Aloha!
I’d like to welcome Kellie Kamryn to curl up on Scorched Sheets today. She’s her to celebrate the release for her book, Monkeys, Sex and Other Birthday Surprises which will be available September 25, 2011 from SecretCravings Publishing.
Kellie Kamryn is a contemporary & erotica romance author. Her sensual and often humerous novel and short story writing allows her to spread her vivid imagination to everyone out there who is willing to listen. She writes seductive tales where characters come to life and touch your heart and soul, making your fingers tingle in anticipation. Kellie is a PRO member of Romance Writers of America and a contributing blogger for the Ass Cheek Angels and The Naughty Romance Writers.
Before we talk about the book I'd like to ask a few questions to get to know who Kellie is.
Where are you from?
I live in Manitoba, Canada with my 4 children and adorable puppy. Or should that be adorable children and puppy? LOL!
Have you always lived in Manitoba? Where do you call home?
I’ve always lived in this province but in different towns. I grew up in a small town called Anola.
What is your favorite quality about yourself?
I’m an eternal optimist. No matter how down I get or what happens to me, I always believe that it will get better. It just has to damn it!
What is your favorite quote?
“A friend is one who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” - Unknown
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
That I have three book releases coming out in the next month. Someone told me once I’d never make it as a writer. Well, the financial part of it remains to be seen, but my goal was to write books that publishers would believe in enough to sell. So far, I’ve got 5 contracted. I’m proud of so many other things I’ve gotten through as well. When times are tough and I can get through them, there is a sense of accomplishment in that.
We’ll talk about Monkeys, Sex and Other Birthday Surprises in a moment, but first I’d like to hear how you got your start in writing.
How has your upbringing influenced your writing?
Hmm…I don’t know. My mom always read to us as children and it was the favorite part of my day when I was young. I used to keep journals as a kid and write short stories and poems in them. I read all the time too! My goal was to collect all the hardcover Nancy Drew’s. I guess I’ve always wanted to create stories people would want to read, too.
Do you remember how you became interested in writing?
Nope. LOL I just always have.
What inspires you to write and why?
To quote Shrek – “As I always say – better out than in!” I have story ideas floating around in my head constantly. It’s better to get them out and free up brain space.
Who or what influenced your writing when you started out?
I hired a great editor to work with who taught me a lot about writing mechanics because I’d forgotten since high school - Mary Williams. Eloisa James gave me some great advice a couple of years ago about joining RWA and it’s been the greatest thing for me as far as meeting other writers and networking goes.
I wholeheartedly agree with joining RWA or any writing group for that matter. They've helped me a lot too.
Who or what influences your writing now?
All my writer friends, like you. It’s like when I was a gymnast – it takes one to know one. Other writers understand the trials and tribulations of being a writer. They know what it’s like to meet deadlines and do edits or try to write new material with the demands of every day life. I have many great friends who are my support system, and I hope I support them in kind.
What made you want to be a writer?
Just to prove I could.
What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general?
Finding time! Time is there but when you have a family, there is so much to schedule in. If only I didn’t need sleep…
LOL. I hear you on that one. I've got 4 children at home too. They like to keep us on our toes. :)
How important do you think villains are in a story?
A villain always makes for a good story. So far my villains tend to be the thought processes of my characters. Then they grow beyond it to come to a satisfying ending and find their HEA.
Did writing this book teach you anything? What was it?
Humor can get you through almost anything. Gotta find time to laugh.
Do you intend to make writing a career?
Yes. As much as I can.
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Perseverance. You need that to get ahead at anything in life.
Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, what did you do about it?
Usually, I go for a walk, sit outside, play with the kids. Anything to remind me that there is more to life than writing. My muse always comes back. Sometimes it takes a break to tell me I need one.
Tell me about Monkeys, Sex and Other Birthday Surprises.
It's a story about the mishaps we have in life, during sex and how with a little humor, we can get through anything.
Tell us your latest news.
The release date for this has moved up to September 23rd!!
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Excerpt: Monkeys, Sex and Other Birthday Surprises
“Mother!” Missy peered around Sam and shot her mom a death glare.
Her mom gestured, palms up. “What? It’s about time, if you ask me.”
“No one asked you!”
“Just saying. She gets cranky when she hasn’t gotten it in a while—”
“Mom!”
“—and believe me, we’ve seen her cranky side for quite some time. I hope you’re good.”
Sam began to sputter a reply, but Missy interrupted. “Mom. Get. Out.”
“Fine. Going,” she said, turning away. But then she pivoted back to them for a parting shot.
“Way to go, honey.”
Missy covered her face with her hands. Sam tried to remove them but she held firm. “Feel free to leave any time. My family is crazy. My life is insane.”
“Well, it’s anything but boring.”
“No shit.”
“You’re mom’s a firecracker. Maybe we should have a threesome.”
Missy removed her hands from her face and gaped at him.
“I’m kidding,” Sam said, holding his hands up out in front of him. “That was a joke. I like
kinky, but a mother-daughter combo is not one of my fantasies.”
She swatted his arm and dug out a fresh T-shirt from a drawer. It hugged her generous
bosom, and Sam’s eyes drew there like Winnie-the-Pooh to a honey pot.
“You have a great rack.”
The sincerity in his voice made her smile, despite the crude way in which he delivered the compliment. “I’m glad you approve.” She huffed out a breath. “We should get back to the party.”
Sam took hold of her hand and led her out of the room. At the doorway, he tugged on her hand so she spun to face him. He yanked her against him, and she melted into his body on contact. “One more to tide us over.”
The man never let her speak. His mouth captured hers, but this time his tongue invaded, mating with hers. Her hands crept up to his neck and sank into the curls at his nape. Deep, hot, wet—everything a passionate kiss should be. Thrust, parry. Dodge, tease. Slip, slide.
Missy sucked on his tongue, hinting at what she could do to his dick. He groaned, his hands digging into her back. He didn’t release her when they broke apart.
Their chests heaved. Desire crackled between them. The words of her sister echoed in her head, “Real sex is better than phone sex…” Yeah, it is. Or, would be.
Missy put some distance between them, keeping her hands in his hair. The ache between her thighs shrieked at her to follow through with things. Like, right now. What was more important—sex or birthday cake?
She knew if she didn’t return to the living room, her mother would announce that she was “indisposed.”
Missy looked him straight in the eyes and gave his erection a slight nudge with her pelvis.
“Okay. We’ll do it your way later. No talking. Just fucking.” And before she could take back what she said, she hurried back to the waiting guests.
Where can we buy your book?
You can find it at my publisher's website, Secret Cravings Publishing.
How did you come up with the title?
I took the most important elements and put them in the title. I thought it was funny. Thankfully, the publisher thought so too.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Never give up! If you want it bad enough find a way to do it. Join writers groups, work with industry professionals and do your research before submitting.
Would you mind answering a few fun questions for the audience?
Sure.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
Sitting out under the stars, or hot baths.
What makes you laugh out loud?
Crude jokes. The antics of my children.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Doing what I love to do and having that special someone to share in it with me.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Shoes, underwear. lol
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
That I’m sweet. Not really…
What’s your favorite curse word?
Fuck. So many uses for that one, and so many opportunities to use it.
When you wish to end your career, stop writing, and look back on your life, what thoughts would you like to have?
That I did what I wanted to do and was happy.
If you could leave your readers with one bit of wisdom, what would you want it to be?
You have the power to make your dreams come true.
Thank you for stopping by, Kellie, and sharing a little about yourself and your book with us. I look forward to reading it. (Just have to get past all those deadlines first.)
