Karen, Thank you so much for agreeing to be a guest on my blog.
Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?
My life is actually a Cinderella story. You know, from rags to…wait a minute, where are my riches? Truthfully, I wouldn’t want to change anything about my life except maybe being able to shop more, having oodles of money, maids to clean my house….
How long have you been writing?
I sold my very first book in 1999 and I wrote for 6 years before I sold.
What is your writing process like?
Like pulling teeth sometimes, and when the words are flowing and the characters are speaking, it’s the most fantastic feeling in the world.
As far as actually writing, though. I’m doing something writing related every day. I don’t think it’s anything that I can turn off. Even on vacation I’m soaking up descriptions, ideas for new plots etc.
Can you tell us about your newest release How To Seduce A Texan?
I was raised on a small farm so I thought it would be funny if I took a big city reporter and put her undercover supposedly researching a story about pioneer days. Except the sexy football player in hiding on his brother’s dude ranch discovers her deception and introduces her to the old haunted homestead, the crazy-assed rooster, the outhouse from hell and the stupid cow. I think I laughed the whole time I was writing How To Seduce A Texan.
Do you have any other books coming out this year?
How To Seduce A Texan came out this month. And I’m really excited that my Planet Nerak series is being brought out in mass market starting with Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind in June, Earth Guys Are Easy in July, and The Bad Boys Guide To The Galaxy in Aug. Then in Dec is the brand new Dating Outside Your DNA.
What are you currently working on?
I’m just finishing the second book about shapeshifting aliens. The first book will be out in April 2010, The Jaguar Prince. These books are also connected, but stand-alone.
Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Everywhere. Newspaper articles, a conversation I might overhear, growing up on a farm 🙂
As an author, you must be an avid reader. What books do you enjoy reading? Who are your auto-buy authors?
Sharon Sala is my all time favorite author. I love Lori Foster’s books. PC & Kristin Cast’s YA series. I’ve just discovered Jennifer Lyon’s book Blood Magic and I devoured it. She’s definitely an auto buy for me now. You should see my bedside table. In fact, everywhere you look in my house you’ll find a stack of books.
What books are on your keeper shelf?
You know, I have so many I couldn’t list them all.
What was the first romance book you read or the first romance book that has stood the test of time?
Rosemary Rogers, Sweet Savage Love. But a lot of the earlier romance authors were so much inspiration. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Johanna Lindsey….
If one of your books’ was made into a movie, which book would you like it to be and which actors would like to see as the lead characters?
How To Seduce A Texan. It’s a steamy romantic contemporary comedy. The hero would have to be rugged. The heroine feisty and ready to tackle a challenge. Hmmm, I think I’ll let everyone’s imagination run wild 🙂
If you could switch lives with one of your characters who would if be & why?
I don’t think I would switch. I absolutely love my life and being able to write stories. I would steal some of their energy, though 🙂
If you were not writing, what would you be doing?
Nursing, probably, since I still have my license.
When you are not writing or reading, what do you enjoying doing in your spare time?
Traveling. My husband and I love the coast, so anywhere near the ocean. I love watching movies. Visiting with family. Shopping. Tearooms and antiques.
If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
I’d ask them who their favorite author was and why? I love hearing other people talk about the authors they love. Especially if it’s one of mine. It’s like instant bonding.
Thanks so much for doing this interview, Greta! I loved answering the questions.
Karen
To find out more about Karen Kelley and her books you can visit her website at http://authorkarenkelley.com/
***Karen has graciously offered up a copy of Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind to two lucky commenters. So leave a comment answering Karen’s question. Good Luck :)***
Filed under: Authors | Tagged: How To Seduce A Texas, Karen Kelley |
I Do Not Want to Wait, I Want The Book Now 
*adding your books to my to-read list*
My favorite author changes depending on what I’ve read recently! Long-term, probably Connie Willis and Charles de Lint. Recently – Marjorie M. Liu, Kathy Love, Kresley Cole…
Hi Karen and Greta,
Thanks for the great interview and congrats on your new book.
Rosemary Rogers she brings back memories, she was one of my first authors in romance books.
My all time favorite author would have to be Jude Deveraux. After reading Wishes, I have read just about every book she has ever written. She makes the Montgomery Clan feel like a second family I can always go to for laughs, to cry or to destress.
Have fun on the boards and great day. 🙂
Hi Karen,
I agree with you, Lori Foster is one of my all time favs, and as a result she is how I discovered you with your novella in I’m Your Santa. The rest is history. I have been patiently waiting for Dating Outside Your DNA ever since I first learned about it.
I have recently been on a cowboy kick (been reading Lorelei James and Beth Williamson) so How to Seduce a Texan will be next on my TBR as soon as I can get it.
Thanks for guesting today!
[…] here to see the original: Please Welcome – Karen Kelley Author: admin Categories: Antiques Tags: Antiques, coast, love-the-coast, love-watching, […]
So hard to say, but I must go with the author who has written teh book I love most in the world, Raymond E Feist, yup I love my fantasy.
And then there is JR Ward, Jude Deveraux, Robert Jordan and all the rest
HI Chris! Thanks for adding me to your list! I’m honored.
Hi Ann Marie, I haven’t read a Marjorie M. Liu yet, but I’ve been wanting to. I really enjoy some of the others you mentioned.
Hi Booklover, I have series where I feel the same way about the characters. Johann Lyndsey comes to mind.
I’m tickled to be here. Lori Foster is one of the nicest persons you’ll ever meet. I was thrilled to be in I’m Your Santa with her and Dianne Castel, another wonderful author and a sweet lady.
Great interview, Karen! My favorite authors are Margot Early, Karen Templeton and Nora Roberts.
My favorite author changes, too, but in terms of number of re-reads, I’d have to say Georgette Heyer. And there are a ton of children’s books I’ll never stop reading over and over again.
Right now I’m on a kick of Lois McMaster Bujold and Linnea Sinclair. Sci-Fi, woo-hoo!
This is hard because I don’t have just one favorite author…I have several but I won’t bore everyone with a complete list. So, here are just a few:
Candice Hern, Stephanie Laurens, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James plus many more.
My fave all time author is James Patterson – just love everything he writes. But as for western romance I enjoy Linda Lael Miller and Debbie Macomber. I went to college in Texas so I miss those Texans – we don’t get those cowboys in Chicago! Your new book sounds sexy and funny – congrats!
I have a few favorites. It depends though on what genre I’m in to.But now I’d say Kim Harrison,I love the way she tells her stories.Plus there’s also Kelley Armstrong,I like how she weaves characters throughout her books.I even like her YA series.
HI Karen H
Ohhh, good choices! After I wrote this blog, I started thinking of more and more authors that I love. Candace Havens is another fav of mine. I abolutely love her kick-butt herines. Sylvia Day, Helen Kay Dimon. LOL I’m sure I’ll think of some more.
Hello Karen!
My question is what genre do you like to read? Do you write at certain times during the day?
Please count me in for the contest.
Hi Karen! I love the cover for this book and it sounds great too! I have alot of favorite authors and it’s so hard for me to pick just one. I guess a REAL favorite means you would run out and buy their book no matter what…and that author would be Karyn Bosnak. I loved 20 Times a Lady by her but she hasn’t written another book yet since. It’s a hilarious book and I am dying to read another book by her!
Hi Karen, and hi Greta!!!
Can’t wait to read How To Seduce a Texan, it sounds like fun. I love the humor that you always include in your stories Karen!
My favorite author…would probably be a tie between Anne Stuart and Linda Howard. I will buy anything that has their name on it because I know it will be amazing.
Hi Karen and Greta,
Congrats Karen on your new release!
I have more than one author but I’m just going to stick to paranormal and here are a couple Sherrilyn Kenyon and J.R. Ward because I love a tortured, sexy, mysterious and brooding hero who is redeemed by love of a good woman.
Hi Karen. Great interview. Love the cover to How To Seduce A Texan. I have several authors that I enjoy reading. Keri Arthur, Lisa Kleypas, Kat Martin, Elizabeth Hoyt and Sherrilyn Kenyon are autobuys for me.
I’m really enjoying Janet Evanovich’s Srephanie Plum series and Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter series.
One of my favourite authors is Carey Jaquline. Her books always suprise me. Her ability to write such believeable stories always ahs me glued to the last page.
I love reading Susan Elizabeth Phillips for funny, witty dialogue and romance, Linda Howard and Nora Roberts for intrigueing suspense and light romance, Maya Banks and Robin Schone for great emotional, sexy steamy romances, Karen Marie Moning for Highland love and time travel, and romance.
Oh, did I mention I loooovvve romance.
And yes, it all started with Rosemary Rogers’ Sweet Savage Love. I can never forget that title…my mom turned me onto it one summer because I was one bored teenager in my last year of high school.
Great interview by the way. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your book. Sounds like it would be a pretty funny read. Now living in Austin, TX I can relate to everything Texan, ya’ll.
Hi Karen!
The cover of How to Seduce a Texan looks great and it sounds great too!
It’s hard to decide who my favourite author is, but I managed to narrow the list on two – Susan E Phillips and S. Kenyon 🙂 They write the stories that make you cry and smile. When you start reading one of their books you don’t put them down until you’re finished – even if that means staying awake the whole night. I can’t explain it, it’s pure magic 🙂
I have been having a great time reading all the comments! I’ll try to do a little catch-up on answering 🙂 I had copy edits come in the other day 🙂 I’ve jotted down some of the authors so I can look them up. I love finding new authors.
Rachael asked, What do I like to read? Paranormal. Absolutely love it.
I write most days, especially if I’m writing a new book. I hate being pulled out of it. I usually do business until 9am then write until 5pm or 6pm.
I’ve read all the comments and thanks for all the kudos on the cover, Kensington does really good covers. I’ve been very lucky.
I hope I can make my readers laugh at least once during a book, hopefully more. Maybe reach for some ice water LOL
Fran, I’ve been through Austin quite a few times on my way to San Antonio where my kids live. We live closer to Wichita Falls.
Okay, I’ll be back a little later. Going to get back to the Copy Edits.
Hi Karen,
I enjoyed reading How to Seduce a Texan.
Wow, you have 3 books coming out in 3 months!
My favourite author is Jack Higgins. I like the storylines. I really enjoy the Sean Dillon series. They are the kind of books that are hard for me to put down
Hi, Karen!! Great to see you here! I haven’t read PC and Kristin Cast’s books yet, but keep hearing good things! I love Lori’s books, too–I’m such a fan of hot and fun and funny! A few other favorites–Jennifer Crusie, SEP, and Julia Quinn. A few maybe not as well known–Sarah Mayberry, Beth Ciotta, Stacey Kayne, Mary Connealy… I know I’m leaving out so many! My TBR is gigantic, and my husband’s no longer surprised when new piles sprout up in every corner like dust bunnies…
I think at the moment my favorite author is Richelle Mead. I’ve read all of her books (all series) and haven’t been disappointed yet. Other favorite authors: Mary Balogh, Karen Marie Moning.
If you like Cast’s books, you should try Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series (YA). I liked Cast’s books, but loved Vampire Academy even more!
I’d love a chance to read your books. I noticed them a while back, but haven’t had the time to try them.
My favorite authors are Sarah Morgan, Emma Holly, Dan Brown, James Patterson, Bertrice Small, Sandra Brown, Lucy Monroe, ….I could probably name a dozen more…
I’m seeing some familiar faces today—and waving a big hi!
I actually had/have 6 books out this year. My Favorite Phantom in Jan, How To Seduce A Texan June—three reissues of my Planet Nerak series June, July and Aug, then the 4th book in this series and brand new will be Dating Outside Your DNA in Dec. It’s been an exciting year!
Chey, I’m thrilled you enjoyed How To Seduce A Texan. It was an easy book to write. I just seduced a Texan 🙂
Okay, jotted more authors names down. I will definitely look a Richelle Mead’s books.
Time??? LOL I just got in a big box of books that I ordered and I already have a mountain in my TBR pile. And boxes in my office, on shelves, don’t open any of my closets or a book will probably smack you on the head! LOL
Hi Karen and congrats on the new release!!! I just added The Jaguar Prince to my list for future buys – I love shapeshifters of any species!!!
A favorite author, hmmm, that would be a hard one to answer. I have so many and each for a different reason. Best of luck with the release.
My favorite author is Nora Roberts. I like her plots and dialogue.
Hi Karen & Greta! Karen – I’ve read several of your books and thought they were fantastic! Congrats on your upcoming new series. I will be adding The Jaguar Prince to my TBB list. Have a great Thursday!
Hi!
i must say that my favourite author is Laurell K. Hamilton. I love both of her series. I get so drawn into her worlds. I adore her characters!
It’s always fantastic to meet fans!
I thought of a new author to me that I read recently–Jennifer Lyon. She wrote Blood Magic. Paranormal, of course. It absolutely kept me on the edge of my seat.
Great news—How To Seduce A Texan is ranked 612 at Barnes and Noble. That’s fantastic!!!! I was absolutely thrilled when I saw the numbers. Thanks to everyone who has bought a copy, and is helping me to feed my adiction to writing 🙂 I have the best job in the world!!!
Hi Karen!
Right now my favorite is Marta Acosta, just finished her book, Midnight Brunch, but it changes with each new book I read. LOL! I love the voice she uses and the way she writes Milagro’s character.
I love that cover art….too hot to handle!
Dottie 🙂
What an amazing cover and HOT!!!
One of my favorite authors right now would be Lora Leigh. She has so many different series out and puts out a tremendous number of books a year that are high quality books. She truly amazes me. I also love JR Ward’s Black Dagger series. I have a lot of fav’s but those 2 are on the top of my list.
I think my book budget has gone up! LOL
Before I forget, I wanted to mention that I have a free newsletter group on my site. I’m the only one who can post so you won’t get a lot of e-mails. I give away one book every month to one member, and sometimes I throw in a fun contest that asks questions, if you want to participate.
You can join by going to my website at http://www.authorkarenkelley.com and on the right click on the newsletter tab and follow the simple directions.
Lora Leigh & Sherrilyn Kenyon – Their paranormal (yea), their stories rock, their hot stories, and they usually deliver…not a bad one yet!!
Nora Roberts is my all time fave because she has always been able to pull me into her world/stories and make me wish I was the female lead in any of her books. Its because of her stories based in Ireland and Scotland that i wish to visit those two places.
Do y’all ever feel as if there’s not enough time to read all the books we want to read??? LOL
Hi Karen and Greta~
Great interview and amazing cover! I would have to say that one of my all time favorites is Susan Elizabeth Phillips, but there are so many incredible authors out there that it is so hard to narrow it down.
I am really looking forward to reading “How to Seduce a Texan!”
“How to Seduce a Texan” sounds like such a great book! I love it when they make me howl with laughter while I get to see the romance bloom. It looks like that’s a common theme for your books. I love tongue-in-cheek. 🙂
Guess I’m just gonna’ have to read ’em all, huh? 😉
I love Susan Elizabeth Phillips! I’d forgotten her. Great author.
Yeah, I write a lot of tongue-in-cheek. It’s Karl’s fault I’m snarky. I tell everyone I got his personality through osmosis. LOL
Yes, read all my books LOL (see earlier comment where I need people to support my writing addiction 🙂
Great interview, Karen! Woo-hoo! Your humor just kills me. I guess that’s one reason your books sell so well. I know this is gonna sound weird, but with me being writing western romance, my favorite author is Linda Lael Miller. Talented doesn’t begin to describe her books. Whether they’re contemporary or historical each one is totally awesome. Brings me a lot of pleasure.
My faves have been Gena Showalter, JR Ward, Kresley Cole, and Nalini Singh… but there are so many greats out there.
I haven’t read any of your books yet, and I’m looking forward to trying one!
My favourite author is always the one who wrote the book I am currently reading 😉
Not really but I do have a long list of authors who would fit the ‘favourite’ tag. Nalini Singh, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Mercedes Lackey, Anne McCaffrey ad infinitum.
I love Gena Showalter’s books. Jill Monroe is another good author–very funny.
Flygirl, you’ll have to let me know what you think when you get a chance to read one of mine 🙂
I’ve met Sherrilyn Kenyon, very nice person–and short LOL. Love her books!
Great interview!
I have to say that my all time favorite author is Jane Austen. I love the way she writes and most of her heroines are very witty and intelligent. They’re not as focused on the superficial as the characters around them and it makes them stand out that much more – which is also a staple of her heroes as well.
Now, it would be much harder to pick an author who is alive and writing as my current favorite. There are just too many whose writing I enjoy to do something like that.
LOL I know what you mean, Karin. Everyone mentions an author and I think, oh yes, I really like her, too. Or I jot down an author I’ve been meaning to try because I keep hearing her name—gotta love word of mouth! LOL
love your books
love leslie kelly vicki thompson
jo leigh books
HI kh
How could I forget Leslie Kelly–sheesh!–I used to set right beside her at signings. Love, love, love her books! And Vickie Lewis Thompson. So funny, too. Haven’t read Jo Leigh. I’ll check her out.
Awww, so glad you enjoy my books, too. I try 🙂
I had a great time! What a fun place! Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by and commented. Y’all are the best.
Karen Kelley