This is an author who hasn't been on this blog before. Welcome, Karen. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I've only just finished my second book, but so far my
characters tend to struggle with the same issues I do, such as fear, trusting
God in difficult circumstances, accepting His forgiveness. The same verses that give me comfort and
guidance find their way into the books, as well.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
This is a tough one, because I don't do that many quirky
things. I do remember a particular time
in college when my beauty regimen was considerably more intensive than it is
now. I was on a first date with a young man and by the end of the night my
false eyelashes were bothering me.
Without warning, I just plucked them off right in the middle of our
dinner. His jaw hit the floor. Um, he didn't ask me out a second time. lol
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I didn't have the idea to write until I was in college. It was an intimidating idea, one I dismissed
almost immediately. It wasn't until I
was a young wife with a baby that I decided to actually attempt it. I had nothing to lose, and I'd always had
this need to be creative but never had an outlet. The more I write, the more I enjoy it. It's a creative challenge that fulfills me.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Historicals are my favorite, including regencies and
westerns. I also like contemporaries and
suspense. Nonfiction takes me a bit
longer to finish, if I do at all. Oh, and I collect all sorts of cookbooks and
cooking magazines. The trouble is I enjoy
looking at the pictures more than actually cooking the recipes. lol
I collect recipe books, too, and seldom use a recipe. How do
you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I'm not sure I have that figured out! We're a homeschooling
family, so we're not running to and from school every day. And right now we have only one child involved
in an extracurricular activity. When I
do get overwhelmed, I head to the local
bookstore and browse the aisles or have coffee with a friend.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
I actually have a hard time with this, especially secondary
characters. I find myself using names of
neighbors, friends, even my husband's coworkers.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I'm thrilled to be living my dream of being a romance
author. It was something I worked long
and hard for but I can't take the credit.
Without God in the midst of it, none of this would be possible. He gave me the desire to write and, despite
my unworthiness, granted the desire of my heart.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Well, security is important to me, so I'd want to be an
animal who doesn't have many enemies.
Maybe an eagle. I'm afraid of
heights, but as an eagle I wouldn't have that fear and would get to soar high
above God's creation. Can you imagine
the view?
What is your favorite food?
Chipotle Mexican Grill's bean and rice burrito with all the
fixings.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest
roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
My greatest roadblock in the beginning was a lack of
knowledge. I had no experience with
creative writing. I wasn't a member of a
writers group. I just decided one day
that I wanted to write a romance, so I sat down at my computer and started
writing. That was frustrating because I
had no idea how to go about plotting a story or setting up conflict or
developing well-rounded characters.
Thankfully I found great resources on the craft and how to pursue
publication. I'm still learning, by the
way.
We’re all still learning, no matter how long we’ve been
published. Tell us about the featured book?
The Reluctant Outlaw
is the first book in my series Smoky Mountain Matches. The series is set in 1880's East
Tennessee and follows the O'Malley family. Here's the back cover blurb:
A
Kidnapper—and a Gentleman?
The ruthless criminal who took Juliana O’Malley hostage was a thief and an outlaw—or so she thinks. But on a perilous journey through theSmoky
Mountains , he becomes her unlikely protector. And when he pledges to
return her home safely, she somehow finds herself believing him.
The ruthless criminal who took Juliana O’Malley hostage was a thief and an outlaw—or so she thinks. But on a perilous journey through the
Evan Harrison has risked everything to find the men who killed his brother. Saving spirited, strong-willed Juliana could blow his cover with a deadly gang. Yet her courage and unwavering faith make him dream of the home and family he thought he could never have. And suddenly, that future is incomplete—without Juliana in it.
Copyright [2011] by [Karen Kirst]
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A.
Please give us the first page of the book.
June 1880
Blocking the entrance to Clawson ’s Mercantile, Evan
Harrison tried to blend in with the overhang’s shadows. He’d dressed in head-to-toe black, his hat
pulled low to shade his eyes. Leaning
against the glass-paned door, arms crossed and one ankle slung carelessly over
the other, he could’ve been waiting for someone or simply watching the morning
rush of people. What passersby couldn’t
see was his heart’s sharp tattoo against his ribcage and the sweat sliding
between his shoulder blades to trickle down his spine.
His narrowed gaze flicked to and
fro, his muscles bunched and ready to spring should anyone head his way. Hurry
up, Fitz. He wondered how Art was
doing in the back alley.
This wasn’t his first hold up, so
why the unease? He scanned the crowd
again, and the burning in his gut grew worse.
He was worried about Fitz. The
outlaw inside the mercantile was a wild card.
Lenny Fitzgerald had proven time and again that he wasn’t afraid to
spill innocent blood. And he wasn’t
particular about his victims.
Evan had
done his best to prevent the violence, but he could only do so much without
arousing suspicion. He couldn’t take a
chance of blowing his cover. He’d worked
too hard and waited too long to have that happen now.
He closed his eyes, wishing he could
put off the inevitable. Then he
remembered the reason he was there and his resolve hardened. He was on a quest for justice, and he would
get it. No matter what.
He snapped his eyes open at the
sound of someone approaching. Shifting
his head to the right, he caught sight of a young woman striding down the
boardwalk in his direction, her boots clipping the weathered planks with
determination. She was on a mission, it
seemed.
Please let her be headed
anywhere else but here, he thought.
As she neared, he couldn’t help but notice her
bold beauty. Sleek red hair peeked out
from beneath a navy and cream floral print bonnet framing an oval-shaped
face. He admired her ivory complexion,
so rare in redheads, and the pert nose, regal cheekbones, and generous
mouth. Her sturdy navy dress outlined a
pleasing female form, tall yet graceful.
She must’ve noticed him staring,
for she quirked a cinnamon eyebrow, her lips firming in disapproval. Her eyes raked him from head to toe before
meeting his gaze head on. One jerk of
her chin hinted of a stubborn streak.
“Excuse me,” she speared him with
her gaze, “You’re blocking the entrance.”
Her eyes were green, not the
expected blue. Deep green, the color of
spruce trees streaked with sunset gold.
Straightening, Evan plucked the hay
from his mouth and tossed it to the ground.
“You can’t go in there.”
A line of confusion formed between her fine
eyebrows. “Why not?”
“Mr. Clawson had to step out for a few
minutes. He asked me to tell any
customers who happened by that he’d be back in a jiffy.”
Annoyance
flickered in those gorgeous eyes.
“That’s impossible. Mr. Clawson
is dead."
Copyright [2011] by [Karen Kirst]
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A.
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A.
I’m intrigued. How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website, www.karenkirst.com ,
has pictures and information about my characters and books. I have a Facebook page, and I'm also on
Goodreads.Thank you, Karen, for spending this time with us. I'd love to feature your second book on this blog. Email me.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The Reluctant Outlaw (Love Inspired Historical)
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
44 comments:
I love your cover. I started writing with littles at home and am now moving into the homeschooling phase, hearing that published means even busier, I have a lot of respect for homeschooling authors, wonder if I'll be able to handle it if my time comes any time soon!
KS
Sounds like a good story, and I would love to win a copy.
I'm in Texas.
Love historical westerns!! I agree about being an eagle - such majestic and beautiful creatures
Cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com
That sounds like a great story line!
NC
Thanks so much for the chance to win this. This looks like an amazing book. I would love to win this. Thanks again.
I am from Oklahoma.
Sounds like a great book to read.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Thanks Lena for having me today! I'm visiting family in Tennessee and we've been out preparing for my niece's wedding this weekend. Melissa, it's all about carving time out of your day. I watch a lot less tv now and get up earlier, but it's doable. With God, you can handle anything! Are you writing romance?
Chellb,
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you are safe from the wild fires out there.
Cheryl,
It's funny, I didn't really see this book as a Western until a reader mentioned it. It was a fun story to write!
Lizzy,
I'm in NC too. Thanks for stopping by today!
I wish you luck, Rebecca!
Thanks for dropping by, Robyn!
Oh, I collect cookbooks and cooking magazines too! I love to read them - love the ones with pictures the best. The Reluctant Outlaw sounds really good. Would love to read it.
from southern Mississippi
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
This book sounds so exciting and romantic! Sign me up! :)
Salena
Texas
Sounds interesting! I always love reading new authors.
Patty in SC
I love westerns <3 This one looks and sounds so cool!
please enter me
crazi.swans at gmail dot com
Patsy,
I'm glad I'm not the only one. lol I've got to start trying out those recipes instead of just drooling over the pictures!
Salena, Patty, and Faye,
Thanks for the nice comments. Good luck with the drawing!
this Book Looks interesting enter me in the contest Joanna Richmond. Blanch NC.
oh, I love love inspired books please include me thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
live in ND
Thank you for the opportunity of winning this book.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
this book looks fantastic!! Thanks so much for the contest, and the interview. The eyelash story is hilarious!!
inthehammockblog at gmail dot com
Carrie,
I wish I had a camera to capture the expression on his face. I'm sure he had no notion what fake eyelashes were! lol
Jo, Appleblossom, and Joanna, thanks for stopping by!
I would really love to read this book!
Rose
WA
andantespirit08(at)gmail(dot)com
Mrs. Kirst, "The Reluctant Outlaw" looks to be a wonderful read! I love books written in this time period. The first page has me wanting for more! Thank you for the chance to win! Thank you, Mrs. Dooley for hosting the giveaway!
Blessings,
Kelly Y. in Virginia
Looks and sounds interesting!
Would love to win this book,please enter me in the drawing.
Nathanael Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
P.S. I love westerns.
Nathanael, Kelly, and Rose, thanks for the kind comments. Good luck with the drawing. :)
Great interview... way to go for it!
I also collect cookbooks and cooking magazines. :)I had to finally cancel my subscription to Taste of Home (I know, horrors!) because I just couldn't justify it with the number of recipes I actually used. lol.
Will definitely have to check out this book!
Cyndi in AL
I would love to read your book!
I love eagles!
Please enter me.
Brenda from Michigan
dancealert at aol dot com
Cyndi, I feel your pain! My bookshelves are overflowing with Taste of Home and Quick Cooking magazines! lol I need to wear blinders at the checkouts. But the pictures look soooo good, right? Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks Brenda!
oh, please love love inspired books thanks for chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Ohh, The Reluctant Outlaw sounds neat! :-D Please include me in the giveaway. I love a good book with a slightly/somewhat-bad guy as the hero! ;-)
Katie from Florida
Looks interesting, Please enter me in the giveaway.Thanks!!!
I love Historical books!
God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
Looks interesting!
I love reading Historical books, Thanks for the chance to win!
Dennie Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
It would be realy nice to win this book.It lookes very interesting.Thanks .
God Bless.
Sarah Richmond Blanch N.C.
Sounds very interesting, I love to read and would love to win this book.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
Would love to win!
Sarah H
Oklahoma
your false eyelash dinner date still has me laughing! too fun! thanks for sharing and for writing =) really looking forward to this read!
Hi Karen, Enjoyed your interview and "The Reluctant Outlaw" sounds like a great story and can't wait to read. I love women with backbone who hold their own. Thanks for stopping by to chat and share.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Georgia Peach
Katie,
Me too! There's something intriguing about a slightly dangerous hero. :)
MissKallie and Faith,
Thanks for the kind comments and good luck with the drawing!
I love the undercover angle in The Reluctant Outlaw. Thanks for a sneak peak, I will be putting this on my wish list. Please include me in the drawing.
Merry in TX
Oh My Gosh! The cover is AWESOME! I love the horse and the outlaw :-)
Would love win!
Molly from NC
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