Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Blog Tour Interview: Ash to Steele by Karen-Anne Stewart


Karen-Anne Stewart has stopped by for an interview:
? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I’ve always adored reading but it wasn’t until college when I first realized I wanted to become an author one day.  When the professor assigned a short story to the class, I fell in love. 

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

Ummm….a lot!  I still work a full time job along with writing my novels; I’m a busy girl ;). 

? How long does it take you to write a book?

With Saving Rain, my debut novel, I began writing in September 2012 and the book was published the first of 2013 (original version), but each book after has taken a bit longer than the previous because of marketing, social media, and planning for upcoming tours.  Feel, the New Adult paranormal romance novel I’m working on now, has taken me the longest so far, but I’m thrilled to announce that it will be live December 15th!

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if I would call it a quirk as much as a preference, but I love to write in my PJs with music busting my drums.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

Everyday life can spark an idea, from dining out to riding in my car and talking with my husband. 

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

I’m completely obsessed with romance, especially a powerful love story with a strong alpha male who has a sensitive side and will go through hell and back for his girl.  So far, I feel that all of my novels encompass this kind of hero, as well as a strong female lead who consumes their heart and soul.

? What books have most influenced your life?

I have wonderful memories of my father reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to me.  My dad passed when I was very young, so I will always cherish this book.  Great Expectations is one of my favorite books of all time and I love the mixture of emotions and characters involved in this literary work of art.  Shakespeare has also been very influential to me, and the readers of The Rain Trilogy will see that weaved throughout the novels! 

? What are you reading right now?

Tempting Tatum, by Kaylee Ryan.  I’m loving it!

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I’m a pretty simple girl.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, watching movies, and, of course, reading. 

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Wine and chocolate.  My absolute favorite dish is Olive Garden’s Ravioli Di Portobello.

? What do you think makes a good story?

I can get completely absorbed in a book that has really well-developed characters who make me want them in my life.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

James Patterson.  The man is a freakin’ genius; he can write everything!

Fun random questions: 
·        dogs or cats?
·         
I have both, but I have to choose, it’s going to be dogs.  We just adopted Jasper, a Peek-a-Poo puppy, and I adore him, even when he bites the dickens out of me with those sharp puppy teeth.

·        Coffee or tea?

Both, again J.  I’m not anywhere close to human until I have my iced coffee in the morning, but I prefer tea for lunch and dinner.

·        Dark or milk chocolate?
·         
Really?  I mean…it’s chocolate!

·        Rocks or flowers?

My daughter would choose rocks because she collects them obsessively, but I much prefer flowers, especially daises.

·        Night or day?

Evening.

·        Favorite color?

I can’t choose between pink and green because I love them both so much. 

·        Crayons or markers?

Crayons.  They remind me of Kindergarten. 

·        Pens or pencils?

Pens, but they must be medium point or my handwriting really sucks.