5/06/2011

Kris Kennedy

Get Lost in This Story…




A warrior with questionable intentions . . .
On the eve of Magna Carta, Jamie Lost, King John’s favored lieutenant, is sent on a mission: retrieve an exiled priest with dangerous information before the rebel forces close in.  The mission is simple, until he encounters a mysterious woman on an errand of her own.  She first steals his quarry, then his heart.    

A lady of remarkable courage . . .
Eva is also seeking Father Peter, but she intends to protect him from a secret that endangers his life, even if it costs her own.  She is well aware danger lies everywhere, especially in the knight showing too much interest in her activities.  But deep inside, Eva knows the danger lies not in Jamie, but in her, in the desire he awakens in her body and her heart.

A secret that could overthrow the king. 
When a mysterious band of armed mercenaries upends both their plans and abducts the priest, Jamie and Eva form an uneasy alliance.   As civil war unfolds around them, they embark on an epic journey that betrays the truth about their identities, their unexpected loyalties, and the dangerous attraction that will seal their fates forever.

Their love can save a kingdom. Or destroy it.  DEFIANT.


I am so excited to host fellow historical author and agency sister, Kris Kennedy on the blog today.  I was first introduced to her stories when I heard an editor raving about this fabulous Medieval story she’d just bought after someone on a panel had asked if Medievals were dead.  That same day, I was given Kris’ book, The Irish Warrior, by another person who said I had to read it and I thought, “That’s twice now I’ve heard her name in one day. I’ll have to check her out.”  And believe me, Kris’s books live up to the hype—and, as I’ve learned as we’ve gotten to know each other, she's just truly a nice person, which is a total bonus!  I highly encourage you to pick up one of her stories today.    



Wife, mom and former psychotherapist, Kris Kennedy left behind the office for the wilds of medieval England and Ireland, writing sexy, adventure-filled medieval romances for Pocket Books.  Her current release, DEFIANT, got a starred review from Publishers Weekly.  Her former release, THE IRISH WARRIOR, won RWA® 2008 Golden Heart Award for Best Unpublished Historical Romance, and released in June 2009 from Kensington.  Visit the website for more info, or to drop Kris a line: http://kriskennedy.net



So, let’s get to the Get Lost Interview!!!

Heather:  What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Kris:  That is incredibly hard, in part because ‘favorite’ depends on mood.  But some of the movies I watch over and over for nothing-but-fun escapism include Jaws and two of the three Indy movies.

Heather:  How often to you get lost in a story? 
Kris:  I wish I could find more time! These days, I’m pretty driven on tasks—write a scene, clean something (anything—I’m not picky, and everything can use it), drop off at school, pick up from school, walk the dog, play games with kids, go to the baseball practice, go to the baseball game, shop, cook, clean up, write some more, fall into bed.

Heather:  What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?
Kris:  Hot, sexy adventure.  I’m pretty liberal with my definition of ‘adventure.’  I need it to feel exciting and sweeping with engaging, humorous characters, and as long as it’s got all that and it involves a battle of wills, I’m probably good.  :-)

Heather:  What’s your favorite “love” word?
Kris:  My son and I say we’re in love with each other. :-)  It’s not how we adults mean the phrase, but it works perfectly.  The notion of being ‘inside’ of love with another person is pretty amazing to me, and exactly how I feel.  :-)

Heather:  Where do you read and how often?
Kris:  I’m a mom with deadlines, so I read whenever I can grab a moment, which isn’t often. I always read before bed, but sometimes that doesn’t last long. :-) What would feel like real luxury is to read during the day, on the couch, with no plans to do anything else but read some more.  Maybe take a nap. LOL I’m so wild and crazy.

Heather:  Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?
Kris:  Sometimes I do!  And if so, it’s always an alternative rock kinda sound.  Think Goo Goo Dolls

Heather:  Is writing or story-telling easier for you?
Kris:  I love them both with a fierce love.  I think writing is easiest, storytelling comes next, and writing well is the hardest of all. ;-)

Heather:  Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?
Kris:  Oooh, cool question!  You know what?  I’d love to have ALL the heroes from my stories together for a BBQ.  And we’re going to make it a potluck.  Yep.  Some of them are secretly great cooks.  (Anyone who knows the books can try & guess which. :-) )

And I just realized something.   They’d all get along.  Really well.  What a great image. I picture a lot of laughter and storytelling. 


Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Kris’s GOTTA ANSWER  J

Heather:  As much as I LOVE Regency historicals, I am so very thrilled to see how well your fantastic Medievals are doing!  Please tell us how they came about, what you love so much about that time and what kept you writing when the publishing world insisted Medievals were dead.

Kris:  Honestly, had someone implanted my business-savvy, retrospective mind on my younger, story-loving self, I may have tried to write in other, higher-selling sub-genres.  But all I  knew is what moved me, what excited me, so I wrote there.
I think there is something so inherently dramatic and romantic about the middle ages.  Knights, battles, a certain kind of lawlessness that can allow anything to happen…it’s pretty ripe for tension and conflict and sensual energy.
That said, I have snippets of stories set in other eras.  I have easily half written of a story set in 1650’s, as well as a few Revolutionary War era stories, a few Georgian era ones mocked up, and even some contemporaries!   One day, I’ll get to them.


GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

Kris:  What are some of the elements YOU all consider most romantic?  Do you like the lawlessness of the wild west?  The refined polish of the Regency drawing room?  Something else entirely?  What feels like great backdrop for a romance, and why?

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**

Kris:  Yes, we’ll be giving away a copy of Defiant to one random commenter.


Thanks so much for being with us today, Kris!  Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?





**Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North American addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Be sure to join us next week, when Maureen hosts Barrie Summy on Monday and I host Emma Wildes on Tuesday!

19 comments:

  1. Hi Kris! Thank you so much for visiting us at GLIAS today :) It was such fun getting to know you better.

    You know I'm right there with you, being a mom on a deadline. It would be a great luxury to get to read more, wouldn't it?

    I think the great elements of romance for me are more the characters and plot, versus the backdrop. You give me a tough, strong but silent, still-waters-run-deep kind of hero in any (historical) backdrop and I'm all over it!

    Have a fabulous weekend, and a LOVELY Mother's Day

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  2. Congrats on the new release, Kris. I do think the polish of the Regency ball room is quite romantic. It's not just because everyone is dressed to the nines, but they are so many non verbal flirtations which might include a flicker of the fan or a sideways look.

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  3. Hello Kris!
    I've loved all of the excerpts I've read on various sites for Defiant. I think the story sounds very exciting. Congratulations on your new release!

    I prefer less civilized settings for romance stories. I like elements of danger in my romances because I think it speeds up the feelings between the couple. When the setting is the Old West or Medieval times there is danger at every turn. It also brings out the protective instincts in the hero which I love.

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  4. Defiant sounds like a great read. I've always enjoyed midievals and am glad to see fab writers like you being successful with them so they keep coming for my enjoyment. I like to mix up my reading so I have no particular preference for time period/back ground for a story, rather I think it's the character interaction and the plotting/storytelling that make for a great romance.

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  5. Welcome to GLIAS, Kris. Love the blurb and everything Irish! >>grin<<

    Drap a great story anywhere and it's still great. My favorite settings are remote--but that's just for convenience. I'd rather not be distracted with little ol' details. :-)

    ~~Angi

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  6. HI Kris,

    I, as well, must have high adventure with my romance (especially with Irish warriors!) And I love the medieval period and foggy late Victorian London!

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  7. Your book sounds great! Cannot wait to read it!
    Happy Mother's Day!

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  8. I love adventure and humore added to my romance books. Some of my favorites are set in the Scottish highlands, I don't think I have any set completely in Ireland. I would love to read this book, It sounds great. I also do love books set during the regency England/Scotland, and contemporary PNR.

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  9. Oh, no! I just did one comment that replied to everyone, and it's been eaten! I eve had a thought, "Better copy it, just in case..." But I was in a hurry, so I didn't listen.

    Lesson: Always listen to your inner voice, especially when it tells you to make a copy or eat chocolate.

    I have to fly right now, but I'll stop back later.

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  10. Hi, Kris, welcome! Congratulations on all your success. I think you've nailed what makes a story romantic for me. When two people are brought together at odds, but with much the same goals, and they are forced to work together, this sets up an ideal romance loaded with sexual tension. While it's a great deal of work for the author, it's so much for for the reader; would you agree?

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  11. Any era where men were men...strong, lethal, HOT..yet caring and loving towards those he loves!! Protective and fierce...some women might not like to admit it but that is what we ALL crave!!! Women can be strong, but we want our men stronger!! :)

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  12. Hi, Kris! I love Scotland-- the accents, you know :-) But also the ballrooms of England-- something about getting dressed up all nice an' pretty and floating about the room with your guy :-)

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  13. I enjoy books much more that have lawlessness, or even make their own rules. I have a hard time with books were there are so many rules that is causes problems for the characters. It is too frustrating to me!

    And I do love the Scottish books - less rules that the English!! :)

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  14. You write the best medievals, Kris! The Middle Ages is my favorite period in history. I don't think there's anything sexier than a hero in chain mail...except for a man in a kilt! =)

    jenalang@live.com

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  15. Hi Kris! I am a HUGE fan!! I loved all your medievals!!!

    DEFIANT sounds like a fabulous read, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

    I so love the middle ages! Especially in Scotland! I mean, whats more sexy than a rugged warrior, willing to risk life and limb to keep those he loves safe. ahhhhhhhhhh!

    Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Andrea
    atsnider@verizon.net

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  16. Okay, back after a lo-o-o-ong day, and trying again....

    Heather~Thank-you so much for having me over today!! You and Gamistress66 make a great point: it's al about the characters and storytelling. While I lean toward certain settings and time periods b/c they imply a certain *type* of story, what really matters is great characters and a great story. But historcials hold my heart.

    Both ends of the spectrum of social confinement have the own special allure. as Jane adn StacieDM made clear in their comments.


    Jane~ There *is* something very potent about the forbidden, isn't there? And in the Regency era, there were so many forbiddens. A brush of the fingers can have such consequences, it can be so powerful in its restraint.

    But StacieDM, I think you and I feel the same way, about those less civilized times. :) When you know *anything* can happen, there's a tension in the story that can be incredibly gripping. And yes, you have heroes who might be required to sacrifice all--including their lives--to protect their woman. There's something so arresting about that.


    Anji~ LOL. You and I are a lot alike. There's something that makes the 'fantasy' easier when it takes place in a remote time or place. You're not being jarred by elements of the 'now'.

    June M~ Ohh, I hope you love this one, but... it's not set in Ireland. :) THE IRISH WARRIOR, my previous release, is set in Ireland though, if that interests you. This one is set in England, right before Magna Carta.

    Gjillian~ Ooohh, a foggy Victorian London. Yes! Such a vivid image from such simple words. :)

    Sherie L~ I'm so glad the book sounds great. Thank-you!

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  17. Some elements that I find really romantic in stories are more rural settings and adventures in the wilderness. There is something about the isolation and the rawness that is really intriguing.

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  18. Hi Kris!
    I just love your books. I love reading historical romance set in the Middle Ages. You have a gift of story telling I'm looking forward to reading your books for years to come.
    lvsgund at gmail.com

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  19. Congratulations gamistress66. You are our winner! Please send your name/address to GetLostInAStory@gmail.com so we can forward it to Kris.

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