- Why and when did you start writing romances?
I have always loved creating stories, even when I was young. I started reading historical romances when I was 14 and wrote my first historical romance when I was 17. One I actually submitted to publishing houses. Needless to say it didn't sell, but I was hooked. I knew someday I would be a published writer. It took a lot of years to make that happen, and it wasn't with a historical romance. Writing contemporary romance was my true calling. - You have a few books out about cowboys such as Capturing the Cowboy's Heart and Kidnapped Cowboy. What inspired you to write cowboy stories—or "hick-lit" as one reviewer called your book?
From historicals to contemporary romances, I've always been a sucker for a cowboy. I mean what woman in her right mind can resist a hunky hero in tight fitting jeans. One with a slow, sexy drawl. Dalton Barnes from Kidnapped Cowboy is just that. I've decided to start on Brandon Barnes' (brother from Kidnapped Cowboy) happily-ever-after as I've had so many fans write me asking if he was going to have his own story. The 'hick-lit', as my wonderful agent, Michelle Grajkowski from 3 Seas Literary Agency, and I refer to Jimmie Joe Johnson: Manwhore, was the book I sold to Kensington Publishing. It's not a cowboy book. It's a humorous redneck romance set in the fictional town of Possum Hollow, Alabama. There will be more books in this series in the near future. - Your books also contain a lot of humor. In fact, New York Times bestselling author C.L. Wilson said that Jimmie Joe Johnson: Manwhore (which I believe is the best title ever) was the "most hilarious book I've read in years." Do you find humor comes easy for you to write? Do you have any tips for writers who would like to inject more humor into their stories?
Humor comes naturally for me, something I inherited from my dad who was unbelievably quick-witted and always said things to make people laugh. My friends would tell you I'm the same way. Jimmie Joe Johnson: Manwhore is one of those out of the box romances, so much so several editors told us they loved it, had never laughed so hard, but didn't know where to put it. Lucky for me, Alicia Condon at Kensington Publishing believed in this story and found a home for it. - Are you traditionally or indie-published or both? Can you talk about the pros and cons for you in the publishing world now?
Both. I have several books that I have indie-pubbed in both contemporary romance (Lindsey Brookes) and young adult romance (under Kat Brookes). Jimmie Joe Johnson: Manwhore is published with Kensington Publishing. Selling to a New York publishing house was truly a dream come true. My editor, Alicia Condon, has been a dream to work with. But things take longer when you are dealing with publishers. I like the freedom of control I have with the books I have self-published. I decide on my own covers. Set my own prices. Publish at my own rate of speed. Several at once if I have them ready to go. Or at my own leisure one book at a time. You also get paid each month and can track your sales. When it's with a publisher you don't get to see what your sales are until you get your first earnings check. Some publishers pay every four months, some six, etc. - Your latest book Kidnapped Cowboy has been added to my wishlist for the humorous story and hot cover. Plus, it has been getting fantastic reviews. Can you give us an overview of the story and any background on why you chose to write this story?
Yay! I hope you give it a try. I wrote Kidnapped Cowboy years ago and it kicked butt on the RWA contest circuit, getting several editor requests, but the sale always eluded me. I decided it was too good of a story to let gather virtual dust on my computer and published it myself. It turned out to be my bestselling book yet! Here's a blurb of the story...
After countless attempts to speak with the owner of the retreat for troubled teens she runs on the outskirts of Lone Tree, Montana, Caitlin Myers resorts to kidnapping Brandon ‘The Ogre of Lone Tree’ Barnes in a desperate attempt to change his mind about turning Stoney Brook into a vacation resort for the wealthy. Retired rodeo star, Dalton Barnes, gets the surprise of his life when he’s abducted by a soft-spoken female with a ‘gun’ and taken to the retreat his family owns. He soon learns she’s kidnapped the wrong cowboy by mistake. She wanted his brother. Things go from bad to worse when a late spring snowstorm strands them together at the cabin. But it’s during their snow-in that Dalton learns why Caitlin has gone to such lengths to save Stoney Brook. Having had issues with his older brother himself and a not so happy past, Dalton promises to do what he can to help her. When confronted Brandon tells Dalton he’ll hold off on his plans for the retreat, but only if Dalton agrees to stick around and help run it. Keeping his promise to Caitlin, Dalton agrees and what starts out as a common goal to turn the troubled teens’ lives around that summer ends up turning theirs around as well. Can a man who has always avoided putting down roots and a woman with a deep-seated fear of abandonment hang on to the happiness they’ve found together? Or will the past return to threaten their newfound love? Love, laughter and a heartwarming read…
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