1. How did you start writing romance?
I've always been an avid reader of romance. The natural
progression was for me to start writing my own romantic stories. I wrote a lot
in high school, but it wasn't until I was in my mid-twenties that I began
trying to hone my writing craft. I wrote my first full length novel in 2012,
eleven years after I graduated high school. It was a slow progression for me.
2. Plotter or pantster?
A mix of both. I always start out a pantser, but then have
to take some time to outline the progression of the story. I never outline
everything that's going to happen in the book, just the general direction. I
often let the characters lead me down the path they want to take. I let them
surprise me. It's often the most fun part of writing for me. My family still
looks at me funny when I start yelling at the computer because one of my
characters decided to do something that completely messed with the plot I had
written down. *sigh* I think of my
plotting as more guidelines than actual rules. *wink*
3. What are three things you have on your writing desk?
Coffee, chocolate, and a notebook. None of these should surprise anyone.
*giggles*
4. Favorite food?
Perogies. For those of you who don't know what they are,
think pasta shell with mashed potatoes and cheese inside drenched in butter and
sautéed with onions. *moans* I'm starving now, thanks.
5. Tell us a little about your new release. What character
in the book really spoke to you?
A Shadow's Kiss is my latest print book. Alexander spoke to
me the loudest. He's quite a serious man and takes his duties very seriously. I
tried to get him to loosen up and have a bit of fun, but I'm telling you, he's
a tough nut to crack. A point in his favor though, he is the most chivalrous
character in all my books. A true knight and gentleman.
6. I write because ____...
I need to purge the characters clamoring for attention in my
head. I need to breathe.
7. What is your favorite type of character to write about?
I love writing about Anti-heroes, the scarred, dangerous,
mysterious men who hide behind a veil of lies and are afraid to let anyone see
their true selves. I love the men who border on villainous and need redemption,
a reason to step into the light.
8. What is the sexiest scene you ever wrote?
The book I'm editing now, Jewel of Winter, my hero Edmund
decides to get a little dominant with Jessamine. He's fully clothed and she's
well, draped over an arm chair. That has to be the sexiest scene I've ever
written.
9. What advice would you give new authors in the romance
field?
Write. Read. Then write some more. I can't get enough time
to read and I often feel it affecting the way I write. Write often...even if
what you write is garbage, you can't edit a blank page. Don't be afraid of
feedback either. It's easy to take feedback personally, but learn not to let it
affect you. That will make you stronger
in the long run.
10. What is next on your writerly horizon?
I'm going to finish writing a Victorian novella trilogy. My
goal is to have the first book published by the end of April. I'm currently writing
the second and third ones. They're much different from my medieval novels, but
just as fun. I promise. I dive into that anti-hero trope I was droning on about
earlier. You'll love my Thieves of Winter.
Blurb:
Blurb:
Torn between duty and desire, a knight and his lady
fair must decide if their love is worth the price of treason.
Madeline Campbell has been whisked away from her
uncle's barony to be reunited with her family in the Scottish Highlands. Her
happy reunion quickly sours when she realizes her father intends to present as
a bride to the winner of the Highland Tournament. With no one to turn to for
comfort or guidance, Madeline chooses to do her duty to her clan as well as her
father and marry the winner.
An English knight has no place on Scottish soil, but
Alexander must complete the mission with which he was tasked. Find Madeline and ensure her safety. When he
finds her, he must decide between his honorable duty and his love for Madeline.
No one can deny their attraction and their desire
for one another, but when it sparks jealousy in the other clansmen, they have
no alternative but to run. Secrets emerge from the shadows of the past and
threaten to tear their happiness apart. How can one choose between their duty
and their heart?
Excerpt:
"I am merely a possession to be bartered and
traded." She sighed. "Evelyn was right. Tis not fair." She
wiggled against him, trying to find a more comfortable seat.
"Madeline," he groaned. "Do not do
that."
"What?" she asked innocently, glancing at
his face. He had drawn his lower lip between his teeth, his eyes had drifted
closed. She released his shirt and touched his unshaven cheek. The rough
prickle of new beard scratched her palm.
"Cease your torture, lass," he said, his
voice hoarse and breaking.
"Am I hurting you?" she shifted again,
bracing her hand on his thigh. His hand tightened, gripping her waist tightly.
"Stop. Moving." He grounded out the words.
"I do not mean to hurt you," she said
sympathetic. She truly had no idea what she was doing to cause him pain.
"If you would stop your wiggling," he
rasped out.
She pulled away from him in an effort to give him
some space. Madeline slipped, nearly tumbling from his arms when he caught her,
his palm cradling her breast. She felt the heat of his hand through the fabric
of her gown. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach, twisting and pulling,
threatening to tear her apart. She gasped, grasping his plaid to steady herself
again. As soon as she settled, his hand released her, resuming its grip on her
side.
"My apologies, my lady," he said as their
mount climbed the hill toward the keep. Madeline could see Angus and Heather
ahead of them, but far enough their words were a whisper on the breeze.
"Twas my fault I nearly fell," she said,
the heat rising in her cheeks.
"I meant for..." He coughed, unable to
finish the sentence.
"Oh, that, well," she stammered, her face
enflamed. The darkness hid her embarrassment, but it also emboldened her.
"I must admit, I liked it."
Alexander said nothing, but his fingertips digging
into her side belied his reaction. She felt daring in the moonlight.
"Did you like it as well?" she whispered,
her gaze fixed on his face. He bit his lip again. A familiar tingle shot down
her spine, landing in the pit of her stomach.
"My lady, twas naught but an accident," he
replied stiffly. "It will not happen again."
She leaned closer to him, curling against his warm
body. "Your touch warms me the way strong wine does. Making me feel weak
and helpless and happy, all at once. I cannot help but want more." She
reached her hand up to caress his face again. "Would you kiss me again,
Alexander?"
She felt his breathing quicken. His heart beat
louder beneath her cheek, and his jaw twitched beneath her touch. "You
want it as much as I do," she said, feeling wicked and wanton. She had
wanted him for so long, to have him so close now and not take a chance seemed
wrong.
"I do," he whispered so softly she almost
missed his confession.
"Then I am yours." Her breath hitched when
he glanced at her, his eyes as dark as the skies above them.
"I cannot," he replied, regret evident in
his tone.
"You can," she pleaded. Her body ached for
his touch, her lips burned for his kiss. For two years she pined for him,
forcing herself to be content for the chance of seeing him around the keep.
Ever since he kissed her, she knew he wanted her with as much passion as she
desired him. Her fingertips journeyed into the soft curls at the nape of his
neck, twisting them. "Please, Alexander."
Find me
HERE:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirBlacketer
Tumblr: www.kblackship.tumblr.com
Email: Kirsten.blacketer@gmail.com
Buy Link for
A Shadow's Kiss: http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=756
BIO:
Stick her in
the middle of a chaotic home with two children, a hyperactive dog, and a
camouflage wearing husband, and she can cook and clean with the best of
them. But when the sun goes down and the children are nestled in bed fast
asleep, she tucks away her pots and broom and like Cinderella she transforms.
Her characters
creep forth from the dark recesses of her mind taking their places in the
castles and forests built from her words. No simpering heroines linger there
with forlorn gazes turned to the horizon, waiting for their Prince Charming.
They straighten their spine, arming themselves with blade and bow, prepared to
do their part in defense of their honor and destiny. She breathes life into the
women she believes our ancestors to be, showing how they lived and loved with
passion and grace.
Never bored by
the tales still left to tell, she battles the ever sarcastic muse in her quest
for romance.
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