Friday, September 16, 2011

Welcome, Killarney Sheffield


Thank you so much for being here, Killarney Sheffield.

1: Let’s start with the basic question. What genre do you write?
Historical romance.

2: I used to love to read those, but have moved on to other types of books now. So tell us, how long have you been writing?
I started in high school but drifted away a while for a short show jumping career, to get married and have 5 crazy kids. I got back into it when my youngest was in diapers as a creative outlet and penned my first historical romance novel 'The Horseguard's Lady' which ended up being my 3rd novel contracted by MuseItUp Publishing.

3: I can relate to that, having six of my own. What do you like the most and least about writing?
This may sound weird but I LOVE editing. Polishing a story is just something I enjoy doing. One thing I hate about writing is always wanting to wrap up a novel at 20,000 words LOL. I strive for 50,000 to 70,000. My longest so far is 68,000 words. 

4:Not many people like that part. I know you're busy, but what do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?
Show my thoroughbred stallion 'Stamp de Gold' aka 'Love Monkey', camp, fish, ride, garden and play guitar hero with the kids.

5: Sounds like a full schedule. Which authors do you like to read?
My favs are the deceased Kathleen Woodwiss and a recent guest to my blog Jo Beverley. Kathleen because she is truly the queen of tagless writing and Jo because I love her 'voice'.

6: Kathleen Woodwiss was one of my favorites way back when. Tell us, what’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
I have a ton of good ol' Irish persistence which makes me the person I am. I do some crazy things sometimes, but it usually works out in the end. For example, when my debut novel 'Guilty Kisses' was in the editing stages with MuseItUp I discovered trailers as a way to advertise your books. Well, I set the bar pretty high when I decided that no other piece of music but one from 1980's Canadian singer/song writer/Juno winner Lawrence Gowan would do. I hunted him down, showed him the trailer and asked for use of one of his songs. To my delight he gave me 'Love Makes You Believe' a collaboration between him and Alex Lifeson from 'Rush'. The link is www.youtube.com/watch?v=J41qLNKjrQA

7: That's fantastic. Tell us about your current novel, where we can find it?
My second release 'Stand & Deliver Your Heart' releases September 16th from MuseItUp Publishing. Www.museituppublishing.com

8: Now one of the questions I'm asked most often. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors? Realize now that marketing is a big part of being an author. I thought that once I contracted a novel and did the edits my job was done. You are never done, you must market anywhere and every chance you can. I pass out my books and cards to everyone I meet from my doctor to the utility men!

9: Great advice. Here's a question I always find interesting. Do you base your characters on real-life people? Not really but there are many scenes in my books that come from real life experiences including a scene in my first release 'Guilty Kisses' revolving around a...um... post pregnancy mammary gland problem. I'm not going to explain that one you have to read the book. (:

10: Okay, then tell us, how did you come up with the idea for this book?
I Honestly don't remember how Stand & Deliver Your Heart came to be. I am working on a MS right now about a 1800's female magician who has a Holland Lop rabbit for a sidekick. The idea for this one came from my 9 yr old son's black Holland Lop rabbit, Dexter who is quite the escape artist.

11: And, what are you currently working on?
I am very unorganized and have currently 11 MS on the go. Most historical romances, but also one contemporary and a tween fantasy.
 
12. Ah, you diversify, and is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
This year has been a really amazing year, from the signing of my first ever novel contract in July 2010, talking the great singer/songwriter, Lawrence Gowan, into lending me one of his beautiful songs for my debut book trailer for Guilty Kisses, my husband almost losing his leg to blood poisoning, to my cancer scare last winter, but I wouldn't change a thing. All the trials in life make you stronger and sometimes add fodder for a scene in one of your books.

13.I admire your courage. Tell us where can we find you? Website? Blog?



Mistress Sarah was once a woman of promise, until a greedy relative left her to fend for herself on the cold, hard streets of London. Now she does the only thing she can to survive and care for those she has sworn to protect.
Lord Byron Cobbett has given up on life after the death of his beloved fiancee. On a trip to London to clear his family's name he is involved in a carriage accident.
Sarah gets more than she bargains for when she unwittingly rescues Byron. She must find a way to convince him to keep her secret. Can she allow her self to love him and still keep her promise? Will Byron stand and deliver his heart to the auburn haired bandit and risk his own freedom?




Contest:  Two Winners - Leave a comment and email address and you can win a copy of either Guilty Pleasures or Stand & Deliver Your Heart. Please make a note if you've read Guilty Pleasures so you don't win the same book again. 

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Two of my favorte people and what a great interview Rosi and Killarney. I'm so excited for all you have going on Killarney. Your talent obviously demands to get out to the enjoyment of readers. I'm just grateful you're able to do that now.

Love you both!

Sue Perkins said...

Your excerpt was wonderful Killarney. Historical romances are one of my favourite type of books.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Killarney, The style of your writing sounds fascinating. How do you work on so many projects at once? I can't work with distractions... you seem to thrive on them. Editing, we have that in common. I love polishing a ms.
You should be happy with the cover of Stand and Deliver... the story sounds just as good!!
Great interview Roseanne, good questions. Gives us a little more insight to Killarney's writing career and life. So glad your health is improving. Will give you more time to play Guitar hero and work with your horses. 'Love Monkey'.. heheh what a name. He sounds like an impressive horse.

Killarney said...

Thank you ladies! all I can say is when you have 5 kids between the ages of 9 and 16 distraction just comes with the territory. I have developed superman strength selective hearing. (:
As for Love Monkey, well, honestly I have never handled a quiet or gentler stallion. He really is the worlds biggest suck and throws amazing babies that I love to play with. That is my stress release.
my winners today are Sue and Rosalie! Email me and let me known if you have read my first release Guilty Kisses or not and I will send you either a copy of that one or Stand & Deliver Your Heart. Thanks! killarneysheffield@gmail.com