Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I am living my dream in rural Michigan along with my husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends.
Besides laughing until my sides hurt, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, writing—but no arithmitic. I am a confessed people watcher. You’d be surprised how many times this activity has given me inspiration for stories. I love to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.
I also have a new addiction. I’m a girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned. I enjoy meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and my website at christine-warner.com.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
From the time I won a few essay competitions I was bitten with the writing bug. But I think what really threw me across the line and made me think about writing books was when I was in middle school and won a writing contest. My story was printed and bound then placed on a shelf in the library. It was a huge moment for me.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
It’s not very glamorous J I normally wake up about 5am and start writing. If I’m being good and the words are flowing on my WIP, I will generally write for several hours. Sometimes I have to think through a scene and I find that it usually helps to get up and do housework…can you believe that? Lol. I have to admit that when I’m washing dishes, folding laundry, vacuuming or whatever, I can usually solve any plot dilemma I come across.
If I’m not working on a story, or not feeling like working on my WIP, I will spend time outlining a new story, filling out character sketches or reading a book about craft. I also enjoy socializing on my blog, facebook and twitter. (which I think I mentioned above…it’s a fun addiction.)
The main thing I have to have while writing is quiet. I don’t like to have music on or even the tv. The only sounds I have in the background are the snores of my two dogs. lol
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The most rewarding part of writing is to start out with just a simple idea and watch it grow into a complete story. I love the challenge of developing my characters and my plots and having them all fall into place. And of course when you write “THE END”, there’s no better feeling of accomplishment.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
I’d be happy to.
Here’s my blurb for Some Like it in Handcuffs:
Some Like it in Handcuffs is available in print and digital format at:
Sunny Kennedy, the only female in a family of blue blood male detectives, is determined to prove testosterone isn’t the only qualification required to solve a cold case. Handcuffed while undercover then taken to the precinct by an attractive detective, her domineering family demands she work with Detective Judson Blackwolf, or she’s off the case.
Judson Blackwolf thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain’s sexy daughter doesn’t thrill him. He only agrees in hopes of solving the murder of his one time mentor’s daughter. Once the case is over, he’s moving to Montana to heal his wounds from the loss of his last partner.
But when their investigation takes a dangerous turn, Sunny and Jud soon realize their feelings for each other cannot be denied.
And here’s a small excerpt:
The sharp rap on the front door echoed through
her apartment and Sunny jumped. One of the
photographs slipped from her hand and fell to the
rug which covered the worn wooden floor. Chocolate
meowed, jumped from the edge of the yellow leather
sofa then took off for the safety of the bedroom.
Sunny hadn’t realized how quiet the room had
become. The crime scene photos absorbed all of her
attention.
On her way to the door, she looked over the top
of her reading glasses to check the clock on the far
wall. Relieved, she smiled, and pushed her glasses
up the ridge of her nose. There was plenty of time
before she needed to get ready for work.
Pulling the door open as far as the chain
allowed, her eyes widened when she recognized her
visitor. Pleasure welled up inside of her at the sight
of Judson standing on the doorstep. At the same
time, a cold grip of dread climbed her spine. She’d
avoided his calls the last couple of days in hopes he’d
forget about her. Apparently he was as persistent as
she.
“Detective Blackwolf, how can I help you?” She
sounded breathless, excited even, and it annoyed
her. Just because he sent her pulse into hyper-speed
didn’t mean she had to let him know.
“I stopped by to make sure you’re okay.”
“Yes, I’m fine. Thanks. Have a good night.” She
started to close the door, but he slapped his palm
against the wood.
“I’ve called and left several messages.” He raised
one eyebrow a fraction and continued, “How about
letting me in for a chat?”
“About what?”
“You can figure it out.” He stared at her through
the narrow slit in the door, his expression devoid of
humor.
“Hmm, you’re full of intrigue, hang on a sec.”
Sunny closed the door to release the chain and
paused chewing on her lower lip. If only she had
pretended not to be at home. She needed to invest in
a peep hole so she could screen her visitors. Taking a
deep breath, she released the lock and gestured him
inside with a defeated wave of her hand. “Come on
in. Let’s talk.”
As he sauntered past her, hands tucked inside
the front pockets of his trousers, her gaze drifted to
the taut fabric stretched over his behind. Heat flared
on her cheeks, and she looked away, but not before
her glasses slid down to the tip of her nose.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
This might sound silly, but I actually came up with the title first. Some Like it in Handcuffs popped into my head and from that 5 word title a story developed. Characters were formed, a setting was built and conflicts and plots were worked out. That seems to be how most of my stories start, I come up with a title and work from that.
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
I’m actually finishing up edits before submitting the sequel to Some Like it in Handcuffs. This next book is titled Some Like it on the Run and features Sunny’s brother Derek. This is fast paced and full of action and I’ve loved writing it. I’m also tweaking a contemporary romance that I’m planning to submit to Entangled Publishing. They contracted another book of mine recently for their Indulgence Line with Lori Wilde and I’m hoping they’ll consider this next book as well
Who are some of your favorite authors?
If only it were that simple. Unfortunately I can’t really pick just one. There are so many authors and so may wonderful books. I made a vow to myself this year to try new genres and I have several books loaded on my Nook ready to help me expand my reading world. And in the process I’m excited that I’ll be adding more authors to my “must read” list.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Since I don’t really have a favorite author I can’t pinpoint an answer to any certain person in particular. I would have to say each book I’ve read over the years has influenced me and taught me what I like and don’t like about certain styles. Of course all of that reading molded me and I’m sure I’ve incorporated several of those likes into my own writing.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Besides reading romance, I love reading true crime. Ann Rule is one of the authors I enjoy the most in that genre. I’m hoping she’ll have something coming out soon. As for a book I have in my tbr, unfortunately that pile grows quicker than I can whittle it down. Time is limited lately. I have several books I’d like to get started on. One for sure is from an author friend Brenda Dyer and her book is titled Love’s Prophecy. I made a promise to myself that I would go outside my comfort zone in regards to different genres and I’ve never read much paranormal. Brenda’s book is about a vampire and I’m curious to check out her story. I’ve read several short blurps and I’m way intrigued.
And you can find me at:
My blog/website: http://christine-warner.com/
Twitter under ChristinesWords: https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords
My Facebook page…stop by and give it a LIKE to keep up on what I have coming up: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013
I love to hear from readers and other authors J
Hey, Christine! Love the site name, Books-n-Kisses. Cute.
Congrats on your new release. I wish you many, many sales. It is a really fun story.
-Cheryl
Thanks so much Cheryl! I'm glad to know you enjoyed it.
And you're right…the name of the site is cute 🙂
Fun interview! I enjoyed reading the short excerpt from "Some Like It In Handcuffs", I'll have to add the series to my reading list.
Nice interview, thank you! I do like the cover!
Hey Christine. I simply LOVED Some Like it in Handcuffs, and you can read my review on Amazon. Funny, fast-paced, very entertaining read. Best of luck with it. And I always loved your cover.
Hi Christine-great interview! I should read your book because, well…Handcuffs would be worth a try! why not!!! I'm so impressed with your family values and dedicated writing ethics. You deserve every Merit given. Am giving You an A+ for Inspiration! Steven Lowery-author
Fun interview! I find housework helps free up ideas…shhhhh, don't tell my DH or he will never vacuum for me again!
Thanks Maria….I hope you enjoy the book!
Thank you Aurian…glad you liked the interview and the cover 🙂
Thanks Callie…you made my day 🙂
Hi Steven…thank you for coming by and commenting. And if you give the book a try I'm sure you'll get a smile out of it.
LMBO..your secret is safe with me Kristi…thanks for coming by!
Good interview, Christine. I need TV or music to write! It's funny how writers are so different. I still chuckle about how we met, and you were afraid of social media! You got over it. teehee…
LOL, you and I are two peas in a pod–we both use housework to help free up the creative side, hehehehe.
You had me with the title!
Francesca
Loved the excerpt! I use housework to get me motivated to write. When I get stuck, I'll start doing some household task I'm not very excited about and it makes me realize I'd rather be writing than vacumming the blinds, washing dishes, laundry, etc.
Oh Christine, you forgot to mention your Words With Friends addiction! 🙂
And for everyone that hadn't checked out Some Like it In Handcuffs, do! It's great! (No, Christine did not pay me to say that LOL)
I love social sites…yep, I'm an addict. Love visiting blogs and hosting on my blog and being hosted. Silly me for being afraid.
Thanks for coming by D'Ann.
I love it….and it's exactly what I'm doing today. In between writing a short story I'm doing laundry, cooking dinner, cleaning, playing ball with the dog…lol
Love to hear that!
Thanks Francesca 🙂
Exactly Ally…funny how that workds *wink*
LOL…you're right Nikki. I love that darn game 🙂
And thank you for the plug…I'm still glad you liked the book!
I love the titles names of your books. Very catchy!
Thanks Sheri…I love coming up with them 🙂
Thanks ladies. I like our site name, it is very fun.
Christine,
Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog. I loved sharing you with my followers!!!
♥
Kelly
Thank you for having me Kelly….I had a wonderful time!