Friday 18 November 2016

Author Interview & Giveaway: Steele and Stone by Kay Phoenix



Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

I’m a “Planster”, a combination of a planner and a pantser.  Sometimes I write the scenes as they come to me, then I have to figure out how to string them together.  Other times, the characters drive where the story is headed and surprise me. 

Do your characters ever want to take over the story? 

Haha, see above!  Yes, sometimes they know what they need to do better than I do.  

What is your favourite food?

I love any food that has been prepared for me, personally, by a loved one no matter if it’s a sandwich or a fancy dinner.  

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Definitely a night owl.  Although, I’m finding as I get older, I get more work done early in the morning.  By 3pm to 6pm every day, I’d rather be napping. 

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

I’ve been extremely lucky and blessed to have been able to travel to many destinations that I’ve dreamt of.  Most recently, I went to Greece and Israel. While in Israel, I enjoyed tours through Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Masada and floated in the Dead Sea. It was a very eye-opening experience. 

My ultimate dream vacation would be a photo safari in remote Africa, sleeping in a tent and listening to the lion’s calls across the night.  The problem is, I’d never want to leave.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Yes!  However, in Steele and Stone, they only travel between Denver and New York, though world travel is mentioned. 

Do you listen to music while writing?

Instrumental music, occasionally.  Lyrics distract me.  

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

Steele and Stone is a contemporary short romance, at 42,000 words. 

Michael is set to acquire an advertising firm, but one thing stands in his way- a silent partner. His suspicions are confirmed when the partner turns out to be Elle, the intriguing younger sister of the firm’s owner. 

They’ll each discover their preconceived notions of what the perfect partnership should be, in life and love, aren’t necessarily correct.  Each reeling from recent personal tragedies, must let go of their pasts, whether living or dead. 

Elle learns to trust in the “here and now”, and Michael learns love means “taking chances” his logical, organized self never imagined he’d take.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

I’ve learned that I’ll never be an expert of either.  The market is constantly changing, and the trends in writing constantly evolve. It’s important to stay current, while keeping true to your own style.

The main thing is, to write for the love of it. I have the heart of an entertainer (though, you’d die if you heard me sing), and I want to bring happiness and hope to people. I feel that romance novels do that, and I hope I am able to instill some positive notions in my readers toward love and romance.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Is this a good question for a typical Virgo?  Haha, yes, I always second guess myself. I believe in endless possibilities, so I sometimes fall into the pit of “What if…?”.  But, I’m also a firm believer in “Everything happens for a reason.”

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

Every time I read a story from one of my peers, I’m inspired.  I find snippets of news that inspire me. There are story ideas everywhere.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Join RWA!  The resources they offer are valuable. Also, join your local chapter, if you have one, and plan to attend conferences. Get in touch with fellow writers.  You will find your tribe and some of the best supporters, teachers and mentors out there.

What are three words that describe you?

Tenacious, silly, loyal. 

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

“Cry of the Kalahari” by Mark and Deliah Owens.  It’s a true story written by two married scientists of their experiences living in wildest, remote Africa, studying the local wildlife, and the many ways this impacted not only their lives, but many others.  They have since become major philanthropists through their various programs they have created, all started by this one experience.

I find it very romantic.



List of previous books if any

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web




Steele and Stone
Daring Hearts Series
Book One
Kay Phoenix

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Date of Publication: November 2, 2016

ASIN: B01LYUQ75N

Number of pages: 170
Word Count: 41,140

Book Description:

Elle Thompson was raised in Denver. She paints. She hikes. She knows how to avoid cougar attacks.

The only cougars Michael Williams usually worries about are the ones that wear leopard print leggings on 5th Avenue.

But, when his acquisition firm sets its sights on Elle's family business, his tidy life goes awry. As things unravel, so do all his preconceived notions of love and what makes a perfect partner.










Excerpt:

Michael Williams was a soft city boy, and she was willing to bet he not only indulged in regular manicures but perhaps even enjoyed the occasional facial. She wondered whether he had rolled up his sleeves for fear of getting his expensive, white, designer dress shirt dirty with barbecue sauce. He probably wore designer underwear as well.
Boxers or briefs? Her gaze traveled south. Briefs, probably. Expensive white designer briefs. Tighty whities.
He was definitely not her type.
She smirked as her gaze traveled back up to his eyes. They were staring back into hers.
Caught red-handed! Her smirk faded and her cheeks reddened. She grabbed at a strand of hair to twirl in her fingers and pretended to be interested in a framed painting of a pig in an apron that was hung behind his left shoulder.
Something primal lurked below the surface of his gaze, and it drew her back in. It was as if she stared into the eyes of a caged animal set to pounce. Not one that had been born in a zoo, but one that had been captured in the wild and placed in captivity. Perhaps he hadn’t always been a city boy?

About the Author:

Ms. Phoenix is a rare bird herself, a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. She belongs to Las Vegas Romance Writers and serves on the board.

Prior to writing, Kay was a Graphic Artist for fifteen years in the casino industry and holds degrees in both Graphic Arts and Psychology. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping and photography. Her art and photography are displayed in Las Vegas art galleries several times a year.

Kay writes in the contemporary and paranormal romance categories, as well as non-fiction articles.

Please visit her website at www.KayPhoenix.com





Tour giveaway

1 $25 Amazon gift card

2 $15 Amazon gift cards


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