Welcome MK Schiller!

I sat next to MK Schiller at the RWA Literacy Booksigning in San Diego last July and I'm thrilled to welcome her to the blog for the very first time!

MK is a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. She has a full-time life and two busy teenagers, but in the dark of night, she sits by the warm glow of her computer monitor, and attempts to conjure up passionate heartwarming stories with plenty of humor.

She started imagining stories in her head at a very young age. In fact, she got so good at it that friends asked her to create plots featuring them as the heroine and the object of their affection as the hero. We'd spend hours on the phone while she came up with a series of unrealistic, yet tender events, which led to a satisfying conclusion. You've heard of fan fiction... this was friend fiction.

Even with that, it took many years to realize she could produce an actual full-length book that readers would enjoy. She tries to make her stories humorous, realistic, with flawed but redeeming characters. She hopes you enjoy her stories and always find The Happily Ever After in every endeavor.


Her latest release:

Where the Lotus Flowers Grow

Even in darkness, love can bloom…

Heir to a multinational hotel empire, Liam Montgomery thinks business is everything—until he goes undercover to check out their locations throughout Asia. As cosmopolitan as Liam is, from the bright lights of Mumbai to the tranquil beaches of Goa to the bustling streets of New York, he's never met anyone like lovely Mary Costa. He can't understand why this delicate, educated woman works as a maid. Or how she is reigniting his long-buried desire to be an artist. They are apart in so many ways—especially in the things Mary won't tell him. But more and more, Liam can't imagine his life without her...

Mary knows this unexpected desire for Liam must end. It’s true that his gentleness and sense of fun inspires her and makes her hopeful for the first time in her life. But she has a grim promise she feels compelled to keep—and painful experiences she fears he could never understand.  And with secrets soon reaching out to separate them for good, can they dare risk a future together if it means confronting the scars of the past?

READ A LITTLE, BUY THE BOOK

Jan Schliesman: How often do you Get Lost In A Story?

MK Schiller: All the time. In fact, it’s not picking up a book that’s the problem, it’s putting it down. The same issue happens when I write too.

Jan: Do you believe in love at first sight?

MK: Personally, I do, but it’s hard to convey that in a story since it’s done too often. I usually try to paint a backdrop to make the phenomenon believable.

Jan: Did you always want to be a writer?

MK: Yes – ever since I was a little kid. I’ve always been crafting stories in my head. I’d even make up stories for my friends. They would be little adventures for us to get lost in.

Jan: Like most authors, you are writing while raising kids. What sort of balance have you found works best? Do they help with the non-writing side of the business?

MK: My kids are older and in college so it helps a lot. My daughter is a good sounding board for my younger characters. I often ask her if my character is in line with someone her age. She also edits for me occasionally when she has time.

Jan: I keep a case of Dasani in my office. What’s your go-to beverage of choice?

MK: Coffee…and more coffee

Jan: Best vacation you’ve ever taken?

MK: We’ve been to Orlando several times, but the first time we went was magical. I loved all the themes at the different parks and we all had a blast.

Jan: We met at the RWA San Diego book signing. What’s the best part about meeting fans?

MK: The fact folks even know my books is amazing by itself. I love discussing the ideas behind the stories and discussing what we’re reading now. The book community is one of the most generous out there and I feel I’ve found my tribe.

Jan’s GOTTA ASK:

MK’s GOTTA ANSWER: Oh boy, I’m jealous. I love Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey the best. Anything with chocolate in it is good though.

 FIND MK Schiller:

Contact, Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

UP NEXT:  Eight Days in the Sun – a new adult romance that takes place in Florida. 

THANKS SO MUCH, MK, for sharing a bit of your writing world with us. MK is offering an e-book copy of Where the Lotus Flowers Grow to one lucky reader who leaves a comment answering this question:

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE ROMANCE AND WHY?

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