Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Blog interview with American author Kerri Nelson and giveaway


I'd like to introduce fellow author Kerri Nelson. (good name, huh)

Author Bio:

Kerri Nelson discovered her love of writing at an early age and soon became a columnist for her local newspaper winning the Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year Award for her efforts.

After a fifteen year career in the legal field, Kerri fulfilled her lifelong dream of publication and is now an award winning multi-published author of nearly every genre under the sun (and moon) and also writes young adult fiction under the penname K.G. Summers. A true southern belle, she comes complete with a dashing southern gentleman and three adorable children for whom she often bakes many homemade treats.

Kerri is an active member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America as well as numerous chapters including Futuristic Fantasy & Paranormal Writers and her Presidency of Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.


Kerri, why do you write romance?

KN: I still believe in romance. I still believe in happily ever after. Not to say that everything in life will go smoothly all the time but I still have the heart of a romantic. And frankly, keeping the faith and believing in love even when times are bad is what makes it all the more worthwhile.

That’s what I like to read about and that’s what I love to write. But...unlike real life...the more conflict in the stories...the better!


I know you write different genres like myself but do you have a certain theme or trademark to your stories?

KN: Yes, most all of my stories will have some type of legal, law enforcement, or suspense element to them. I think I may only have about one or two stories that are not really suspenseful. Otherwise, all my stories fit under my own author tagline of “Romance so good, it should be illegal.”

I love that tag line KN.


How do your stories come to life, from fiction or fantasy?

KN: I like to base my stories on people I have known in my real life. Of course, names have been changed to protect the guilty but I think if you have enough “real life” qualities in each of your characters it will make their fictional characteristics all the more intriguing.

As far as my story creation process is concerned…I typically start with the title. Then the main story idea followed by the characters and then I just write. I don’t do a lot of plotting. Occasionally, I’ll do a very loose outline but mostly I let my characters take me by the hand and lead me where they want to go. I very rarely know the ending before I get there.


Are you a ‘go with the flow’ writer or do you have structure?

KN: I pretty much answered that above but I will add that every time I do attempt to plot the story beforehand, it really restricts my creative flow. I’ll find myself trying to meet those plot goals and plot points and really struggling to get there. Whereas, if I just have the basic idea in mind and then just write freely, it is much more fun. You can really have a blast with paranormal and fantasy because your imagination can go wild!


How do you like your men Kerri, prince’s, cowboys, Joe’s, demons? I know a wounded soul tugs at me- not to mention good looks. (grin)

KN: Gosh, do I have to choose between them? I mean, can’t I have at least one of each? Hmmm…okay…well I guess in real life I love just an average guy who puts his family first above all else. To me, there’s nothing hotter than a good provider and a great protector.

But in my “fantasy” world, I do tend to lean towards the powerful, tortured heroes who fight with a vengeance to overcome their inner demons and win the heart of the damsel in distress.

I can relate KN and when I read, it's the protectors that suck me in. They can be a tortured soul, but give all to protect- yes-sir-ee, that man tugs at my heart strings.


How do you like your men Kerri, prince’s, cowboys, Joe’s, demons? I know a wounded soul tugs at me- not to mention good looks. (grin)

KN: Gosh, do I have to choose between them? I mean, can’t I have at least one of each? Hmmm…okay…well I guess in real life I love just an average guy who puts his family first above all else. To me, there’s nothing hotter than a good provider and a great protector.


What groups are you affiliated with and how have they helped you through your journey of publication?

KN: I’m a member of Romance Writers of America and various chapters thereof. I tend to gravitate toward several genre specific online chapters versus my local chapters. Although, I’ve tried several of both types. They’ve helped me meet wonderful friends, gain incredible support, and learn valuable less

ons throughout the years.

I’m also a member of Sisters In Crime and have recently completed my first real mystery novel that I’m now submitting for publication. I’m interested in seeing if I can wear a totally different genre hat as well.That organization puts out a brilliant newsletter that really gives you tremendous resources and keeps you up-to-date on the industry.


Here’s a random one for you. If you could be one animal, which would it be and why?

KN: A wolf. Because it is one of the few species that mate for life. If that’s not romantic, I don’t know what is…

I think penguins do as well, but yes you are right- wolves sound better. lol


What would you say is your inspiration to write in general and scene based?

KN: My inspiration to write in general is that I have all these ideas swimming around in my head and if I don’t get them down on paper—I’m afraid that my head will explode. Also, I love to share my imagination with others. If I can make one person laugh, cry, or feel “not so alone” out there then I’ve done my job.

My inspiration to write scene by scene…I like to think of this like making each chapter kind of like an episode of a series television show. Keep the reader wanting to know more. Keep them with the urge to turn the page. That’s how I motivate myself to stay inspired when the light at the end of the book tunnel seems far away.


Do you have any tips for other aspiring writers or authors out there?

KN: I think you should write what you love. Write the stories that you enjoy yourself. Don’t try to force yourself into a certain market or genre. If you don’t love the type of story you are writing, you’ll stall

yourself out before you can make any real progress. You have to love it to stick with it. That’s why I don’t limit myself to one genre. If I have a story that I love but it is way out in left field---ah---what the heck---let’s write it anyway. The journey is what it is all about for me.


So Kerri, I think we’ve gotten to know you a little now. How’s about we step it up a notch. Are you panicking? Lol. Do you have any dirty little secrets or confessions you’d like to share with us- what’s on the blog stays on the blog, right guys. (wink)

KN: Hmm…let me think. Okay, I’ll reveal this…I write under another pen name that no one knows. I only have one book out under this name but it is in no way associated with my Kerri Nelson books nor my K.G. Summers books (YA & Inspirational). It is yet ANOTHER pen name that is top secret. Ha! Ha! :-o

I'm googling it as soon as I get off this blog.


Where’s your favorite place to write?

KN: I’d love to say that it was some special place in my home or in the world but honestly…I’ll write wherever and whenever I can squeeze in a few moments. I have so many children, volunteer duties, business endeavors, and other distractions—I’ll write anytime and anywhere. I’ll also write with any background distractions—I’m immune to them now. If I’m in the zone, I’m in the zone.

I'm guilty of the immune virus, my children are quite testy about it..."MUM, are you listening?

" 'oops, nope'


What did you want to be when you were a child?

KN: I wanted to be a teacher. And I was the only girl my age in our entire neighborhood. The rest were boys and I made them all take classes from me. Complete with homework, gold stars, and the threat of a paddling if they didn’t behave! Yay teach!

The funny part is that they took me at my word. They followed my every command. If only I could get all the men in my life to do the same, eh?

With you on that one, KN.


Tell us of your releases- where and when can we buy them?

KN: Well, Courting Demons is available everywhere now. Don’t forget that if you want a print copy, you’d do great to pick it up directly from the publisher because they are giving away a free gift with purchase (while supplies last).

But next up for me is a special Edgar Allen Poe anthology that I’m thrilled to be a part of. It came about as a charity event to help raise funds to save the Baltimore Poe House and Museum. I’ve written two delightfully morbid poems as a tribute to one of the masters of suspense. I’m very excited about this.Anthology copies sold benefit the cause and can be pre-ordered directly from the publisher, Literary Landmark Press.


In one word Kerri, how would you best describe yourself?

KN: Ebulliant


Now that we’re all friends, tell us your most embarrassing moment?

KN: Geez…I try to forget them. There have been so many. Let’s see…

Once, when I lived in Japan, I bravely went to audition for a live production of the play “A Christmas Carol”. I imagined that it would be fun and easy. I’ve never been so unprepared in my entire life. I arrived to find the likes of a professional audition session and despite my fear—I went through with a live singing and dancing audition—totally unprepared. Needless to say, I didn’t get the part—any part. And I haven’t spoken of it since.


Do you have any upcoming signings or author appearances you would like to share?

KN: Be sure to keep following me on the remaining dates of my blog tour and finish up with a big Twitter Party on November 8th where I’ll be giving away that Amazon Kindle!


Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

KN: Thanks to all my friends and cohorts who have continued to follow me on this freakishly long blog tour. Your support, caring, and persistence does my heart good. Thanks also to my name twin Kerri Williams. Typing my name with that last name always freaks me out. You’ve been a doll to host me today.Much love, mate.


You too Kez and best of luck with your new project. Stay tuned as Kerri has a giveaway but first is a blurb of her novel...

Courting Demons-

Blurb:

Paisley Barton was already having a bad day before she turned her husband into a rat.

First, she was fired by her boss and then came home to find hubby in the shower with a naked blonde chick. They say that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned but this break-up may just unleash hell on Earth when Paisley casts a spell of vengeance against her philandering husband.

After her spell casting inadvertently opens a portal between dimensions, Paisley finds her family home transformed into a nightly courtroom for settling disputes between demons of the underworld and she’s the judge! If that’s not enough, she’s got to deal with a charming, ancient demon named Camden who wants to be her personal bodyguard while trying to explain her husband’s sudden, mysterious disappearance to sexy police Detective Dalton Briggs.

But Paisley will show them all that an everyday working mom is better equipped than most to deal with the mystical mayhem…and with a tempting demon hottie and a flirtatious young detective vying for her affection, she soon learns that being single again isn’t so bad after all.

“When a wronged wife turns her cheating husband into a rat, you know you have to keep reading! Kerri Nelson offers up a lot of fun and wild magic in Courting Demons!” --Bestselling author, Linda Wisdom, Demons are a Girl’s Best Friend


Read more about Kerri’s books at her website: www.kerrinelson.com

Follow her on Twitter here: www.twitter.com/kerribookwriter

Visit her industry blog here: www.thebookboost.blogspot.com

Buy Links (print and e-book versions available 9/15 wherever books are sold but here’s the publisher link—free gift available with purchase of print copy—while supplies last):

http://jupitergardens.com/Courting-Demons-by-Kerri-Nelson-print.html

or

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Courting-Demons-ebook/dp/B005OAY7TG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316621839&sr=8-1


  • Giveaway for the day:

Leave a question or comment to be entered to win today’s prize: An e-book copy of Courting Demons!


Then, enter to win my book tour Grand Prize Kindle by following me on tour and e-mailing me the answers to each question of the day at the end of tour. The more questions you answer, the more entries you gain.

Question of the Day:

What’s the name of my novella which is set in Ireland?

Details on how to enter to win the GRAND PRIZE Kindle at the end of my “Dark Days of Demons Tour” located here:

http://kerribookwriter.blogspot.com/2011/09/courting-demons-blog-tour-win-kindle.html

Excerpt link for Courting Demons:http://www.jupitergardens.com/excerpts/kn_cd.html



  • Well it has been a true pleasure having you here today Kerri.N. You have been absolutely awesome!

Good Luck readers and enjoy, I will be announcing the winner of Kerri's giveaway on Friday 28th 8:30 EDST


18 comments:

Rebecca said...

Hello to Kerri and Kerri! ;-)
I bet that feels very strange when you send messages to each other!

Really enjoyed the post. Having taken one of your classes, Kerri N, I can understand why the neighborhood boys took your classes - you're a great teacher! Also interesting to know that you have another pen name. Hope you'll let us know more about that soon!

Rebecca
rrgreene62(at)gmail.com

PS - No need to enter me in the giveaway. I already have a copy of your Courting Demons ebook! :-)

kerribookwriter said...

@Rebecca~It is very strange typing my own name to someone else. Particularly since the "Kerri" spelling is not very common here in the States. Typically it is Carrie followed by Kerry. I've even been pals with a Keri and a Kari but no other Kerri. *Geez, that read that 10 times really fast.*

Thanks for stopping by and I'm so thrilled you've picked up a copy of Courting. Hugs to you, my friend.

Unknown said...

It is amazing that you have been successful publishing in so many genres. I have often heard other authors recommeding to focus on a single genre. It's nice to know that it is being done, but is it difficult to promote yourself in the different genres, or do you find the legal/suspense elements ties everything in and makes it easier to promote yourself and your body of work?

kerribookwriter said...

@Regina~That's a good question. I think that mostly my "brand" with the suspense/legal theme helps me out a great deal. But I do try to focus on genre specific promotion for each book. For instance, I'm giving away witch broom pens and devil ducks with this book tour because they are genre specific promotional items. I takes a good bit of work to push multiple genres but it is so much fun to write them!

I appreciate you stopping by and thanks for the comment.

--Kerri

JeanMP said...

Enjoyed reading your post. Laughed when I read you suffer from the 'immune virus'.
Don't enter me in the drawing either, I just got an e-book copy over the weekend of Courting Demons, really been enjoying it!

Jean
skpetal at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

Hi all, and thanks Kerri for being an awesome blog guest. You're right sending mail to another Kerri does feel strange but lately we have been coming out of the woodwork. On my RWA loop there's another slept the same and boy wasn't there some confusion, I was getting her mail she was getting mine and then there's the Kez ordeal. Signing off Kez means you involve all different spelling types of kerri's. I now have to place a W at the end to lessen the confusion.
As for multiple genres, I agree as long as you market for the genre you're promoting you should be fine and you may find your reads ip will branch out. My friend karly lane has successfully accomplished this who also writers under Blakemore-mowle for her suspense.
Anyway, have fun guys and good luck.
Kez.w lol

Na said...

Hello to both Kerri's :)
I happen to believe in romance too and it's the journey that is important to me. Some will be easier, and some darker but I like to see characters develop and in turn learn to love on the way to their happy-ever-after.

Kerri, I like that you let the characters take the rein when writing a story. Though, beware of some characters who may be a handful ;)

Have a wonderful day!
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love your immune virus. Reminds me of myself as a kid, if my nose was stuck in a book, my little sister would chant "Kathy, Kathy, Kathy" until I looked up, but if she didn't get to the point right away, I was nose down in my book again & not listening to her anymore. She would just about blow steam, she got so mad.

Can't wait to read Courting Demons, the more of these blogs I read on your tour, the deeper I fall under its spell.

drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

Karlene Blakemore-Mowle said...

Love that tag line Kerri!!!! Great interview gals! Congrats on your latest release- going to look up your books right now!!

kerribookwriter said...

@Jean~Awe! How great that you picked up a copy of Courting. Hope you really enjoy it. Many thanks!

Your support means a lot to me. I've enjoyed having you on tour with me. Can you believe it is almost over?

kerribookwriter said...

@Kez~I don't really know but one other Kerri (besides you) and she's in my FF&P chapter. Her name is Kerri Leigh and it just happens that my sister's name is Leigh. How weird is that?

Thanks again for graciously hosting me. I really love your blog and have had a great time here.

Huggers,
K.N.

kerribookwriter said...

@Na~I have quite a few characters that are a handful and a few more I'd like to get my hand on. Grrr...

Thanks for stopping by again and I'm glad you could catch up with me on tour. Always appreciate your comments at the Book Boost too!

--K.

kerribookwriter said...

@Kathryn~Yes, it was all part of my evil plan to lure in more readers. My long blog tour is just one big spell. Ha! Just kidding. Or am I?

;-) Thanks for your comment and taking the time to catch up with me.

--K.

kerribookwriter said...

@Karlene~Glad you found me and thanks for the lovely comment and for taking time to read my interview with the vivacious Kerri Williams.

Hope you'll stay in touch!

Best,
Kerri

Unknown said...

Thanks Kerri. It was fun having you here and a joy to see the support of 'fans' follow your blog tour.
The announcement will go up tonight which is exciting, I'll get my lollies to draw it out so I'll be back. Damn I wish I had an italic option for that last bit. Lol
Kez

P.s we have a Kerri lane, keri Arthur and then there is a keziah -kez- hill over here in our loop.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Regina, you have one a copy of Kerri's book!
I will be in touch with you and swap emails off the blog. Enjoy!
Kez

kerribookwriter said...

@Kez~Thanks again for being my gorgeous, gracious hostess! *Kerri(s) Rule!*

kerribookwriter said...

CONGRATS Regina! I'm getting the prizes out in the order won. I'm up to about Day 10 of my tour now so it might be a week or so--but I will get it done. I promise! :-p

Thanks to all who took the time to share your thoughts with me.

Huggers,
K.