our sponsors

~ Kiernan Kelly ~

Kiernan lives in the southeastern U.S., writing m/m romance while drinking margaritas served by thong-clad cabana boys.

Okay, in reality, she lives chained to a temperamental Macintosh, drinking coffee and writing m/m romance while dreaming of thong-clad cabana boys.

Sigh.

You can find a complete listing of her work at her Website, as well as several free reads, and giveaways.

This month I set down with the very talented author Kiernan Kelly.


Thank Kiernan for joining us this month.

Hello. Thanks for having me!

What were some of your inspirations for writing your first story?

I don’t remember what struck me to lead to my writing my first story, but I can tell you what inspired me to write Riding Heartbreak Road. I was returning from my very first trip to Texas, and caught a televised bull-riding event at a motel along the way. I was totally, instantly hooked on the sport, and couldn’t get what I’d seen out of my head. On the way home a bull rider named Jake Goodall popped into my head, and wouldn’t leave me alone until I’d told his story.
 

How did you feel when Spring Fling won 1st Place in the Torquere Press Flights of Fancy Contest in April 2006?

That was a total surprise for me, and floored me completely! It was the very first story I’d ever managed to get up the nerve to actually submit to a publisher’s writing contest. To have it win the contest was a phenomenal feeling, and it gave me the courage to submit another story for their consideration.

How did you feel when your first book was excepted? Did you do anything to celebrate?

You could have knocked me over with a feather. I kept reading and re-reading the email, just to make certain that they hadn’t sent it to the wrong person.

I did celebrate – my husband threw a little party for me with a few friends and my family, and had a cake made with the cover art on it. You can see a photo of it on my Live Journal.

Who do you think has influenced you the most with your writing?

I’d have to hand my dad credit for my taking pen in hand (or the blame, depending on your point of view J). He instilled a great love of books in me from the time I was very, very young. I grew up with my nose buried in a book. I think it only a natural progression that at some point I’d take a stab at writing one.

How did you feel when you first discovered someone was a fan of your book?

The very first time that someone I didn’t know acknowledged that they knew my name and were familiar with my work came during one of those double-take moments in life, the kind that stop you in your tracks and leave you shaking your head in wonder.

I was in Atlanta at Dragon Con, which is the largest fantasy/sci-fi convention in the U.S. (something like 20,000 people attend each year), waiting with a friend in a long line to have a book signed by Sherrilyn Kenyon. We were discussing books – naturally – and since I knew I’d just sold my first novel, the topic of our discussion was m/m romance.  We included the person behind us in line in our conversation, and she commented that she enjoyed m/m romance as well.

My friend said, “Oh, Kiernan’s an author, too.”

As it turned out, the person knew me, had read my work, and liked it! Considering that at that point I’d only sold a few shorts to Torquere Press, I figured the odds of our meeting that way had to be somewhere along the same lines as winning the lottery.

Coming up with catching titles for books is not very easy. How do you come up with your titles?

I’ll usually start a piece with a “working” title – I need to call the story something, and refuse to call it “hey you.”  The working title doesn’t usually last, at least not in its entirety. It will change as the story progresses, usually suggested by events or people in body of the work. For example, Riding Heartbreak Road came from the name of the first bull Jake rode, the name of Jake and Brent’s ranch in the story, and the road their romance took.

Are any of your characters based on anyone in real life or a celebrity?

No. My characters are all average, everyday schmucks – even the ones with supernatural powers, like Dae, the shape-shifter veterinarian in Change of Heart. Even when they’re gorgeous physically, they have flaws. I might borrow personality traits from people that I know, but no one character I’ve written is completely based on a real person.

What are you working on now? Could you tell us about any upcoming releases?

Oh, twist my arm, why don’t you. *grins*

I have two new releases in February, both with Torquere Press. One is a story called “The Knight of Cups.” It’s about a young man who’s swept back through time to Arthurian England and forced to impersonate his own ancestor.

The second February release is called “Two-Spirits,” which is a period piece set in the New Mexico Territory during the 1800’s. It’s the story of a Texas Ranger and a reporter from Kansas City, and was interesting for me to write since it combined two of my favorite genres – m/m western romance and the supernatural.

In March, I’m looking forward to the release of Riding Heartbreak Road in softcover.

I have two releases in April as well. First, I have a story in the print anthology, “Love in Lock-Up” by StarBooks Press, called “Red.” It’s set in a 1930’s prison, where a young man has been sent for the terrible crime of stealing a chicken.

Also that month I have the release of my second full-length novel, “In Bear Country.” Also a period piece set in the 1800’s, it’s a romance featuring Pride Falls, an ex-confederate soldier, and Bear, a mountain man.

Over the summer, I’ve got a trio of linked stories being released by Torquere as part of their new Chasers line. They all involve a Fae named Fionn, who’s been cursed into a life of impotency, unless freed by the wish of a mortal. The titles of the stories are Fionn o’ the Fae: A Fairy Tail; Fionn o’ the Fae: It’s Fairy Possible; and Fionn o’ the Fae: A Fairy Interesting Proposition.

In the Fall of 2007, I have another story coming in the print anthology, “Superheroes” by StarBooks Press. It’s called “A Dirty Job,” and is a lighthearted tale of over-the-hill superheroes.

I currently have a slew of short stories in various stages of completion, and two more full-length novels that I’m working on at the moment.

How did you come up with the story line for Riding Heartbreak Road?

I took a goodly portion of it from the headlines. Incidents of gay bashing and homophobia in general seem to make the papers everyday. I wanted the characters to experience the horror of that, and to show that they could overcome it and go on to find happiness with each other. I also hoped to show how hateful and hurtful anti-gay sentiments are, and how they can destroy lives.

Is there a favorite author that you like to read or favorite type of genre to read?

I’m a sucker for romance, and for horror. I’ve devoured the work of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and John Saul, to name just a few. I adore JRR Tolkien, Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman. I believe I’ve already mentioned my feelings for Karen Marie Moning, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Jean Auel. J

Of course, I read lots of m/m romance as well. Some of my favorite authors are Sean Michael, Laura Baumbach, B.A. Tortuga, and Sedonia Guilliome. Trust me, the list is a lot longer than this. 

What would you like to accomplish within 2007?

First, I want to finish everything I’ve already started. J That accomplished, I have a huge backlog of story ideas that I’d like to get written and hopefully, published.

What is your favorite past time?

Reading is still my favorite thing to do when I have time to spare, but I also spend some time working on my personal artwork whenever possible. Most of my time, however, is taken up by working and writing.

What are some of your favorite movies?

Oh, Lordy…got a few hours? *snickers*

Hmm…The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind, The Birds, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bells of St. Mary’s, Going My Way, every musical ever made, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings (all three of those films are in my top five), the Harry Potter movies, Brokeback Mountain…good grief, I could go on all night!

What advice would you give to an inspiring author?

To quote Nike, just do it. Put pen to paper – or fingers to the keyboard, and write that story you’ve had rolling around in your head. Have someone you trust beta and critique it. Write and rewrite, until the story pleases you – until its something you’d want to read. Then hit the send button and submit it to a publisher. Even if its not sold the first time out, keep trying and don’t give up.

There’s a plethora of writing groups on Yahoo and the like – join a few. They’re a great way to hone your skills and share tips and advice.

Do you have a Newsletter or Yahoo Group that you would like to share with us?

I do indeed. I have a website, a newsletter, a Yahoo group, a Live Journal, and a MySpace, all of which everyone is invited to visit and join!

Thanks Kiernan, We are looking forward to your next visit!



Interview was conducted by Crystal Stone
February 2007
Sensual Reads & Reviews




Visit Kiernan Kelly's Author Page

 

 

Paid Advertising

Sensual Reads and Reviews 2006  © All Rights Reserved
This site is best viewed with a 1024 x768 Screen Resolution
Services by Moonglade Marketing a division of Moonglade Designs