Wonderful news! Katherine Grey is visiting for a little chat. I love talking with authors, so let’s get started…
Are your characters based on anyone you know?
The characters aren’t based on anyone I know per se, but I do know someone who gave his guns names. With his permission, I had Lieutenant James Hawkins, the main male character in Honor Bound, give his pistol and sniper rifle the same names.
Do any of your characters take over and write the book themselves sometimes? Who?
I did have a hard time controlling Caine, a former team member of Echo Company. While he didn’t take over and write the book himself, he did insist he needed a bigger storyline. Let me just say, he got his way. He also appears in the second book in the series, Promises To Keep.
All writers suffer from writer’s block at least once in their career. What’s your go-to cure?
The first thing I do is take a long shower because it never fails that I’ll get the best story ideas while I’m in the shower. I will also give myself a couple of days off (but not more than that otherwise it’s too hard to get back into writing mode) from writing when the words aren’t flowing. Sometimes if I stop trying to force the story to move forward and do something else creative, it helps me get back on track. If I’m still struggling, I’ll do some type of mind-numbing chore like pulling weeds in the garden or dusting which allows my mind to wander while I’m still doing something productive.
We all need a little inspiration in our lives. What’s your favorite quote and why?
I actually have two. I keep them both posted where I can see them every day. They remind me that if I want to achieve something, it’s up to me to make it happen, and to not let myself get distracted from my goals. The first quote is: “The only boundaries to what you can achieve are the ones you set for yourself” ~ Margaret Spellings. The second quote is: “The world will drag you by the hand, yelling ‘This is important!’ Each day it is up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart, and say, ‘No. This is what’s important.’” ~ Iain S. Thomas
What is your favorite book? Favorite author?
Children’s book – The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess. I still have a copy on my bookshelf.
Adult book – Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas.
Favorite author? That’s harder to answer. There are so many wonderful authors that I enjoy reading. Lisa Kleypas, Laura Griffin, Kristan Higgins, Miranda Liasson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Olivia Drake, Sarah MacLean, Melinda Leigh, Jill Shalvis, Ellie Alexander, Kerrigan, Byrne, Marie Force, and Rebecca Zanetti to name a few. Okay, it’s more than a few. 😉
Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?
I make my own cards for birthdays, holidays, get well wishes, etc. I love to bake different types of bread. I find the kneading process to be relaxing. I also crochet during the fall and winter seasons.
Blurb:
When honor meets temptation…
California “Callie” St. John learned the hard way just how much one night of rebellion can cost. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, she tries to be the perfect daughter by volunteering with various charities and keeping everyone at arm’s length. After narrowly escaping a car bombing, she is forced to accept help from the one man who can get past her defenses, making her long for the impossible — letting him into her life…and her heart.
Lieutenant James “Hawk” Hawkins, a member of a Special Ops unit of soldiers with unusual abilities, is known for keeping his cool in any situation. Acting as a bodyguard to the daughter of one of DC’s mover and shakers is just one more mission like any other. When an enemy from his past targets the spoiled socialite, Hawk realizes she is more than she seems.
With his reputation on the line, he’s willing to risk everything to keep her safe. But succumbing to temptation isn’t an option…no matter how much he wants to give in.
Buy Link: Amazon – Honor Bound
Excerpt:
William St. John turned to his daughter. “A bomb was planted in your car. You’re lucky you escaped with unharmed. Perhaps now you’ll take the threats against you seriously.”
“Those things could have happened to anyone. Before tonight any of them could have been a coincidence.”
Jimmy stared at her. Nobody could be that naïve. “There’s no such thing as coincidence.”
She glared at him, her eyes sparking with anger, showing exactly what she thought about the situation. “As I seem to have no option but to have you follow me around like a lost dog, let me be clear. I will not be changing my daily routine. You will be unobtrusive and remain in the background when I’m in public.” She ticked off her rules on her fingers.
Jimmy crossed his arms over his chest and waited for her to finish. Her slight British accent made her sound as though she was royalty giving orders to the peasants.
“Your presence won’t be needed when I’m at home or with friends. Understood?”
He took a step forward. “You listen to me, Duchess–”
“I’m not a duchess. If I were, you would address me as ‘Your Grace.’” She sounded even haughtier if that was possible.
“I’m charged with your safety. I will be the one laying the ground rules,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “So until any threat to you is removed, I’ll be sticking closer to you than your panties on a hot July night. Got it?”
Author Bio:
Katherine Grey writes sexy sweet contemporary romances with a hint of the paranormal. She lives in upstate NY with her family. When she’s not writing, she can be found up to her elbows in flour trying out new bread and cookie recipes.
Good morning Amber,
Thank you for hosting me today. I’m off to the day job. I hope your visitors enjoy the interview.