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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Interview with Author Kieran Kramer and Giveaway

Hi Everyone! Today I would like to welcome to the blog the lovely Kieran Kramer. Kieran writes awesome Historicals filled with lots of humor. If  you haven't read her books yet, you are surely missing out. Kieran was kind enough to take some time away from her busy deadline schedule to answer some questions for me and I would love to share them with you all.

First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
There's SO much to say! But some "unusual facts" about me can be found right here: www.kierankramerbooks.com/author
I think you'll find some of them highly unusual, LOL!

Did you always want to be a writer?
No, not until I was about ten or so. I was a big reader, and I loved THE MOFFATS and A LITTLE PRINCESS and the Laura Ingalls Wilder books so much, I decided I wanted to be part of that storytelling world!

What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
Pantser, although I try to use what I know of story structure to help me along when I come to big, black holes in the story! I refer frequently to Blake Snyder's SAVE THE CAT and everything Michael Hauge says.

Why historicals? What about this era draws you in?
I've always loved Charles Dickens and Jane Austen and am an Anglophile in general. The main reason being I adore the English sense of humor. I love how they embrace eccentric characters and delight in everyday life. In music for me, the song PENNY LANE exemplifies what I love most about the English. I also embrace everything Scottish, having lived there a year, and everything Irish, as I am second-generation Irish--we still have a farm there.

Where do your ideas come from?
Out of the blue!! No, actually, it's not as random as that. I remind myself to get out of my own way and let Truth come in. Truth is as present in fiction as it is in non-fiction, of course. I think Truth is capturing something real and universal, something that reverberates through everyone and reflects the ultimate Truth, in my view, which is that Love Conquers All.

That might sound convoluted and/or corny, but I have to be present to write something good, and the only way I can be present is to center myself and try to be a portal for something that really matters. As light as my stories are, they are written from a real place in me.

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
Cute guy with no money must help strong, independent girl save her castle!

Out of any of your books, which one would you like to be a character in? And why?
I'd love to be a mistress in WHEN HARRY MET MOLLY! Have you seen the contests that they got to be in? They were fun (and the last one was not only fun but poignant and meaningful to the ladies on a personal level). Plus, they got to wear those gaudy outfits and lots of feathers!!!

What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
FUNNY! I love stories that make me laugh and help rid me of all my stress. And ROMANTIC. Sometimes, they don't have to be funny at all…as long as they're romantic. But my favorite heroes and heroines have lovely, light senses of humor.

Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
It's hard to name one, but I love MISTRESS OF MELLYN by Victoria Holt.

Have you ever fallen for another author's hero? If so, who and why?
Conor Tremellyn in MISTRESS OF MELLYN!! He's the ultimate Alpha for me because he's strong and hard to get to know. Beneath his gruff, cold exterior, he's a passionate, warm man.

Belle of the Ball, Wallflower, or Widow?
I'll take Belle of the Ball! I definitely don't want to be a wallflower or a widow. I want to party while I still got it! :>)

Describe the characteristics that make up your perfect hero.
Strong, honest, vulnerable, protective, passionate and sensitive yet won't allow himself to be bossed around.

What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
Scenes where I have to get a character from one place or event to another--I always have to make sure something important is happening, that a scene is never superfluous. It has to matter to the story.

If you could have dinner with any three book characters, who would you choose and why?
Scarlett O'Hara, because she's fascinating; Mark Darcy in BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY because we all know he's really Colin Firth ; and any of Mary Balogh's heroes, who are ALL sexy!!!

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Margaret Mitchell--because I love GONE WITH THE WIND
Betty Smith, because I love A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN
and Beverly Cleary, because I love everything she has ever written, including her teen romances

What do you like to do in your free time?
Read, hang out with my family and pets, watch TV, cook

Favorite movie?
JERRY MAGUIRE

Favorite song?
WILL YE GO, LASSIE (featured in IF YOU GIVE A GIRL A VISCOUNT). My brother plays a version of this song on my website.

Favorite color?
sea green

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Yes, my new series for St. Martin's Press, The House of Brady! It's a lighthearted Regency-set historical series about the adult romantic lives of the children of a blended family.


Thank you so much for stopping by Kieran. =)


All the single ladies want him.
If life were a fairy tale, Daisy Montgomery’s stepmother and two stepsisters would surely be cast in the wicked roles. For years, they’ve made life miserable for Daisy. But when she discovers she has a godmother, she’s determined to ask her for help. Little did Daisy expect her godmother to play matchmaker with her very own grandson—who happens to be a viscount!

Is he ready to put a ring on it?
A freewheeling playboy, Charles Thorpe, Viscount Lumley, is bored with his wealth-seeking female admirers. Not only that, he’s been cut off from the family coffers. One day, on a bet, he rids himself of what little money he has left in his pockets and vows to solve problems using his wits alone. But when the Impossible Bachelor is confronted with Daisy’s plan to save her castle, the payoff is more than he could have bargained for. Sometimes, if you give a girl a viscount, you just might find love….

Places to purchase:

Places to find Kieran:

**Giveaway** 

Kieran has been kind enough to offer to give away one copy of If You Give a Girl a Viscount. So make sure to leave a comment for Kieran and to fill out the Rafflecopter form.
Good Luck =)



41 comments :

  1. I love Kieran. I've read all of her books thus far except for this last one.

    I'm like Kieran in the fact that I love romantic comedies. I like to be wooed off my feet and then laugh the evening away. I've never read Victoria Holt, but I'm definitely interested in checking out Mistress of Mellyn. Sounds delicious.
    Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Hi Kieran

    Great interview. I agree with you about the humour, I like a romance with laughs.

    I love me some angst as well, but when it's been a tough day, there's nothing better than relaxing with a bit of light and fluffy to chase away those blues.

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  3. How is everyone??? Having a good week? I hope so!!!

    Dani, thanks so much for having me on your blog this week. I loved your questions and am only too happy to answer any others that your readers may pose. My favorite thing, of course, is learning about the people stopping by to visit. I see some old friends already!!! Yay!!!!

    Okay, I'll check back in later. I'm working on my newest manuscript, and it's tons of fun!!!

    Hugs to all~

    Kieran

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  4. Great interview!! Can't wait to read Kieran's newest book :)

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  5. I can't wait to read this one.

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  6. Your new series sounds interesting. The Regency period romances are some of my favorites.

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  7. Congrats on your new release. I loved When Harry Met Molly and would love to win and read this book. I love historical romances. I am also a big fan of Penny Lane or anything song by the Beatles. I also love any of Mary Balogh's heros and her books are great. I would not want to be the Belle of the Ball. I would love to be the widow, because they get to have the fun with the unmarried men. LOL. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
    christinebails@yahoo.com

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  8. Not commenting to enter the contest as I have already won a copy of this (THANKS AGAIN Kieran!). Just wanted to stop and tell everyone that if you haven't yet read any of her work, definitely plan to! She is fabulous!

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  9. This book sounds great. I do love a good, fun, humorous story. Thank you so much for the giveaway.

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  10. Love Kieran's books and can't wait to get my hands on this one! Winning it would be even better. And a new series? Sounds great!

    pennsdog@yahoo.com

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  11. More good friends!!! Thanks for stopping by, everyone, and I SO, SO appreciate the kind words about the stories.

    You know, MISTRESS OF MELLYN is not a laugh-out-loud book at all. It's a Gothic romance, but it was so romantic...and the heroine is smart and vulnerable. And you never know what's going to happen. And the hero is so unavailable. You don't know HOW they're ever going to get together. But he has moments with her that show they have a true sensual, romantic spark between them. And it drives you crazy!!!! Oh, just remembering it makes me want to read it again for the 15th time. I feel that way about Victoria Holt in general.

    Okay, back to writing my latest book!! I hope you'll like this one, too.

    Hugs,

    Kieran :>)

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  12. Hello Chicks!

    Dani, awesome interview :)

    Lady K., it's a pleasure 'stalking' you around the Blogosphere :)

    BTW, I do have the book, but alas NOT signed, and if I win, this one will be given away on my Blog :)

    Now all I need to do is pray, keep my fingers crossed and ...should I hold my breath, or toss a penny in the fountain?

    Mel
    www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com
    Where 'HOOKING' is so much fun!

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  13. This sounds like a fun and romantic read. Kieran is a new author me and I am looking forward to her books.

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  14. Great interview! I so love the sound of this series...going on my TBR! Hey, Kieran...Jerry Maguire is one of my favorite movies too. And the Moffats...geez...that brings back some memories! I read them when I was a kid too :)

    barbbattaglia@yahoo.com

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  15. I always find these interviews helpful; I think if I like the authors answers there's a good chance I'll like their stories. Kiernan gets my vote!

    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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  16. I'm the same way, a romance without humor is too sappy! Gotta be able to laugh at yourself and the characters and the humor makes it feel more "real". It can't be perfect EVERY time!
    Thanks for the give away!!

    nelsnr2010(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I love books that make you laugh/cry or both or either lol. This sounds wonderful.

    catslady5(at)aol.com

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  18. Great interview... :) Looking forward to your new book... Love When Harry met Molly and I am sure that I'll love your latest one too. :)

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  19. I would LOVE to read "If You Give A Girl A Viscount". It looks wonderful thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  20. That was a fun interview and I enjoyed learning more about the author. I loved 'When Harry Met Molly' and that mistress' contest was a hoot.
    Would love to win the newest.

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  21. I'm new to Kieran's work but I really want to read If You Give A Girl A Viscount. So I'm excited about this giveaway. Thanks!

    Pam

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  22. Hildur was my favorite among the mistresses. I would love to see her in a future book if that is at all possible.

    ironss [at] gmail [dot] com

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  23. There are a couple of Mary Balogh heroes I'd definitely like to have dinner with! :D ...er, thats a euphemism, right?

    This book sounds great. Please count me in.

    Hankts AT internode DOT on DOT net

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  24. Dear Mel, please send me your snail mail address at kkramerbooks@aol.com so I can send you a signed copy for your blog. You've always been such a great support--I'm happy to do that and thrilled that you'd think of giving away a copy!

    Hi, Na!!! I hope you enjoy my books! They're fun, light reads. I read to relax, and the best way for me to relax is to laugh, so those are the kinds of books I write.

    Barbara, fist bump on JERRY MACGUIRE and THE MOFFATS! When I read the Moffats, they were old-timey, really from my mom's generation,but I completely fell in love with that family. And as for Jerry Macguire, I love Jerry so much. He is SUCH a real hero...flawed but with so much potential. I'm glad he reaches that potential at the end of the movie. Thanks to the love of a good woman who inspires him to be the best he can be, he gets there (sigh!!!!)

    Kara and Di, Marybelle, and VanillaOrchid, thanks so much for stopping by!!! I always appreciate new readers.

    Nichole, I love what you had to say about humor in your romance novels!!! Thanks for chiming in!!!

    And Catslady, I like to run the gamut of emotions in my books, too. I like to shed a tear or two, too, which I often do as I write THE END!!!

    May and SophiaRose, I'm so glad you enjoyed WHEN HARRY MET MOLLY!!! Thanks for dropping in to say hello.

    Sheree, I plan on writing about the other mistresses someday (when I get some free time, LOL!), and I'm so glad you liked Hildur. I loved her, too!!! Thanks so much for letting me know.

    Kaetrin, great euphemism!! Thanks for being here and saying hello!!!

    I hope all of you have a happy day today, and I hope I see you on my Facebook page sometime, www.facebook.com/KieranKramer or on Twitter or at my website, www.kierankramerbooks.com, where you'll find some other videos besides VISCOUNT's book trailer...look on the blog page if you're interested!! They're silly, but I like that kind of thing .

    Kieran XOXO

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  25. this sounds like such an interesting story! How have I not heard of you Kieran??? I'll def have to see if I can find some of your work at the library or, even better, winning it here! Thanks so much! :)

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  26. Kieran is a new-to-me author. It sounds like Charles losing his money could be the best thing that has every happened to him!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  27. HI, Alex and Darlene!!! Thanks for dropping by. I write happily-ever-after stories with chuckles, some sweet, poignant moments, and some sexy interludes, too!!!

    I hope you'll like my Impossible Bachelors--oh, and you're right, Darlene. The best thing that ever happened to Charlie was when he had to figure out how to solve problems without money!!

    Thanks again, ladies. Have a great day!

    Kieran :>)

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  28. Ms.Kramer,I am so ashamed that I haven't started readung your books but in my defense,when I go to the store they are out and I have something else.Please forgive me I WILL start. I know I want to read the books of a woman who is a fellow "My Fair Lady" Lover. I love classic movies. nicholsterry27@yahoo.com

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  29. Gail, you're so funny!! And we're definitely My Fair Lady friends.

    I'm so sorry they've been out of my books at your local store--I hope that 'with a little bit of bloomin' luck' they'll have some next time!!

    Thanks for trying, and please stay in touch!!

    Hugs, Kieran :>)

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  30. I love the titles of your books. Can't figure out why I'm just now hearing about you, but I'm loading up my books to buy list with your work.

    Thanks for the chance to win If You Give a Girl a Vicount.

    drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

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  31. I've heard many great things about this book! Can't wait to give it a read! =D

    emilytardy@yahoo.com

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  32. Kathryn and Emily, I LOVE "meeting" new reader friends, and thank you very much for leaving comments! If you do get around to reading one of my books, please stop by and let me know what you think on my Facebook page or on Twitter!!! I'm on both of those every day.

    XOXO Kieran

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  33. Congrats on the book and thanks for the interview.
    penfield716@yahoo.com

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  34. Great interview!! Can't wait to read this book
    klmc_37@yahoo.com

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  35. Thanks for the great giveaway and for participating in this blog hop! I love this series! I've read the first two books and am really looking forward to reading the last two.

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

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  36. Thank you for the interesting interview and thank you so much Kieran for making the giveaway international!! :-)

    I would like to ask how do you come up with your titles? I love how unique they are in blending humour and playfulness to historical romances :-)

    Your novels have been on my wishlist forever, ever since Caro from Book Lovers Inc. started praising your stories to me :-)

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

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  37. Thanks for stopping by to say hello, Kim, Kimmy, and Laura!!! I hope you ladies are having a great weekend.

    Stella, nice to see you here, too! My titles are a collaboration between me and my editor. From the very beginning, I wanted FUN titles to reflect the lighthearted tone of my books. So that's how it happened, with a lot of brainstorming!!!

    Thanks again for taking the time to visit with me here, and special thanks to Dani for being such a fabulous hostess!!!

    Everyone, have a great Thanksgiving if you're here in America celebrating, and if you're elsewhere...I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

    XOXO Kieran :>)

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  38. I love historical romances and this book looks great. I would love to read it.

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  39. Thank you for making this contest international. I would love a signed copy of your book, as I enjoy them very much. And I agree with you, humor is very important in a book.

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  40. Two of my favorite people in the internet together!:P
    I LOVE KIERAN!:) ..She's so nice and funny and she tweets with me in SPANISH!;)
    u should tell them that about u on your next interview!;) LOL
    Gracias, Kieran! Besos!:)
    NO Puedo esperar a leer tu proximo libro!;)
    and I sure like to be there in that lunch with Mark Darcy ;) LOL
    and Dani! U know I love ur blog! And u're very nice and funny too!:) LOL
    Thanks for everything!:)

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