What is one of your favorite things about writing?
If I didn’t write, my mind would never function properly, because of all the stories floating around. My favorite part about writing is that it gives me a way to express myself and keeps me from going looney! Ha, ha!
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
Plot is usually first, for a new original idea. However, once I get a character that I love, ideas usually won’t stop. I have to keep little notes (they are an unorganized mess at present) to get back to at a later date, for a second or third book for a beloved character.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I pretend like I am going to plot and then I fly by the seat of my pants. I really want to be the writer with the colorful storyboards and pretty files all just waiting for me to refer back to, but I’m not. Once I get going, usually the characters and the stories do their thing and I end up with a book. Most of the time it’s pretty close to the outline, but not always.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
Anytime, I don’t feel like I need to be in a “sexy” mood in order to do my job, when the scene comes up, it’s time to be a professional and do my job.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Most of my stories are inspired by real life, this is not to say that everything in my books has happened to me or someone I know, but maybe a story they told me sparked an idea. Or I heard someone talking to their friend via cell phone, much to loudly, at the supermarket and voila a story was born. It happens! J
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
Oh this is a tough question, because often times it can be difficult to get a complete story and full character development in a short story. Nevertheless, I do enjoy writing them, for the challenge and because the one thing I hate is a story that drags on, novellas should never drag. Novels can be tough, at times, because I actually don’t read a lot of the descriptive narrative when I read books for pleasure. I prefer to imagine my own scene – could be a writer thing – so when I write I have to go back and fill in all of the things I wouldn’t read, had I just picked up the book at the library. They are both a challenge, I enjoy them both.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
My new release is a boxed set of my series, One Day at a Wedding. This set features four novellas that take you on a journey with a group of friends who are making their way through the wedding seasons, of their late 20’s. Each novella highlights a different member of the group and his or her struggles with love, friendship and life.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on a novella for a boxed set, due out this spring, with my good friends at the Authors of Main Street. It’s a story about two people struggling with disabilities, both seen and invisible and how they help each other heal and maybe, just maybe, fall in love.
Would you share one of the sexiest or most romantic lines from one of your books?
In my mind, your lipstick had already been kissed right off those luscious lips. I stared at them, simply wondering, if they – if you – could possibly taste as good as I suspect that you must. ~Thad (Anything but a Wedding)
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
I would want to meet Thad, from Anything but a Wedding. He is by far my favorite character to date. I love him so much that I added a BONUS story to the boxed set and the paperback, as a gift to my readers and for me, so I could write about him some more! LOL
Would you tell us about yourself?
My son and I live in the Pacific Northwest with a chocolate lab who things she is a lap dog, at 80 pounds. When I am not writing, there is a good chance I am somewhere watching my kiddo play a sport, more than likely basketball. We like to dance in the car, sometimes he lets me sing along to the radio and we are always talking about where we want to go next – preferably somewhere that requires a passport!
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
To write Contemporary Romance and to read either Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedies or Women’s Fiction, I don’t always need a HEA.
Where can we visit you online?
http://jobellbooks.wordpress.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Kelly-Rae/e/B007X65O28/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1416709915&sr=8-2
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Jamie Frasier – Outlander
Jax – Sons of Anarchy
Magic Mike 😛
Excerpt from Anything but a Wedding by Kelly Rae
Anything but a Wedding (starring Thad Carlmont)
While Cassie mingled and did her star tour around the place, Thad found himself essentially on a date with Dan. The bigger surprise turned out to be their ability to be downright friendly to one another.
“I’m proud of our girl,” Thad said to Dan, while they nursed their drinks. They both enjoyed a good gin and tonic.
“Our girl, huh? Well, that’s a first,” Dan said with a smirk on his face.
“Don’t make a big deal about it. I can see that you care for her and even though you haven’t said you love her yet, I know you do. I just needed to make sure. She’s special to me.”
“I know I should be surprised that you know we haven’t said I love you, but somehow I’m just not. You are her best gal pal, so she tells me.”
Dan nudged Thad with his elbow, which Thad took as the friendly gesture he knew Dan intended it to be.
“A gal pal that has seen her in her bra and panties when you haven’t, I’m not too worried about your taunts.”
Thad could not stop the grin from spreading across his face as he watched Dan’s eyes spark. Recognizing it as a low blow, he felt mildly sorry. But the man could very well be taking his Cassie away, thus he deserved a few punches, even if they were metaphorical.
“You know, you are a real pain in the ass, Thad. I hope I get used to you sooner rather than later, since it seems we are going to be stuck together for the foreseeable future.”
“Stuck, indeed. I have no plans on going anywhere and I know you don’t either. I get it, Dan. I see it and I’m cool. I’ll try to be less of a dick about things.”
“Promise?” Dan smiled.
“Well, I don’t solemnly swear or anything like that, but yeah, I can make a serious effort to that end.”
“I see your commitment issues extend beyond dating and women.”
“Well, now, who is being a pain in the–whoa! Speaking of women, look at that gorgeous thing headed our way. I sure hope that smile is for me.”
Thad could see Dan’s body stiffen and the look on his face turned from a general calmness to red and angry very quickly.
“Before she gets here, let me just explain that she is totally off limits, Thad. I mean it, absolutely not.”
Thad started to say something, but Dan cut him off with a death look at the first sight of lip movement. Before Thad could question him further, the beauty in question jumped into Dan’s arms and he gave her a bear hug.
“Hey, big bro, when did you start hanging out with such good looking friends?” Bri asked as she leapt off him and turned her attention to Thad.
Dan whispered into the goddess’ ear and she, to Thad’s joy, seemed to be completely ignoring Dan. To his estimation, that meant they already had one thing in common… well, that and her assessment that he was good looking. He couldn’t argue with her on that one.
“You are such a bore, Dan.” Brianna turned toward Thad, extended her right hand, and hit him with a smile that floored him.
“Hi, I am Brianna Simmons, little sister to this grumpy guy here.” Brianna gestured toward Dan and he gave her a warning look. Thad did not welcome that information. Her being Dan’s little sister meant this could get complicated –he wanted this woman instantly.
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