Friday, August 12, 2011

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

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Borders
BooksAMillion
Chapters/Indigo
Kathryne’s Bookseller Directory

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).

69 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good morning Kathryne. It's always a pleasure promoting one of our own. How's the blog tour going? The Lady of the Storm sounds like another wonderful read. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy and immerse myself in your world again. Curious minds want to know, what is a typical writing day like for you? Let me know when you need more chocolate. :) Enjoy your day.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hey Kim! It's such a pleasure to be hosted here at my own group blog. :} The tour is just starting, but I am meeting such wonderful readers, I'm having a great time.
Hmm. I haven't had typical writing days lately, but usually I write in the morning, 5-6 hours straight, and then return to the real world. Recently I've had to write a bit here and there when I can, but hopefully I'll be back to my regular schedule soon.
Oh, yeah. I am getting low on M&M's. ;}

Donna Marie Del Grosso said...

Hi Kathryne!
So glad to read the interview, I always learn something from your posts. This newest book sounds so exciting that I'm planning a trip to Kierland tomorrow to get it. LOL!!

Good Luck my friend!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

That's so sweet that you are making a special trip for it, Donna! I hope you fall in love with Giles and Cecily as much as I did. :}

CrystalGB said...

Great interview. The Lady of the Storm sounds wonderful. Love the cover.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Thanks, Crystal GB. It's one of my favorites. :}

catslady said...

Don't enter me, I have already had the wonderful experience of being in Katheryne's world for The Lady of the Storm and I hated for it to end. I am so looking forward to The Lord of Illusion.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

You are one of my favorite readers, Catslady! Thanks for stopping by and making my day brighter!

girlygirlhoosier52 said...

Well, I certainly have another great book to look forward to! Thanks for the interveiw.. Be sure to let any of us know when chocolate needs to be administered!!

Erika said...

i love your books and cannot wait to read this one!

Kuzlin said...

I love these books...The Fire Lord was great so I can't wait for this sequel.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for giving us more insight into your philosopjy, looking forward to reading the new book!

ELF

Wksword at msn

Anonymous said...

Oops...philosophy!

Virginia e said...

I'm looking forward to reading this one. You're a must-read.

Estella said...

I'm looking forward to reading The Lady of The Storm!

GingerL said...

I LOVED The Fire Lord's Lover and can't wait to read Lady of the Storm. I'm hoping for an entire series covering all seven of the realms.

kansassweet43 said...

Hi Kathryne,
I haven't had the chance to read any of these yet. Life gets in the way sometimes. LOL The Lady of the Storm sounds really good. Of course I need to read the Fire Lord first.

Glittergirl said...

Yah I love romantic fantasy, all those mythical creatures coming alive on the page :-) I'd love to win, I have most of the rest of your books!

glittergirl54[at]ymai[dot]com

Eva said...

Thank you Kathryne for taking the time to come visit and share some of the behind the scenes from your book. It sounds wonderful!

Pat Cochran said...

Hi, Kathryne,

Enjoyed the interview and the lovely
cover for the Lady! Can you tell us
anything about your next book? ( I
like to look and plan ahead!)

Pat Cochran

Jessie V said...

what fun! i love to read the backstory of who what why where how the authors create their worlds! Love your writing. :)

Na said...

I recently started reading fantasy books and I really like them. Some of the worlds created are amazing and yet believable. Kathryne you are a new author to me and it looks like I'll have to remedy that. I've never met a half-elf and half-human and find this very interesting. Congratulations on the release of The Lady of the Storm.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi girlygirlhoosier52! My pleasure! And I'd have a chocolate IV if there was one. :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Erika! Music to my ears. ;}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Kuzlin! So great to hear you're looking forward to the sequel!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi ELF! I figure when responding to comments, and writing emails, it's like talking. We're allowed to stumble over our fingers the same way we do with our tongues. :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Virginia e! I'm very glad you think so!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Great to hear, Estella!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Gingersnaps! You'll see several of the realms in The Lady of the Storm. I hope you enjoy the peek into them!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi kansassweet43! They can be read as stand-alones, but like you, I like to read the first one first. :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Great to hear, Glittergirl! If you don't win today, no worries. I'll be blogging all month with chances to win.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

My pleasure, Eva!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Pat Cochran! The third book is The Lord of Illusion, coming out Feb 2012. It concludes the series...well, sort of. I left lots of openings for more books in this world. I just hate closing doors. :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Love your comment, Jessie V! :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Thank you, Na! And welcome to the wonderful world of fantasy. :}

aharlib said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
aharlib said...

I so love Kathryne's perfect mix of fantasy and romance! I can't wait to get LADY OF THE STORM. Her books just keep getting better and better. My finances are so dire right now I'd be so grateful to win a free copy please. Thanks so much!
Amy (performing and loving SF & F in NYC. www.idanz.net/aharlib)

Anonymous said...

The Lady of The Storm sounds good.
mom1248(at)att(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Oh how I loved The Fire Lord's Lover, can't wait to read the new one. Your one of my favorite authors, I love Ur books and best wishes to you!!!!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Aharlib! I wish you luck, Amy, but if you don't win a copy today, follow my tour. There will be lots of opportunities to win! Check my blog for dates and links.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Good to know, Patsy. :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Clarissa21! I'm honored, truly. Best wishes to you as well!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to read The Lady of the Storm. I loved The Fire Lord's Lover and really really want to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway!

n_thao06(at)hotmail(dot)com

wanda f said...

Hi Kathyrne I just wanted to say I love your books you realy bring the characters to life and its easy to escape into your books you're awesome 'Have a great week
flanagan@mebtel.net

dawn2454 said...

Hi Kathryne, Loved reading your blog and learning more about your stories and writing. I haven't had the opportunity yet to read the Fire Lord's Lover, but I'm certainly looking forward to reading this series. It sounds like it's going to be a great fantasy one. I love your writing, so I know I'm going to love these new books. Thanks for sharing your amazing talents with us.

mary f said...

Congrats on the new release can't wait to read it.
What makes a book a keeper for you?
Good luck to everyone.

SiNn said...

your books are awesome awesome interview ty for stopping in

I so love the book covers


mortalsinn@yahoo.com

Tamsyn said...

I enjoyed the interview. Good way to learn about an author. I have not read this series but the book sounds great from the blurb. Looking to check it out the other books. Thanks for sharing.
tamsyn5(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carol L. said...

Hy Kathryne,
I'm now waiting for my copy of The Fire Lord's Lover to come and from everything I've heard I know I'll love it.I've also heard so many positive's about The Lady of The Storm it's already on my TRL.I enjoyed your interview, love the Titles and the covers. Do you have any input and decisions about the names of your books Kathryne ?
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Tam G. said...

I loved the first book int the series. I am looking forward to the 2nd. book.

Anonymous said...

Good day to you Kathryne, congrats on you new book. It sounds wonderful, great story. I love fantasy, paranormal all that stuff. These days I really need an escape and books are much cheaper than drugs. Just kidding. But I do so love getting lost in a good story. Just wanted to thank you for sharing your stories with us. What a wonderful gift you have. Enjoy your day. Joni

Barbara White Daille said...

Hi, Kathryne, and congrats on the new release!

Your attention to detail really shines through in your world building. Do you also keep a plot/character "bible" with notes for each series?

Kim, thanks for the great interview.

Barbara

Unknown said...

I read Fire lords Lover and loved it cannot wait to read your new book.
arafel1962@yahoo.com

Alexis Walker said...

So excited about this next book in the series, Kathryne! What a wonderful concept :-)

JeanMP said...

Thanks for the interview, always interesting to read about the authors and the background of a book.

skpetal at hotmail dot com

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Ntzee! So glad you enjoyed TFLL! Good luck!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Wanda f! So glad to hear from such a devoted reader!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi dawn2454! Hope you enjoy my new elven series! Thank you for the kind words.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi mary f! A keeper for me is a book that I can't put down, and want to visit again and again.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi SiNn! Thanks so much for your enthusiastic words! :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Tamsyn! Thanks so much for your interest!

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Carol L! Yes, I do come up with my own titles. If my publisher doesn't love it, I will come up with optional titles until we are both happy.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Great to hear, Tam G.! :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Joni! Thank you for such a lovely comment.

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Barbara! Thanks! My 'bible' consists of 3x5 note cards clipped together, charts, diagrams and (very bad) drawings. :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Melanie! Thank you for letting me know! :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Alexis! Glad you think so. :}

Author Kathryne Kennedy said...

Hi Jean P! My pleasure. :}

Adora said...

Thank you for this wonderful world. I look forward to many more books.