Interview with Romance Author, Kathy Wheeler

I’m pleased to introduce romance author Kathy Wheeler. Her new book, Quotable, was released June 6th from Soul Mate Publishing.

So, Kathy, why don’t you tell us a little something about yourself? I grew up in Texas and Colorado with two sisters and two brothers. I love pro sports, particularly the NBA—of which I currently hold season tickets, although, that is very stressful. And the NFL, I play fantasy football. I have a Business degree in Management Information Systems (which is computer related) and a minor in vocal music. I love to travel. Anytime I go to a mini conference, I try to schedule at least a couple of extra days to see a museum or live theater production.  Not to mention my favorite pastime working out, Jazzercise.  I’m a busy girl!

You are a busy girl. And multi-talented.

Tell us about your next latest book. My newest release is part of an Oklahoma Romance Writer’s project through The Wild Rose Press that centers on a series of Scrimshaw Cursed Doll Tales. This was a huge opportunity for our Chapter where at least seven of us have already benefitted. My story is a little “tongue in cheek.” Malia is a destitute artist with one last shot of making it with her art, before having to get a real job.  Luke is very attracted to Malia, but she either ignores, or in no way reciprocates his attraction.  The problem is Malia inherited this cursed doll at the age of sixteen when her mother passed away. She found out the hard way that anyone she is attracted to ends up hurt. He does not care. Tagline: He’d risk a broken nose for love.

Sounds like a great read.

Why do you write? I believe I have a unique taste for the arts, in whatever form. When I was very young I could draw (painting, on the other hand, was a disaster. My mother is an artist: oils, pastels, watercolor). In my thirties I took up singing. Unfortunately, that’s a little late to begin a career in the music industry. Later, I tried acting. Fun, but extremely time consuming (like writing isn’t?). In any event, one day I happened upon a Google prompt regarding Cinderella and I was struck by lightning. Poof! That was 2006. I now have nine completed manuscripts. Three of which are my Cinderella series, I am self-publishing under Kae Elle Wheeler. Three contracted books, The Color of Betrayal released June 13^th, and two books through Soul Mate Publishing, Quotable released June 6^th and its sequel Maybe It’s You, due out in September.  Another couple of manuscripts under the bed.

Nine completed manuscripts in six years. That’s impressive! 

Have you always dreamed of writing? I believe it was a subconscious desire. I would write stories in junior high and high school and really never completed anything (which has been my greatest fear). I stopped for awhile, but letters I would write to my grandparents were fairly entertaining. So it was there inside, trying its best to crawl out. It just took awhile…

What drew you to write historicals and contemporaries? I love historical but it’s been the contemporary that has resonated the most so far. My Cinderella series, however, is set in the mid to late 18^th century following the lines of the original story. Except in mine, Cinderella’s shoe slipped onto her fluttering-eyed stepsister, Esmeralda’s dainty foot, and Prince Charming finds himself betrothed to the wrong girl.

When you’re working on a manuscript, what motivates you? What frustrates you? The story itself motivates me. It just feels like my stories take off on their own. Not that there isn’t a lot of work involved. Good critique partners help you over bumps too.

What are you working on now? I’m actually working on a bit of a Romantic Suspense. Contemporary, of course. But then I usually have several projects in the works.

What advice would you give aspiring authors? Anyone can say they can write a book, a writer sits her tail down in the chair and actually does it.

Good advice. And so true.

What do you like to read? I love historical romance. But it has to be well written. I like to feel as if I’m that character. I do NOT like being spoon-fed through a plot. I hope that I write the kind of stories that involve the reader not tell them what I think they need to know and how to feel. I want them to experience what the character is experiencing.

If you could, what deceased author would you most like to meet, and why? I think Jane Austen would be fascinating. I love the time period, the rich culture and history that time period brings.

I’m with you there. Tea with Jane Austen would be a dream come true.

Describe your perfect Sunday. Ah…the perfect Sunday….Well, I would sink down in a large claw-footed tub full of bubbles in a fabulous bathroom, candles and a glass of chardonnay. The time of year would vary between late October and early February. There would be two large televisions, yes! In the bathroom.  One would have an NFL game (sound off), the other hosting an NBA game. But the best part would be the adorable surfer dude massaging my toes in soft-scented water after a hard morning of. . .jazzercise.

Thanks so much for joining me today. To learn more about Kathy and her books visit her website at: www.klwheeler.com, stop by her Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/kathylwheeler, or follow her on Twitter: @kathylwheeler.

Kathy’s Books:

Quotable, Soul Mate Publishing – June 6, 2012

GENNA LYNDSEY is not a people person.  A short, too-skinny, wild haired waif, with crazy hair and sturdy nerdy glasses lives through books.  So it’s lucky she and her best friend own their own bookstore.  Her college days taught her that dating was too unreliable to depend on others.  It was then that she started resorting to obscure quotes to shield herself from others who ventured too close.

RICK JOHNSON, Fraud Insurance Claims Investigator, is assigned to look into an unusual number of claims filed by Genna Lyndsey.  He suspects Genna of sabotaging her own property for insurance money.  His investigation uncovers an adorable introvert determined to keep everyone at bay, while someone else resolves to put her out of business—no matter how great the risk.

The Color of Betrayal, Wild Rose Press – June 13, 2012

Maybe It’s You, Soul Mate Publishing – September 2012

The Wronged Princess – Book I, March 23, 2012 — Amazon; Barnes & Noble; Smashwords

The Unlikely Heroine – Book II, May 25, 2012 — Amazon; Barnes & Noble; Smashwords

The Surprising Enchantress – Book III, July 2012 — Amazon; Barnes & Noble; Smashwords