What is one of your favorite things about writing?
Being able to create characters and stories about life and love.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The plot starts, but the characters write the story.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Pantser. I always know the ending, but the rest just comes in whenever it wants.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
My characters.
What do you like best about writing?
Escaping into a world I am creating.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Writing is easy, it’s all the stuff you have to do after you have finished writing.
What do you like about writing series books?
I have only written one series. It was fun to continue the story. Several of my stand alone books can be made into series.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Dreams, songs and sometimes they just pop in my head.
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
Neither. The story decides if it has a lot to tell or just a little.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
Katie’s Wind is a novel with strong romantic elements. It’s a second chance at love for an older woman with a young man.
What are you working on now?
A historical romance set in 1800s New Orleans.
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
Katie’s Wind
Days later, sitting at Katie’s desk in the library Rebecca and Katie laugh over the stupid e-mails coming through their spam. The only one left in the library is Carlos, trying to work quietly at the computer. When they laugh too loud, he turns and glares at them. Saying, “Sorry,” they try to keep it down.
“So are you feeling better about taking this job?” Rebecca leans in to whisper.
“Anything is better than auto pilot.” Katie folds her arm across her chest.
“Look, I know Shelton’s death was unexpected, but…”
“…but what?” Katie snaps. “Having your world crash down isn’t unexpected. It’s unimaginable!”
“Katie, things just happen,” Rebecca tries to console her friend.
Katie leans back and takes a deep breath. “I know. It’s just that I haven’t been on my own since I showed up for college twenty-five years ago.”
“Aren’t you lonely?”
“Sometimes, but I am adjusting…” Katie stops midsentence as Enrique enters the library. Katie notices how well dressed he is in a black shirt with gold pinstripes. His black jeans are a perfect fit, not too tight, not too loose, displaying a nice ass. Without looking at anyone, he goes over to Carlos.
“Ready?” His back is to the women, unaware they are ogling him.
Carlos looks up. “Sure give me a minute.”
“Take your time, no hurry.” Moving to the other side of Carlos, his shirt is unbuttoned enough to show his caramel colored chest, and a gold medallion sparkles against his skin.
Looking up at Katie and Rebecca, he acknowledges them. “Ladies.”
Sitting there rudely staring at this handsome young man, Katie forgets to breathe. Rebecca let her breath out slowly and straightens up. Katie heaves a sigh, knowing if she stands, she will fall. They both nod to Enrique.
“Enrique,” Katie splutters in a voice just above a whisper, without taking her eyes off him. “Rebecca, this is Enrique, Carlos’ brother.”
After walking leisurely over to them, Enrique shakes Rebecca’s hand.
“Pleasure.”
“Ms. Collins.” He turns to Katie and picks up her left hand, letting his thumb travel down her empty ring finger.
“Is it Senora or Senorita?” His eyes sparkle.
“I don’t know,” Katie answers, getting lost in his eyes.
A flirty smile cross his lips. “Are you married?”
“No, I’m deceased… I mean my husband is deceased…I don’t have a husband.” Katie frowns and shakes her head.
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
His life’s love.
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
Her soul mate.
Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?
The Son of a Gambling Man:
The woman with the shadowy black eyes ceremonially danced under the full moon in an opening in the dense forest. Lifting her arms to the star-filled sky, she chanted words in a foreign tongue. A small fire in the rock pit fought for its life. Suddenly it busted into a blazing inferno, its flame licked at the sky.
Lucinda, as the people called her, smiled as the heat hit her face. She had come because a friend of hers had just giving birth to a son.
August was his given name, August Reynaud Decoudreau, such a big name for such a small being.
The Voodoo queen was known the city over as the one to safeguard a child’s destiny. For August, the son of a gambler, was cursed already from the abandonment of his father and the battles for survival of his mother.
The mother had shown up at Lucinda’s door three months ago, sick and already heavy with child.
Suddenly the midnight sky turned darker from the rapidly rolling clouds, flashes of lightening lit up the night. Lucinda understood. This child would face many struggles and complications. Being a child born under the sign of Leo, the lion, ruled by the Sun, fed by the element of fire, he would overcome them, fight to right them and carry on.
To help him she bestowed upon his inner self a boldness to always walk strong and confident. A fearlessness to believe that good overcomes evil and sensitivity to love completely and honestly.
“Hear me night sky. This child is blessed among men to follow the path of righteousness. Do not forsake him as he was sent by the gods and will live in the realm of light and good.”
The thunder rolled over the valley. Lucinda went to her knees, letting the soft, gentle rain cleanse the core of her existent. She believed in this child.
August was sent here for a reason and she would see that he was protected.
Thanking the spirits of the night, she rose and went back to the city.
The city of sin and ruin.
New Orleans.
And the House of the Crescent Moon.
What are a few of your favorite book covers that have been done for your books?
I have an awesome cover designer, Elle J Rossi. She has done all my covers. Picking a favorite would be impossible.
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Alejandro, from my first book, When Dreams Change. He was my first love.
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
Depends on the book. Sometimes I start out thinking the heroine is my main character and then the hero will take over. Maybe it’s because I fall in love with him.
If you could step into one of your books, which one would it be?
The Space Between. It was so magical to write.
About you:
Where can we visit you online?
How long have you been writing? Seriously, about eight years, but I have had stories in my head all my life.
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.)
I write in the morning with my flavored coffee and music.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Still Greece.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Harrison Ford (Hans Solo), Hugh Jackman, Josh Gorban.
Katie’s Wind is a 2016 Nominee for Summer Read at TRR.
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