Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Robin Kaye Interview and Contest

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?


When it comes to genres, I read them all. First I always read my friends books, Elisabeth Naughton, Kristina McMorris, Grace Burrowes, Alix Rickloff, Marie Force, Hope Ramsay (whose book Welcome to Last Chance comes out next month), Maureen Child, Marilyn Brant, Roxanne St. Claire, Susan Donovan, Christie Craig and all my partners on Killer Fiction http://killerfictionwriters.blogspot.com/ . Then I read my auto buys Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, Rachel Gibson, Louisa Edwards, Suzanne Brockmann, Donna Kauffman, Susan Mallery. If I have time, I re-read Jane Austen at least once a year and anything else that looks good to me. I am pretty eclectic when it comes to what I read outside romance.


Do you have travel when researching your books? If yes, where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?

I’ve been all over Brooklyn and New York and go as often as I can. I drink in the atmosphere and recharge my Brooklyn accent. In October, I went back to Boise and visited Humpin’ Hannah’s, the real bar that I’d been given permission to play with in Yours for the Taking. I guess the most interesting place I’ve gone is Atlanta, Idaho. It’s an old ghost/mining town three hours up a scary, dirt road that follows the Middle Fork of the Boise River. That is where, years ago, I found an old miner’s diary from the 1880’s that told the true story, which inspired the imaginary town of Three Whores Bend. That area of Idaho is so beautiful and I found some real characters there.


Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a pantser who is working hard to be a plotter. I’ve tried every plotting method known to man, all of which made my ass twitch. I was just about to give up when I saw Michael Hague’s workshop on his Six-Stage Plot Structure. That’s when I had an epiphany! I went right up to him and thanked him for saving my life. I’ve written four books using his method and so far it’s worked every time. It gives me just enough of a plan to keep me on track without making me feel as if I have already written the book. If anyone is interested, I highly recommend it. You can find info on Michael Hauge’s website http://screenplaymastery.com/ He’s my hero!


If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

I’d say Romeo, Romeo because that’s the first in the Domestic Gods series. I’m told that you can easily read them out of order, but I like to start at the beginning which makes following the characters all that much more fun. Yours for the Taking is the fourth book in the series and introduces the characters in my next series - Domestic Gods Gone Wild.


How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

I started writing Romeo, Romeo in late 2004, I entered it in the Golden Heart Contest in 2007, won, and was lucky enough to receive an offer from one of the final judges. It’s kind of a Cinderella story. I was really lucky. It came out in November, 2008.


What song would best describe your life?

Everything an old song from the ‘70s by Barbara Streisand.


If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Danger, writer on deadline!


What’s for dinner tonight?

Spaghetti, meatballs, and sausage with garlic bread and a Caesar salad. I just stirred my sauce. I make 20 quarts at a time with 6 pounds of meat and then freeze the leftovers. Yum.


Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

Bad boys are definitely more fun. They’re exciting; dating a bad boy is like a perfect rollercoaster ride—fabulous for a little while. But then, who wants to spend their whole life on a roller coaster? Bad boys are not the men you want to marry. Me, I dated every bad boy known to man and then married a Boy Scout.


What’s the perfect romantic evening?

Any evening without my children. Let’s face it, when you have three teenagers, it doesn’t take much more than their absence for a little while to find romance.



YOURS FOR THE TAKING BY ROBIN KAYE – IN STORES JANUARY 2011

He might be too good to be true…


Ben Walsh shouldn’t be single. Handsome and wealthy, Ben is equally at home in Idaho where he grew up and in Manhattan where he’s now an art dealer. Suave and successful with impeccable taste, he normally has women beating down his door. But the one woman he wants can’t be convinced that he’s for real…


She isn’t sure if she has time for fairy tales…


Gina Reyez has fought for every bit of her success, and it’s about time for things to start going her way. So when Ben makes a proposal that will allow her to take care of her family the way she wants to, she agrees. Besides, a guy this perfect would never be interested in her...right? By the time Gina figures out that she’s read Ben all wrong, the arrangements are made, the papers are signed…but what exactly are they getting themselves into?

Leave a comment. Two lucky winners to recieve print copies of Yours for the Taking. US and Canada residents only. Please leave contact email in comment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robin Kaye is a professional writer and winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award for her first novel, Romeo, Romeo. Her romantic comedies feature sexy, nurturing heroes and feisty, independent heroines. She lives with her husband and three children in Mt. Airy, Maryland, where she is working on a brand new series for release 2011 and 2012. For more information, please visit www.robinkayewrites.com/ .


Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?
*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I’m working on a new, connected series, Domestic Gods Gone Wild. The first book is called On the Wild Side. It is Hunter Kincaid’s story—he’s a character you meet in Yours for the Taking. Next up is Judge Trapper Kincaid’s story. I’m so looking forward to writing that one. I’m so in love with Trapper and have been for a couple years now. On the Wild Side will be in stores next Fall, and I’ll put the first chapter on my website just as soon as I get it back from copy edits. http://robinkayewrites.com/ .

Website: http://robinkayewrites.com/
Facebooks http://www.facebook.com/robin.kaye1
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/RobinKayeWrites
Blogs: http://BlameItOnTheMuse.com/
http://killerfictionwriters.blogspot.com/ - We’re having a daily give away from Jan 10 – 21 and our grand prize is a Kindle eReader!
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/

21 comments:

  1. Good morning, Robin!

    This is my first "discovery" of you and your work. It was a pleasure to read your Q&A. Hope to get better aquainted with your books soon!

    P.S. What time should I show up for dinner? ;-)

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  2. Oops! E-mail! jenniferkrauskopf@hotmail.com :s

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  3. Jenn~ You can stop by any time you want. I just made chicken stock and matzo balls for lunch. My 15 year-old ballerina is down with a bad case of the stomach flu. I gotta say, my matzo balls are incredible! But if you want pasta, I have that too. I hope you'll check out my books. The first chapters are all posted on my website!

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  4. Robin, I just added about fifteen books to my TBR list from your list of authors above! I also freeze my Bolognese by the gallon. Swap you recipes through the WRW loops if you like ;)

    Can't wait to read the book- my friends are also big fans!

    Kim (kimberly.kincaid1@gmail.com/ www.kimberlykincaid.com)

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  5. Kim - You should check out the recipes I have on my website. I have a lot of food in my books and try to put the recipes on the site because I get so many requests from readers. I'll be glad to swap recipes, but that means I have to figure out how much of each ingredient I use. Next time I make sauce I'll try to measure. I hope you enjoy the books! Let me know what you think.

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  6. Loved your author list. Most I know, but fun to see what other's read. Also, thanks for adding Michael Hauge's info. I plot, but always find holes.

    Good luck on your launch.
    elizabeth@elizabethkelleybooks.com

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  7. Thanks, Elizabeth! I love to talk about my favorite authors, many of whom have become friends.

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  8. :) Robin, I think it's so neat that you travel for research. I've never done that, but pull on my 32 moves. So you're trying to come to the plotter side huh? Is it working? Take care my friend, I'm so proud of you. Wish you continued success! *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
    www.dianacosby.com

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  9. Diana~ I am trying and the Six-Stage Plot Structure works so well for me. It's a nice compromise. Thanks for all your support and encouragement, Diana. You're the best!

    Hugs...Robin :)

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  10. I so want to read this book! I just know it's going to be the best one yet.
    marleydelarose@gmail.com

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  11. If it's too late for lunch, I'm inviting myself for dinner. :)

    Great interview, Robin! And as always, a fabulous book to set my mouth watering. Cheers!

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  12. Hi Robin - this books sounds delicious - then so do matzo balls! Never made them yet and have yet to read your work but my TBR pile is getting smaller and there is always room for another good read on the pile!

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  13. @ Marley - Thanks so much for all the support. I hope you think Yours for the Taking is the best yet.

    @Alix - Any time, sweetie!

    @Dale I just found out that Romeo, Romeo, Too Hot to Handle, and Breakfast in Bed will be available in an ebook bundle next month three books for $17.99! Good news!

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  14. Hmm, it sounds wonderful. Tell you what. You make dinner and I'll bring the cheesecake! Talk about sinful. I don't have plans for most of the weekend. Hint hint. Can't wait to read the newest addition. Now I'm off to check out your recipes. aarbaugh@comcast.net

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  15. @aarbaugh - We have plenty of extra beds, you're welcome to come! Oh, and please bring the cheesecake. We'll have to compare cheesecake recipes. I have a really good one!

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  16. Got home from the doc's to find my friends at B&N had left me a package. Guess what was inside. Wooooohooooooo! Of course, my friend, Linda, is pissed (I forgot to tell her your release date,) so if I win, you know how to reach me. I'll expect it signed--to me, not Lin. She'll get the one I bought. LOL

    {{{Hugs}}}

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  17. Robin,
    I can't wait to read this book. You are an amazing writer. Combining your parenting and homemaking duties and still producing these wonderful stories is incredible. Reading them has brought me much joy. Have a wonderful 2011! Cynthia (sstbooks@aol.com)

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  18. Gwynlyn~ We'll have to meet up and I can sign them in person. I miss you! Give Linda my best! Talk to you soon.

    Hugs...Robin :)

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  19. Cynthia~

    Thanks for all the compliments, Cynthia. It means so much coming from you!

    Hugs...Robin :)

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  20. I had to laugh when you said you married a boy scout. I always joke that I married Richie Cunningham from "Happy Days." Nice guys are definitely better for the long haul!

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  21. I've been enjoying your work ever since reading Romeo, Romeo. Love your dialogue and humor. Best wishes on your upcoming releases. (cc@carolynncarey.com)

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