An Interview (and a Giveaway) With Kathy Douglass

Please welcome the fabulous Kathy Douglass to the blog today. We're talking about her new release, THE CITY GIRL’S HOMECOMING. The paperback hit the shelves last week and the e-book is available May 1, 2019. We're talking 

Here's a little bit about the book:

Eight dogs, eight cats…and one ornery cowboy!

Megan Jennings just found the ideal temporary home for sixteen suddenly displaced pets. Too bad the farm’s owner isn’t giving the two-legged, former New York attorney the same warm welcome. A city girl broke Cade Battle’s heart and no way the gun-shy cowboy’s trusting in the feelings Megan awakens. But after being orphaned as a teenager, Megan knows she’s finally found her forever family. Can she make Cade believe it, too?

READ A LITTLE, BUY THE BOOK

https://aerbook.com/books/-212098.html?identifier=9781488041990

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1335573860/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-city-girls-homecoming-kathy-douglass/1129979153?ean=9781335573865

  

Nancy Robards Thompson: Welcome, Kathy! I’m so happy you’re here today. How often to you get lost in a story?

Kathy Douglas:  Hi Nancy. Thanks so much for having me.

I get lost in a story all the time. It’s my favorite thing to do. Sometimes I get lost in a story when I’m not supposed to. I tell myself that I’m going to just read for a minute or two. The next thing I know that two minutes has turned into twenty. And going from twenty to thirty is quite easy. I try to be disciplined, but it’s so easy to get swept up into the world of books.

NRT: Tell us about your current release.

KD: My latest book is THE CITY GIRL’S HOMECOMING. It’s the fifth book in a multi-author continuity. The books revolve around a pet rescue in the fictional town of Spring Forest, North Carolina. Although it’s part of a series, my book stands alone.

THE CITY GIRL’S HOMECOMING is about finding family and being willing to trust in love again. My heroine lost her family in a tragic accident as a teenager and longs to feel the love of a family again. She has an open heart whereas my hero has been burned and has closed his heart to love. He has to learn to trust again if he’s ever going to experience the joy of love again.

NRT: Why will readers fall in love with your hero?

KD: Because although Cade’s grumpy, he has a heart of gold. He’s a good guy. He’s the kind of man who cares for his neighbor. If someone is in need, he helps. He also loves his dad and is a great son. He tries to put up walls around his heart, but his true self always comes through.

NRT: Tell us something special about your heroine.

KD: Megan is a giving and loving woman. She’s a hopeful person and although life has dealt her some harsh blows, she hasn’t become bitter. She believes in family and love.

 NRT: How many books have you written? Is there a secret to writing books? Any favorite places to write?

KD: THE CITY GIRL’S HOMECOMING is the sixth book that I’ve published. Before I was published, I filled many notebooks with stories that will never see the light of day. I recycled those notebooks and they’re now living happily as paper towels and paper cups.

If there’s a secret to writing books, I don’t know it. The only thing I know to do is to sit down and do the work. Some days are easier than others and the words just flow. Other days are more difficult and I’m lucky to get any words on the page. But little by little, the words find their way to the page until the entire story is told. I guess the closest thing to a secret I know is to keep writing. Keep showing up no matter how many or how few words you manage to write that day. Eventually you’ll get to type “THE END”.

I don’t have a favorite place to write. I have an office that I use early in the morning, about 5:00 a.m. or so while my husband is sleeping. Later in the day I might bring the laptop to my bedroom and work on the bed. Once the first draft is written, I print it out and put it in a purple three-ring binder. I tried other color binders, but they don’t work for me. Once I’m on the second draft, I can write anywhere. If the weather is good, I sit outside and work. If not, it’s the office or the bedroom.

NRT: Why do you write romance?

KD: I write romance because I love reading romance. I write the stories that I enjoy reading. This may sound a bit odd, but sometimes when I’m working on the first draft, I find myself thinking about the story and actually for a second think it’s a book I’m reading. Crazy, I know. But for that short period of time I want to pick up that book and finish reading it. Of course the only way to do that is to finish writing it.

NRT: When did you know you were a writer?

KD: Ooh. That’s a hard one. I spent many years writing and submitting before I finally sold my first book to Harlequin Special Edition. I guess I really knew I was a writer when I signed my first contract.

NRT: Are you an early bird writer or a night owl?  Do you try to keep a solid routine or is every day different?

KD:  I’m definitely not a night owl. I like to consider myself a middle of the day writer. In the early hours, I try and look at email, play around on social media, and reread the previous day’s words to kind of ease into the day. Occasionally I’m able to write good words, but most of the time not. But as the day progresses, I hit my stride. I’m generally done by late afternoon. If I’m on a roll, I might continue writing into the evening, but if not, I just shut it down. When I’m working on my second or third drafts, I might work later.

I try to keep a routine, but it might change from time to time, depending on where I am in the process. I don’t outline any more than is necessary for the proposal that’s required to sell the book, so the first draft is usually harder for me. There are times when I don’t have a clue what’s going to happen next. When that happens, I just stop writing for the day. But miraculously, the next day I know exactly what to do.

NRT: How do you celebrate when you finish a book?

KD:  I dance around the house. (I call it dancing even though others don’t agree.) Then I generally take a couple of days and clean up. The closer I get to the end of a book, the less inclined I am to clean or cook or anything. I am really focused on finishing. So, when the book is done, it’s laundry and cleaning. And I reward myself by reading.

NRT:   What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream (or whatever dessert you love)?

KD: I love Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia. It is my favorite ice cream. My mother loved butter pecan ice cream and I like that, too. Whenever I eat it, I think of her.

NRT: I know exactly what you mean. Certain foods make me thing of people I love. Those are good memories. Are you ready for the Speed Round? Just say the first thing that comes to mind.

*          What’s the first book you remember reading?  I grew up in a house of readers. My mother and father were always reading. My siblings always had their noses in books as well. I recall having many books read to me before I could read. Hop on Pop, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, and Go Dog Go are some of the titles I remember. I don’t know which book is the first I read on my own, but the one that made the biggest impression on me as a kid was Frederick Douglass Freedom Fighter.

*           What's your favorite cartoon character? My favorite cartoon character is Snoopy. I am a big fan of Charlie Brown cartoons. I watch A Charlie Brown Christmas every year. And I love Snoopy, Come Home, A Boy Named Charlie Brown and Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown.

*        Where’s your favorite place to read? My favorite place to read depends on the weather. If it’s a warm, sunny day, I like to read on the front porch. When it’s cold or late, I like to read in my bedroom. But to be honest, any place I have a book and time to read is a good place.

*        What sound or noise do you love?  I love the sound of a baby laughing. Baby’s laughter is just so sweet and filled with joy.

*         What’s your favorite movie of all time? My favorite movie is Wuthering Heights. I was very young when I saw it on television for the first time. I watch it every time it comes on TCM. My dad loved that movie and whenever I watch it, I think of him.

*        What’s your favorite season? My favorite season is summer. I love the warm weather and the longer days. And all that bright sunshine.

*         Coffee or tea? Tea

*         Beach or mountains? Beach

*        Cats or dogs? Dogs

*         Savory or sweet? Sweet

NRT: Kathy, this has been such fun! Congratulations on the new release and thanks so much for being here today.

1      CONNECT WITH KATHY DOUGLASS:

Contact: https://kathydouglassbooks.com/contact/

Website: https://kathydouglassbooks.com/

Facebook: Author Kathy Douglass

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathydouglass7

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathy-douglass

Goodreads:  Kathy Douglass

Newsletter Signup: https://kathydouglassbooks.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathy-Douglass/e/B01LXACZUE/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

UP NEXT :

My next book is A BABY BETWEEN FRIENDS. It’s my sixth Sweet Briar Sweethearts book and features Joni Danielson and Lex Devlin.

PREVIOUS RELEASES: (Provide a link to your book list, if possible):

https://kathydouglassbooks.com/books/

 

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Kathy is offering a copy of her first Sweet Briar Sweethearts book, HOW TO STEAL THE LAWMAN’S HEART. The giveaway is open  to U. S. only.

Answer the following question in the in comments below to be eligible to win Kathy's prize:

What is your favorite book?

***********************************************************

Kathy Douglass came by her love of reading naturally - both of her parents were readers. She would finish one book and pick up another. Then she attended law school and traded romances for legal opinions.

After the birth of her two children, her love of reading turned into a love of writing. Kathy now spends her days writing the small town contemporary novels she enjoys reading.

Kathy loves to hear from her readers and can be found on Facebook or her website kathydouglassbooks.com.

New Release Alert! A FORTUNATE ARRANGEMENT by Nancy Robards Thompson

A FORTUNATE ARRANGEMENT
Paperback available now
E-Book available May 1, 2019

THE STORY BLURB:

From “Office Wife” To Love For Life

Landing a job as Austin Fortune’s assistant was a dream come true for Felicity Schafer—until she made the mistake of falling for her boss! But the brooding executive was nursing wounds from a nasty divorce, so she kept her distance. Now, after five years, Felicity seems no closer to a promotion—or to getting Austin to open up. Will giving notice finally get Austin to take notice?

READ A LITTLE, BUY THE BOOK  

Chapter 1

Austin Fortune almost missed the plain white envelope at the bottom of the stack of papers his assistant Felicity Schafer had set on his desk. After he’d read the letter, he wished he’d never seen it and for a moment, he considered pretending as if he hadn’t read it.

Maybe it would just disappear.

Instead, the reality of it danced around him like illuminated dust motes.

Felicity, his gatekeeper, his right hand, the person who kept him organized and on track ahead of the fray, had tendered her resignation.

“Is this a bad joke?” he muttered aloud, trying it on for size.

But no. Even though Felicity was good-natured, it would’ve been out of character for her to kid around about something like this.

“She’s leaving me.” Uttering the words out loud made it sound personal. It wasn’t personal—it was work, but it sure felt personal.

He looked up from the note and watched her through the glass wall of his office. She was engrossed in something on her computer. He didn’t know what. He could see her in profile. Her head was bowed over her keyboard, her dark blond hair a curtain hiding her face.

What the hell was he supposed to do without her? Every morning when he got to the office, she had a daily briefing typed up and waiting for him on his desk along with his coffee and a smoothie with energy booster. She remembered birthdays, anniversaries and the minutiae of family and client particulars that elevated and solidified his business relationships and could prove costly if forgotten.  She was always game for brainstorming new concepts and abstract business angles. Ultimately assisting with client presentations. 

Plain and simple, Felicity made him look good and was always there to help him succeed.

It wasn’t just a matter of hiring someone new. Felicity was a rare find. She had an uncanny ability to anticipate his every need—even before he knew what he needed. In all fairness, he paid her well and she seemed happy. So, why was she leaving him?

He skimmed the letter again looking for clues, but in true Felicity form, it was short and to the point:

Dear Austin,

Please accept this letter as notification that I am leaving my position with Fortune Investments at the end of the month.

I’ve left the date open, so I can be of assistance during the transition.

Sincerely,

Felicity Schafer

Austin reread the note twice more, making sure he’d read it right. Once he’d absorbed it, he had a good idea of how he might fix it. He pressed the button on the intercom.

“Felicity, could you come into my office, please?”

“Sure.”

A moment later, she was standing in his doorway.

“What do you need?” she asked.

“If you wanted a raise,” he said, “all you had to do was ask.”

She wrinkled her nose. “A raise?”

“Of course, you just had your half-year review and got a bump in salary, but if it wasn’t enough, if you want more money, we can talk about it.”

She gave her head a quick shake. “Who said anything about a raise?”

He picked up her letter. “I thought maybe that’s what this was about. I mean why else would you resign?”

Her cheeks flushed, and her mouth fell open before she snapped it shut, into a thin line and folded her arms across her chest. She looked at him as if he had insulted her.

How could offering someone more money be insulting?

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, mirroring her posture.

“Austin, you’ve always been generous when it comes to my salary. But I’m graduating with my MBA at the end of the month. I don’t need a graduate degree to be someone’s personal assistant. It’s time I moved on.”

“Do you have another job?”

“No, not yet. I’m going to start interviewing soon. I wanted to be up-front with you about it.”

“Thanks,” he said.

She flinched. He realized he might have sounded sarcastic. Maybe a very small part of him had meant it that way. Was he supposed to be happy he was losing her?

He raked his hand through his hair. This was not the way he wanted to start his Friday. It certainly wasn’t the way he wanted to end his week.

He gestured for her to sit down in one of the chairs on the other side of his desk.

She sat and folded her hands in her lap. “I’ve loved working for you and Fortune Investments, but I’ve worked hard to get this degree.”

He didn’t say anything because he was afraid what he wanted to say would sound wrong. He’d always prided himself on being fair.

“I hope you can understand that I want more than being someone’s secretary for the rest of my working life,” she went on. “Because that’s what I am. We can dress it up and call me your assistant, but when it comes down to it, I’m your secretary. It’s been a great job, but now I need more.”

He held up his hand.

“I get it,” he said. “I do. Congratulations on accomplishing this, Felicity. I’m happy for you. I know how hard you’ve worked. You’re smart and you’re creative and I understand that a person with an MBA is way overqualified to be a personal assistant. You’d be wasting your potential staying in this position. But that doesn’t make it any easier for me because I don’t want to lose you.”

He held her gaze and her expression softened.

“I mean did you expect me not to be upset about the prospect of losing you?” He held up his hand again to signal that the question was rhetorical. “But that’s me being selfish. This isn’t about me. It’s about you. What do you want to do with your degree?”

“My undergraduate degree is in advertising. I’ve always wanted to work in that field.”

“You’d be good at it,” he said. “You’d be good at anything you decided to do.”

Her cheeks turned pink again. She looked down and then back up at him.

“Is there anything I can do to convince you to stay with Fortune Investments?”

“I don’t know. Are there any opportunities here?”

“What if I talk to Miles and see if we can create a position for you? I’m not making any promises, but would you consider staying if we could come up with something?”

Felicity smiled. “It depends. Would it mean doing advertising work in addition to everything I do for you?”

Austin laughed. “You know me too well.”

“I know I do.”

“How am I supposed to get by without you, Felicity?”

She shrugged. “You did fine before I came on board. You’ll survive.”

No, he hadn’t been fine before she came onto the scene. His life had been a mess, a big tumbleweed of mistakes and misjudgments that had cost him dearly. It had taken him five years to get himself back on track after his disastrous marriage. Sure, he’d come through it intact and he’d learned a lot about himself and life. Yes, he would be fine on his own, but he didn’t want to lose her.

Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR NANCY?

The first book in my brand new cozy mystery series, The Wedding Bell Mysteries, will launch in early October 2019.

In November 2019, the first book in my new Special Edition series, Savannah Sisters, will hit the shelves.

Please stay tuned for more information.

Now, back to A FORTUNATE ARRANGEMENT…

This book is part of Special Edition’s beloved Fortunes of Texas series.  It’s the fifth installment of the 2019 series, Fortunes of Texas: Destined to Meet. Even though it’s part of a series, my book stands alone. 

When I host other authors on the GLIAS blog, I interview them. I thought I’d answer some of the same questions I ask them.

What’s your favorite trait about you hero, Austin Fortune, in A FORTUNATE  ARRANGEMENT?  He’s tragically flawed, but he still has a great heart. He made a major mistake when he was just starting out in the business world. Since then, he’s been extra hard on himself trying to atone for what he did, and making sure that he doesn’t mess up again.   

If you couldn’t be a writer anymore, what profession would you take up?

I majored in journalism and minored in art. I’d love to devote more time to my art…or I’d love to be a pastry chef – even though I’m not classically trained. I wouldn’t want to work in a restaurant kitchen, but maybe in a specialty bakery.

Is writing or story-telling easier for you? 

I see stories everywhere. In fact, to me all the world is a story. Coming up with the plots is the fun (and challenging) part.

Where do you read and how often?

I read every day. I love both print/e-book and audio books.

Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

Always! However, I can’t listen to music with words when I write. I have an instrumental playlist that I listen to when I work, and it serves as a “call to write,” and it helps me get into the zone.

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

I am so grateful for the gift of spending my days doing what I really love…. writing stories that make other people smile. 

Does your heroine, Felicity Schafer have any of your character traits?

A FORTUNATE ARRANGEMENT is absolutely a work of fiction. But Felicity is very focused on getting things done. I’m very much that way.  I have a schedule and I try very hard to stick to it.

I’m giving away a Kindle copy of my first Special Edition, ACCIDENTAL PRINCESS.

I WANT TO KNOW:  Tell me what you’re reading now.

Answer my question in the comments below to be entered for a chance to win.

Find me on the web:

| Website:  https://www.NancyRobardsThompson.com

| Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nancyrobardsthompsonbooks and https://www.facebook.com/nrobardsthompson

| Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IplJjN

| Twitter: https://twitter.com/NRTWrites  --   @NRTWrites

| BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nancy-robards-thompson

| Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyrthompson/  - @NancyRThompson 

| Newsletter Signup: https://www.nancyrobardsthompson.com/contact 

|

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National bestselling author Nancy Robards Thompson lives and writes in Northeastern Tennessee, but her imagination transports her all over the world. She has found Nirvana doing what she loves most – writing romance and women's fiction full-time. After hanging up her press pass, this former journalist and two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart, struck gold in July 2002 when she won the award. Since then, she’s gone on to sell more than 40 books, which critics have deemed, “…funny, smart and observant.”

Cindy Kirk Talks About Her New Release: Reunited in Good Hope

Please welcome my good friend Cindy Kirk back to the crew! She’s here to tell us about her new release, Reunited in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel, Book 8) AND she’s giving away THREE digital copies of this fabulous book!

MEET CINDY  

Award-winning author Cindy Kirk launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon best seller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction. With each subsequent release, this popular heartwarming series continues to touch reader's hearts. The Good Hope series is a must-read for those who love stories that uplift and bring a smile to your face.

THE STORY BLURB

He remembers the heat. She remembers the heartbreak. 
Twenty years later do they still have a shot at love?

When an injury puts NFL star Krew Slattery’s future in question, he returns to his hometown of Good Hope. He plans to lay low, until he runs into Cassie Lohmeier. Krew has never forgotten the one amazing night they shared, and unfortunately for him, Cassie hasn’t either... 

Cassie isn’t the same love-struck girl who had her heartbroken by her high school crush. When Krew left town without even a good-bye, she was devastated and made every mistake a woman can make. But Cassie is older, wiser, and determined to leave her sordid past behind. No more excuses or distractions, and most importantly, no more men. 

But keeping Krew at a distance proves impossible once they learn he’s her daughter’s real father. Her child’s plea to spend time together over the holidays has Cassie reeling, but how can she say no? Will Krew’s return be another roadblock in her path…or an unexpected second chance at love? 

READ A LITTLE, BUY THE BOOK

Reunited in Good Hope  

UP NEXT FOR CINDY:

More Good Hope, of course!  In 2019 look for A Match Made in Good Hope (May), Sparks Fly in Good Hope (July) and Thankful in Good Hope (October)  

Cindy’s current release, Reunited in Good Hope, brings you back to the Door County peninsula for another happily-ever-after. If it's your first time visiting, odds are it won't be your last. Readers rave about this small-town romance series and once you read Cassie and Krew’s story, you'll understand why. 

"Returning to Good Hope is like getting together with a dear friend after a long time. Cindy Kirk drops the reader right back into Door County and it's as if we never left." Mandy ~Amazon Reviewer~

"The secondary characters create a warm and wonderful cocoon of small town caring. If you have read any of the earlier books in the series, you will see old friends. If you are new to the series, you will want to go back and read the earlier books." Annette~Goodreads Reviewer~

My next book, A Match Made in Good Hope (release date: May 1), brings together two Good Hope favorites- Pastor Dan Marshall and Katie Ruth Crewes

A Perfect Match or a Perfect Mess?

Katie Ruth Crewes has spent her life trying to be Good Hope’s good girl. Well, maybe not her whole life. After the scandal involving her parents made high school a nightmare it was only natural Katie Ruth would rebel. But those wild days are in the past and that’s where Katie Ruth intends to keep them. Now she’s devoted to her friends, her volunteer work, and recently to a handsome, young minister.

Pastor Dan Marshall knows a lot about many things, but he knows nothing about women. He was blindsided when his fiancée left him last year and he’s never known how to talk to his little sister, Oaklee, the family hellion. Then there’s Katie Ruth. To Dan, she is the ideal woman: smart, caring, and honest. He knows she’s his perfect partner, he just doesn’t know what to do about it. Katie Ruth does a lot for the church, and Dan can’t risk any impropriety—no matter how much he’s tempted….

When Oaklee suddenly appears on Dan’s doorstep, his well-ordered life receives a well-timed shake up. Perhaps his outrageous sister isn’t as different from him as he believes. She certainly has good advice when it comes to Katie Ruth, who Dan is falling more in love with every day. But Oaklee isn’t the only shock to hit Good Hope. When a secret from Katie Ruth’s past comes to light, she and Dan will have to decide how far they are willing to go to save their piece of paradise.

THE INTERVIEW:

Cindy Kirk

Nancy Robards Thompson: Hi, Cindy! I’m so happy you’re here today! How often do you “get lost in a story?”

Cindy Kirk:  Thanks, Nancy. I’m so happy to be back visiting GLIAS.  I love nothing more than to “get lost in a story” whether that is when I’m writing my own or listening to one on Audible (my preferred way to read)

NRT: Congratulations on your new release. Reunited in Good Hope is the 8^th book in your Good Hope series. What sparked the idea for this wonderful series?

CK: Cassie Lohmeier has been a part of this series since the first book. Most readers would likely agree with these reviewers (who btw both gave the book 5 stars) that Cassie had made some huge mistakes and wasn’t very likeable:

“As we know, Cassie has been featured in the previous Good Hope books, but she wanted a new start and knew that it wasn’t going to be easy. Although in the previous books she was more of the not so good mother and just bad overall; this book brings Cassie to a new light, she is a woman that must face her demons and mistakes every single day…”

“Kirk digs deep to show us the real Cassie. Not the one the town has determined her to be. And now she is reunited with her first love. We watch Cassie struggle and grow and finally get her much deserved confidence, success, and happily-ever-after.” 

I knew everything that had occurred that had sent Cassie on a downward spiral. I also knew there was a strong woman emerging. I wanted her to get her HEA. For the past few books, she has been seeing a psychologist and making great strides. She wasn’t looking for a man to save her, she had to save herself first. In Reunited in Good Hope, she finds her happily ever after with the first—and only—man she ever loved.

NRT: What is your favorite trait about your hero in Reunited in Good Hope? 

CK: That he not only loves her, he loves her kids

NRT: Why does the hero love heroine?

CK: Krew realizes that Cassie is a survivor, much like him. They share a desire to build a strong family life as well as a potent attraction.

NRT: In general, are your books more hero-centric or heroine focused?

CK: I would have to say heroine focused.

NRT: You were a nurse before you started writing full-time. When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

CK: I wrote in my diary at age 16 “I don’t know what I would do if I can’t be a writer.” It took me a lot of years to come back to that early dream. Writing is truly my passion.

NRT: What’s the difference between a good book and a great book?

CK:  To me a great book is one that pulls me in, that keeps me reading when I should go to bed, one that leaves me feeling happy at the end.

NRT: Where do you read and how often?

CK:  I listen to audio books when I’m in the car or walking the dogs. I read on my Kindle before I go to bed.

NRT: Do you have a playlist for Reunited in Good Hope? If so, what are some of the songs on it?

CK: This probably sounds silly, but when I’m writing I play one song over and over and over. It’s more background noise than anything. The song I played when writing this book was With or Without You by April Meservy 

NRT: What makes you happy?

CK: Writing, especially having a scene come together. Walking the dogs (we have two). Hanging with family, which includes three young granddaughters.

NRT: What is your biggest turn off?

CK: Negative people

NRT: What’s the best thing about being a writer?

CK:  the writing itself and all the friends I’ve made over the years

NRT: You’ve written widely for several traditional publishers as well as taking charge of your career and publishing independently. Would you please share the story of selling your first book? Please tell us about the day you got “The Call.”

CK: I’d been at a meeting for my day job and decided to simply go home instead of heading back to the office. I was relaxing in the sun on my deck and had come in to get something cold to drink when the phone rang. Keep in mind this was 1999 so it was our land line. I picked it up and someone said my name. I thought telemarketer and nearly hung up. Until she identified herself as Patience Smith from Harlequin and said they wanted to buy my book!!

NRT: How many books have you written?

CK: I just finished Sparks Fly in Good Hope. It’s my 57^th book!   

NRT: Thanks so much for being here with us today, Cindy! It was such fun talking to you.

CK: It’s always fun to visit! Thanks again, for having me. 

Cindy Kirk is giving away THREE digital copies of Reunited in Good Hope.

SHE WANTS TO KNOW:  “Tell me where should I consider setting a new series?

Answer Cindy’s question in the comments below to be entered for a chance to win.

Find Cindy on the web:

| Website: https://www.cindykirk.com 

| Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.kirk.399

| Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/cindy-kirk/

| Twitter: https://www/twitter.com/cindykirkauthor

| Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/cindykirk

  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cindy-kirk

| Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/cindykirkauthor___

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National bestselling author Nancy Robards Thompson lives and writes in Tennessee, but her imagination transports her all over the world. She has found Nirvana doing what she loves most – writing romance and women's fiction full-time. After hanging up her press pass, this former journalist and two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart struck gold in July 2002 when she won the award. Since then, she’s gone on to sell more than 40 books, which critics have deemed, “…funny, smart and observant.” You can connect with her at NancyRobardsThompson.com; on Facebook at Nancy Robards Thompson Books; follow her on Twitter at @NRTWrites; and connect with her on Instagram @NancyRThompson.

Celebrating Valentine's Day All Weekend!

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite days of the year. I love the idea of an entire day devoted to love and romance. What's better than a day of romance? How about four days? That's why when I was invited to participate in Coffee, Cupcakes and Contemporaries' four-day Valentine's Day party. I jumped at the chance. The fun started Thursday, but it'll be going on through Sunday (with prize winners announced on Monday (February 18). I hope you'll come over and join the party. There will be New York Times bestselling author Secret Valentines and other bestselling authors there to entertain you with lots of fun and prizes. I’m hosting on Sunday from 2pm - 8pm. During that time, I'll reveal the cover for my next book - an April 16 release. Please come over and celebrate the most romantic day with us. Here's a link to the PARTY. Hope to see you there!


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National bestselling author Nancy Robards Thompson lives and writes in Tennessee, but her imagination transports her all over the world. She has found Nirvana doing what she loves most – writing romance and women's fiction full-time. After hanging up her press pass, Nancy won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart in July 2002. Since then, she’s sold more than 40 books, which critics have deemed, “…funny, smart and observant.” You can connect with her at NancyRobardsThompson.com; on Facebook at Nancy Robards Thompson Books - www.facebook.com/nancyrobardsthompsonbooks; and follow her on Twitter at @NRTWrites .

SEASONS GREETINGS

Firsts for First Friday !!

"My first kiss was with Ronnie Whilhite on the playground in first grade. Okay, my real first kiss wasn't until I was a Freshman in high school with Matt." ~ Angi Morgan

"I was an old lady of 14 (and going into 8th grade) when I had my first kiss. It was at the rollerskating rink with my crush, Mike." ~ Nancy Robards Thompson

"Playing Spin the Bottle with a bunch of friends. I can't remember my exact age but I know was in my first years of high school. It was with a lovely guy called Gary. I'm sorry to say I didn't really enjoy the kiss. Looking back, I think it was a little too soft and tentative." ~Avril Tremayne

"My first real kiss was in 10th grade at the Sadie Hawkins dance with Duane Geisler, a boy who'd asked me earlier in the year to homecoming and shocked the heck out of this tomboy who hadn't even thought about dating! This was the 70's mind you, so Duane (seriously that WAS his name) looked like Jerry Lewis's nutty professor with buck teeth, black-rimmed glasses and a 'fro, and even though he wasn't "dreamy" and the first kiss was not memorable, he was a nice guy and mine was a relatively innocent introduction to the world of dating--and, of course, more kissing to come!" ~ Lizbeth Selvig

"I don't remember my first kiss, but I remember the first person who taught me how to kiss. Sigh. I really did need help, and they were an excellent teacher." ~ Jacqui Nelson

"The first costume party I had was for my birthday in the house we were building. I can't remember what I wore, but I do remember there weren't any walls yet. LOL  But the first party I have a picture of is where my friends and I all dressed up as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."  ~ Angi Morgan

"I attended my first costume party when I was in second grade. I was so proud of my costume - an ugly green monster mask and a bright green bed sheet draped over my shoulders and pinned in place. I won first place in the costume contest. I was so excited that no one could guess that it was me. I spent the first part of the party not uttering a single word, only shaking my head when people would try to guess my identity. I only removed my mask after the contest." ~ Nancy Robards Thompson

"Oh! I've been to so many costume parties it's hard to get specific. But one that stands out in my head was a party I threw to celebrate the birth of my daughter. It had - unsurprisingly - a 'kids' theme. I dressed as Rapunzel - or at least, Rapunzel's head! Basically, I built a tower around myself out of a sheet that had bricks painted on it which was attached to a cardboard tower top in which a window had been cut, and made a harness to hold it onto my shoulders. I stuck a ton of yellow wool on my head to replicate Rapunzel's tresses and gazed through the cut-out window. Alas, it was a sweltering Sydney summer night and I practically cooked myself in there, despite wearing only a singlet and sarong beneath the bricks!" ~Avril Tremayne

"I don't remember my very first costume party, but I do remember my two favorites! My mom was great at coming up with spur-of-the-moment costumes. When my brother and I were little, she took some old striped upholstery fabric and made us "jailbirds" -- complete with convict numbers that were parts of our address. Many years later when my kids were in high school, we had several years of family costume parties. The best was when my mom, dad, hubby, son, daughter & significant others went as the cast of Gilligan's Island!" ~ Lizbeth Selvig

"Thanksgivings were all spent at relatives homes until after I was 50 years old. The first at my house was when I realized Id never cooked a turkey. I turned to the Food Network and Alton Brown's instructions. Been doing it that way ever since." ~ Angi Morgan

"Confession-- I've never cooked a turkey. My husband is a fabulous cook and that's his department. However, I am rather famous for my cranberry relish, fresh dinner rolls and homemade pies."

~Nancy Robards Thompson

"I have never cooked one so my first time awaits me...~Avril Tremayne

"See turkey disaster listed below!" ~Amanda McIntyre

"My story is that I can cook and I'm not bad at it, but I really don't enjoy it. So, while my kids were young I did the bulk of the meal-making including turkeys when it was my turn in the family rotation to make it. The first was likely shortly after I got married--I was in my early twenties and it turned out fine. However now I'm with Nancy above. My husband has taken over 95% of the cooking in our house and his turkey-roasting skills are A+. He is now the permanent turkey baker for all Thanksgivings!" ~ Lizbeth Selvig

"Whew! Thank you for being here to say you've never cooked a turkey, Nancy, and Avril! I'm the same. In my family, I'm the one who's been in charge of bringing the drinks (and traditionally, it's champagne) for our turkey dinners." ~ Jacqui Nelson

"Oh my gosh!! This is sooo funny and only half mine. But I found this recipe for pulled pork inside a pineapple, wrapped in bacon for the grill. I set it all up for dinner with a couple who I had never cooked for before. I put it all together, got it grilling, and finished the rest of the sides. I went outside to take it off and my husband told me he turned it over. Oh gosh, it had all fallen apart and (separated) had burned to a crisp. Talk about punting!! Come to think of it...that couple hasn't been back for dinner." ~ Angi Morgan

"I can't remember my first disaster, but I've had a rather big blunder recently. My daughter and her husband come over every Saturday to cheer on our favorite college football team (Go, Gators!). We love to tailgate (in the dining room) before the game starts. We always cook up a feast. I'm usually in charge of desserts. I saw a recipe for something called Lazy Mary's Lemon Tart . It looked easy and delicious. I make a delicious lemon bar. This was a little different. So, I said why not. The recipe called for using a whole seeded lemon. That was different. It called for Meyer lemon. I couldn't find Meyer lemons at the grocery store, but my tastebuds were set on lemon tart. Knowing I had regular lemons in the refrigerator, I  found a substitute recipe for something called "Rustic Lemon Tart." It, too, called for a whole seeded lemon.  A regular lemon. I'll cut to the chase. NO. Just no. It was disgusting. It tasted like a big mouthful of the white pith of the lemon. It broke my heart, but we fed it to the garbage disposal because it was inedible. Obviously, I didn't learn my lesson. I still want to try the Lazy Mary tart with MEYER lemon."  ~ Nancy Robards Thompson

"Shortly after I met my now-husband, I decided to get cordon bleu in his kitchen (despite never being in any kitchen if I could help it) and cook him dinner. Boy, did I overreach myself! Eschewing something simple like a roast chicken, I went with an exotic flambéed dish. As soon as the flames started leaping, I lost my nerve and almost set the kitchen on fire waving the pan around before dousing my precious meal in water. To top it off, in all the panic I broke one of his ceramic dishes. I've never flambéed again." ~Avril Tremayne

"Cooking disasters...so many from which to choose. I'm pretty sure that one Thanksgiving (possibly the first) I cooked all the wrapped stuff inside the turkey.
Another time, I thought if a little sage is good in dressing then why not a lot? (I don't recommend that way of thinking.)" ~Amanda McIntyre

"Since I don't love to cook, I stick pretty close to my tried and true repertoire of dishes. The biggest disasters with those are burning meat or boiling pots dry because I'm distracted. I do like to bake, however, and there was one special birthday for my adult son where I was determined to make him an awesome, impressive three-layer cake. That thing stuck so badly to the baking pans that it was a horrible mess. I stacked the layers anyhow and the frosting crumbled the cake almost completely on one side. I ended up throwing gobs of frosting on it and leaving it like a dilapidated construction project and telling him  I intended it that way. Fortunately, it tasted great. LOL." ~ Lizbeth Selvig

"This isn't a cooking disaster, but definitely the first memorable food disaster in my childhood brain. I was taking a carton of milk out of the fridge and my little hand lost its grip on the slippery sides and bam! And splat! It fell and spilled all over the floor. I was very careful to use two hands after that."

~ Jacqui Nelson

"I remember getting my first book. Friends had surprised me to take me out to celebrate and the box was on the porch. They took pictures of me seeing it. The feeling was ecstatic and has never gone away. Each book makes me feel like that!" ~ Angi Morgan

"Is it awful to admit that I hated the cover of my first book? It was a fun chick lit story and the cover was dark and eerie looking. It didn't fit the tone of the story--at all. It was disappointing. When my author copies arrived, I was happy, but I'm not gonna lie, the cover made me cringe. However, my first signing (for that same book) was a different story. It was at Walden Books in the Florida Mall in Orlando. The bookseller called me the morning of the signing, all apologies, saying my books didn't arrive. I was so disappointed. I was signing with three author friends, our very own Katherine Garbera was one of them. So, I went to the signing anyway, to support them. When I arrived, to my surprised delight, the bookseller was unboxing my book. It had arrived in the nick of time. At that moment, I thought it was the most beautiful book I'd ever seen. In fact, I cried happy tears."

 ~ Nancy Robards Thompson

"I'm sorry to say I'd already discovered a mistake in my first book by the time my box arrived from the publisher and I couldn't bring myself to open the box. I'm a perfectionist you see, and it drove me crazy! To be honest, I also wasn't a fan of the cover; even though there was nothing especially wrong with it, the dress the heroine was wearing on the cover was not something she would have been caught dead in. As a result, I didn't go near the box for two weeks, and that was when my husband finally arced up and opened it for me."  ~Avril Tremayne

"I'm not sure the "feeling" of holding a book that I've poured hours of my heart & soul into ever changes for me. With each one, I think how utterly amazing it is. I had always aspired to be an artist (preferably a Disney animator) but life took me a different direction and with writing its my true belief that I paint stories with words. Every book, every story is like a beloved painting to me." ~Amanda McIntyre

"My love of books goes back as far as I can remember because my dad was a voracious out-loud reader and we loved stories. I don't remember my first "own" book, but I had absolute favorite library books that I felt were mine because I checked them out over and over. The first ones were Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka books by Maj Lindman. I now own all of them because they were such a big part of my childhood!" ~ Lizbeth Selvig

"Oh, I wanted to be a Disney animator as well, Amanda! But of course, that didn't happen and like you, I now love to paint with words. And now also back to the topic -- the first time I held my first book. That was Adella's Enemy and was extra sweet because that novella was part of the Steam! Romance and Rails series with great friends, Elisabeth Burke and Jennifer Jakes." ~ Jacqui Nelson

Find Angi's Books

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