Kathryn C Kelly

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I was born and raised in New Orleans and lived there until 2005 when Hurricane Katrina came and destroyed the city and everything in her path, including my house.

When and why did you start writing books?

I wrote The Wee Book at age 4. It survived Katrina's flood waters, so now we have it in a safe place. At 12, I tried to write my first novel. It seems like writing has been in my blood my entire life. My mother began reading to me when I was 4 months old and she, herself, has been a writer since she was 16 years old, so my love of the written word, both reading and writing, grew from there.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

For most of my life, I have had a variety of illnesses that kept me away from school and/or work for long periods of time. Once I teamed up with my mother when I was 19 to write a historical romance, I didn't go a week without writing no matter what else was going on. Of course, there were times when I couldn't do much--this was before laptops--because of surgeries or procedures. Yet, as soon as I could, I always got back to writing.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Outlaw is my favorite character. His audaciousness endears him to me. He tells it like it is, stands in his own truths, and is loyal, fair, and honorable. Most importantly, he loves his woman and isn't shy about letting the world know.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

I think it was Misfit. It turned out to be a huge project, but it stretched me emotionally and physically because I started writing it about 3 weeks after my double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The surgery lasted almost 12 hours and the chemo prior to the surgery was brutal. I didn't officially ring the bell until November 30th of that year.

What book are you reading right now?

Nothing at the moment because I am working on a new book. Recently, I read The Reluctant Countess by Eloisa James. I loved it!

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

So many different places! Sometimes, I'll listen to a song and a word or line, or even a melody, catches my attention and a little light goes off in my brain. Or I'll see something in a YouTube video. Or I'll be engaged in a conversation. Or...you get the point, lol. Inspiration strikes me any- and everywhere.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy drinking champagne, reading, music, YouTube videos, games, jokes...

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, several, but Reckless is at the top of my list now that my contractual obligations have been fulfilled.