Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Beth Kerry to the blog today. We are talking about her latest releases When I’m With You & Because You Are Mine.
Beth, can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I’m a long time city girl who loves art (which is why artists often show up in my books), travel, food and cooking, shoes and red wine, in no particular order. I love to observe people. My husband says I’m a paradox, because I seem so quiet and reserved and serious, but I’m really not at all, once you get to know me. I’m not rambunctious or anything, but I certainly have a silly streak. When something strikes me as funny, I will laugh until I cry.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
No. I had a completely different career previously, and a doctorate degree in an unrelated field. I was always an avid reader, but didn’t think about attempting a romance novel until I was in my 20’s. I’d read in all genres, but just thought I could write sexy romance, for some reason.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know if it’s interesting, but here goes: I live in the middle of the city but I’m strangely sensitive about outdoor noise. So I have the room set up where I write soundproofed with white noise. My sister jokingly calls it the ‘womb’ because it’s very relaxing and insulated in the midst of a bustling city.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Yes, When I’m With You, is a serialized erotic romance being released presently, every Tuesday for 8 weeks. So this is one hefty novel being released in 8 installments. It’s in the ‘world’ of Because You Are Mine, which also released initially in serial format. Ian and Francesca, the hero and heroine of Because You Are Mine, are important characters and their story is furthered. The main hero and heroine, however, are Lucien and Elise. This couple has known each other since childhood/early adulthood and both are trying to make meaningful lives for themselves outside of the gilded cage of privilege, greed and wealth. Lucien has a big secret about his motives for being inChicago, however, and it’s a mystery Elise might unknowingly divulge because of her history with him. This is a smoking hot, sexy romance, but there’s also an edge of suspense as Lucien’s, Elise’s and Ian’s story unfolds. Lucien and Elise are electric together. I think it’s one of the best sexual tension and erotic content I’ve written to date.
How did you come up with the idea for this story?
I was brainstorming with my editor at RWA last year about the story arc begun in Because You Are Mine. The seeds of the plot of When I’m With You, and the next book in the series, Because We Belong, were actually already in place in Because You Are Mine. Mostly, it was just a matter of bringing those seeds to fruition. I love the subtleties of the three books, and how characterization is so tightly woven to the action of the plot. I think it’ll be fun for readers to go back and re-read once all three books are out, and see how hints became fully fleshed out in later books.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I just finished Because We Belong, which moves Ian and Francesca back onto center stage. I had a very satisfied, good feeling about how I left things with one of my favorite couples.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet so many of my favorite romance authors at conferences. I’m a long time fan of Sandra Brown, however, and I’ve never been able to meet her. She writes sexual tension like no other. I enjoyed her older Loveswept, classic contemporary romances and I love her romantic suspense and suspense as well. I’m always looking to see if she’s at conferences I go to, but I’ve never had the opportunity arise to meet her thus far.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
If you love it, don’t give up. This can be a really tough field, and rejection and criticism are inevitable. Build up a healthy armor against naysayers, learn from feedback, but don’t let it dampen your love of telling a story.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
Actually, I’m checking off something from my bucket list this year. I’m spending New Years in Londonwith my sisters and nieces—girls’ vacation in a beautiful condo right in the middle of things.Londonis one of my favorite cities, and I can’t wait to spend time there with some of my favorite people. J
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Jaci Burton’s Thrown By a Curve. I’ve been so busy with a deadline, I haven’t had a chance to get to it yet, but can’t wait. Also, I’m looking forward to Julie James’ latest, Love Irresistibly.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just thank you to Books-n-Kisses for having me!
Beth Kery is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty books and short stories, including Because You Are Mine and Wicked Burn. She lives in Chicago with her family. Visit her online at www.bethkery.com, www.facebook.com/beth.kery, and www.twitter.com/bethkery.
Join the #WhenImWithYou conversation on Twitter with @bethkery, @InterMixBooks and @BerkleyRomance.
Giveaway:
Beth is giving away a copy of either the complete version of Because You Are Mine (ebook or print) OR the first four parts of When I’m With You (ebook).
International entries are okay, but entrant’s country must be a registered country at Book Depository. For ebook, the vendor must have a ‘giftable’ option, like Barnes and Noble or Amazon.