close. That one line kicked off the Bloomington Series.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I start as a punster, and after appromimately 3,458 words, I slow down and start a plot line of sorts.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
I think writing sex scenes puts you in the mood. Don’t you?
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Currently, for me, it’s time.
What do you like about writing series books?
The best thing about writing series is that you already have a cast of characters to feed the story with.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
The pros are that the author is in total control, from conception to publication. The cons are that the author is in total control from conception to publication. Okay, that was a glib answer. The great thing about traditional publishing is that they can find most of your errors. There are people reading your work who are not emotionally involved. And the marketing aspect. But as an epub author you don’t have to fit in a round manuscript into a square box. Sometimes stories just don’t follow that path.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
My latest release is part of a four book series with authors Amanda McCabe, Alicia Dean and Krysta Scott. My book, Reckless, is interchangeable with the second and third of the set. The first of the Martini Club 4 series revolves around 4 young women who run away from England to New York City during Prohibition. 1924 to be exact. What is truly fun about this series is how we had to work certain scenes that show up in two books and make the dialogue match, even though the narrative is from the book’s characters point of view. We are having a grand time with marketing as you can imagine as the Martini Club 4. The Martini Lounge in Edmond Oklahoma is hosting our book launch on March 27th at 4:30p CST where there will be food and their vodka/gin rep giving sample martinis!
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
I do.
Excerpt:
Oh no. Meggie launched herself from her hiding place and threw her arms about Harry’s neck. Locked in his muscular embrace, she rested her chin on his shoulder. His arms tightened around her. “Oh, Harry. I came as fast as I could. Just as we’d planned.” The words, she’d intended to carry, came out breathless.
“Fast, huh?” The whisper was against her ear where no one else could hear, raised goose prickles over her entire body. “Guess I’ll have to do something about that.” He lifted his head. “What are you doing with my girl, Joe?”
Joey’s hands flew into the air, indicating his surrender. “Sorry, Dempsey. Had no idea she was anyone’s quiff—”
Meggie’s cheeks burned, and she stiffened at the insult. Harry’s one arm gripped her closer. The other shot up, jerking her body like a rag doll. She couldn’t see Harry’s face with her own now buried in his neck, but she felt the corded muscles contract. A split second later, a sickening crunch sounded followed by a deathlike groan.
Meggie let out her breath and felt a slight shudder ripple through her defender.
“What’s going on here?” Butch demanded. “You know this part of the club is off limits, Miss Montley.”
Meggie lifted her head from Harry’s shoulder and looked into his eyes.
“I requested Lady Margaret’s assistance.” Harry’s gaze never wavered from her.
Meggie voice caught in her throat. She couldn’t have spoken to save her life.
“You there,” Butch barked. “Drag this piece of shit out back.”
Meggie dared a peek and saw Joey Keagan’s limp body being hauled out by the arms, legs dragging the ground, by two huge ruffians. She turned back to Harry where a slight sardonic curl lifted his lips.
“Cash or check, doll?” he said.
She swallowed. “W-what?”
He chuckled, setting her cheeks aflame. “A kiss now or later,” he said for her ears only.
Meggie wet her lips before answering. “C-check,” she stammered out in a husky whisper.
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
Steady, strong, tempting.
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest? Headstrong, Loyal, Reckless
If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?
Flappers, of course!
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on a sweet historical set during the Civil War. It is an interesting time period. And, I’m learning a lot more about American History than I ever had in school.
Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?
Sure, but keep in mind this is in the early stages of the first draft. The working title is The Mapmaker’s Wife
Excerpt:
Short and sweet. Or it would have been had the man with whom Elizabeth was now permanently attached shown the slightest amount of interest in her. Dear God, these thoughts made her as pathetic as Gertrude. She was marrying him to help his daughter; to save herself with John Williams as her protector. She blinked back the sudden sting of tears.
“You may kiss your bride, Mr. Williams.”
Elizabeth’s stomach dropped to her to knees. Her hand in his, too hot. She didn’t know where to look. Anger emanated off Gertrude, but Mr. Williams—John—seemed oblivious to his daughter’s sentiment. He took Elizabeth’s chin in his hand and tipped up her face, lowered his to hers, gently touched her lips with his. Her plummeting stomach hit the floor.
Eyes closed, she was vaguely aware of Gertrude’s outraged cry and small body backing away.
Elizabeth opened her eyes, meeting her new husband’s. Something deep swirled within. Something she couldn’t define.
He raised his head, let go of her hand. She couldn’t break her gaze from his.
“Now the paperwork.” Mr. Babbage’s deep resonance echoed off the wood, startling her. She blinked and moved back a step.
Do you have a favorite character or characters you feel especially close to?
I have to say, my favorite characters seem to be the very ones that readers don’t like, at least in the beginning. That would be Pricilla from The Unlikely Heroine – book ii of my Cinderella Series. She’s pragmatic and in-your-face. And Lorianne of Maybe It’s You – book 2 of my Bloomington Series. They are both difficult to get to know but would be your best friend’s in a pinch.
Would you share one of the sexiest or most romantic lines from one of your books?
From Maybe It’s You: “No. I really have something for you in my pocket. My jacket pocket,” he clarified.
What are a few of your favorite book covers that have been done for your books?
The Reckless cover pops! With that brilliant red border, don’t you think? Kelli McBride did the cover. But another favorite is Lies That Bind, book 3 of the Bloomington Series. That one was created by Clarey Carey.
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
I think I like writing both equally. I love knowing where each are coming from.
If you could step into one of your books, which one would it be?
I think I would love to step into the Cinderella Series.
Would you tell us about yourself?
Of course, I love reading and writing. But I’m also a huge musical theater person. I love the NFL and NBA too. Oh, and karaoke. It’s hard to find time to work everything, but I somehow manage. I forgot about travel. I live in Oklahoma City, but as I’m writing this, I’m in Seattle.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
I go through periods of preferring contemporary over Regency historical. But I think my absolute favorite, if I have to choose, is the historical.
Where can we visit you online?
http://facebook.com/kathylwheeler
http://pinterest.com/kathylwheeler
http://kathylwheeler.blogspot.com
http://martiniclub4.wordpress.com
How long have you been writing?
I started writing in late 2006 with The Wronged Princess – book i of my Cinderella Series.
To you what makes a great romance hero?
I love a strong hero that finally has to work to convince the heroine he is the man for her.
To you what makes a great romance heroine? A heroine who, in peril, can save herself, even when the hero bursts through the door.
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.)
Any moment I can find, I pull out a tablet. Although, there are evenings when I’ll go to Louie’s Bar and Grille, sit at the bar, tune everything out and go to town. Some of my best/fastest writing occurs then.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
I want to go to Ireland, but really, I just love to travel, talk to different people, see different things.
What book are you currently reading?
I just finished Perfect Pitch by Mindy Klasky. I think I’ll pick up a couple of more of hers.
What is the last movie you watched?
You mean like current movie? I rarely get to watch movies. I can tell you the last Thunder basketball game I went to, however. Thunder vs Memphis, Wed, Feb 11th…
Do you have any pets?
I have a cat, Carly. She landed on our doorstep one cold February night in 2009 with a huge hole in her side where gain-green had set in. My husband built a house for her and put it on the back porch. She went in it. He took her to the vet where she stayed for a week. I hadn’t even met her yet! I think she watched my husband with our dog and thought, “He’s the one!” She’s still with us.
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Thank you so much for having me. These were very interesting questions. Not your run-of-the-mill.
Great interview. That is so cool that you are having martini samples at your book launch- I only wish I lived in Oklahoma so I could go. Good luck with the release!
Fantastic interview…love these questions! It was a blast writing these stories with my friends. Hope readers enjoy them!
Enjoyed the interview!
I am just so in love with this series! There is just something about the 20’s! Can’t wait to dive in. And I love the idea of martini samples at your signing!