Interview with Kathryne Kennedy

I’d like to welcome our guest today, our very own Kathryne Kennedy. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called THE LADY OF THE STORM. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

The blurb says it best.

Giles is bound to protect her...
In a kingdom viciously ruled by warlike elven lords, village blacksmith Giles Beaumont reluctantly swears to protect the half-elf, half-human Cecily Sutton, never dreaming that he will fall under her enchanting spell.

But duty soon turns to desire...
When Cecily's father disappears, Cecily and Giles set out to find him. But, as their journey unfolds, duty is quickly replaced by desire--and the search for Cecily's father leads to a magical destiny that could end the rule of the elven lords forever ...

THE LADY OF THE STORM is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Actually, the first incarnation was THE STORM LORD’S DAUGHTER, but my publisher felt THE LADY OF THE STORM fit in better with the rest of the titles in the series (THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, THE LORD OF ILLUSION). Although I enjoy brainstorming titles, I don’t get attached to them.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I took my love of fantasy and historical romance and combined them.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

It flowed naturally from the first book in the series, THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, as I introduced Lady Cecily and her powerful magic over sea and sky. I needed to explore her further, and the plot developed naturally from there.

What are your favorite fantasy research books, and why?

I read fantasy fiction. What better way to find inspiration and to discover what’s already been done?

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

My hero, Giles Beaumont, was a rather arrogant sort of fellow. I enjoyed his evolution to a vulnerable lover.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research and world affect your character development?

I start with a basic personality, and my characters grow as I write. People are a product of their times, so the history affects some of the ways in which they would act. I often create characters who would have the most difficult time dealing with the situation I put them in.

How do you go about building your world? Do you use maps, charts or drawings?

All of the above, including 3x5 cards of notes. You can see my map of the realm, and much of my notes, on my website.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

All of them. I have yet to read any book where I haven’t learned or appreciated some concept within it.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

As always, my website. My publisher sets up a blog tour, and I have discovered that is effective in reaching the on-line readers as well.

What do we have to look forward next?

The third book in THE ELVEN LORDS series will be released February 2012. THE LORD OF ILLUSION is about a scholar who is sent on a quest to rescue a slave, and finds his destiny and heart along the way.

Thanks, Kathryne!

To celebrate her book release, Sourcebooks is offering a free book of THE LADY OF THE STORM (U.S. & Canada mailing addresses only) to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (Please check the blog Monday night to see if you won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

THE LADY OF THE STORM BY KATHRYNE KENNEDY—IN STORES AUGUST 2011

“Fantastical creatures, magical spells, lengthy quests, angst, and passion will satisfy readers looking for a romance plot in a well-developed fantasy setting."~Publishers Weekly

“Kennedy’s exquisite world building and terrific plotting make this a must-read.”~Booklist STARRED review

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathryne Kennedy is an acclaimed, best-selling, award-winning author of magical romances. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at www.kathrynekennedy.com. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives with her wonderful family in Arizona, where she is working on the next book in The Elven Lords series, The Lord of Illusion (February 2012).