I’ve followed Laura Kaye on Twitter for a long time, and when her first contemporary romance novel HER FORBIDDEN HERO came out I snapped it up! I loved the story of a soldier who returns from war a changed man, and the woman who helps him feel like a hero again.
Laura’s a bestselling and prolific writer, and I’m so happy to have her here today. Welcome, Laura!
Thanks! I’m really glad to be here!
1. I love hearing newish authors’ success stories. Can you tell us the story of how you got published?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, of non-fiction, but it wasn’t until four years ago, as I healed from a head injury and felt a new creative streak, that I decided to try my hand at fiction writing. I wrote my first book in three months, but had no idea what I was doing, really.
So, it took me a year of revising, usually after a round of unsuccessful queries to agents (I would get a lot of requests, but no takers). And then I decided to query e-publishers, and the first one said yes! That’s the publication story of my vampire romance, Forever Freed.
Within two months, I’d written and sold my second book to the same publisher, my contemporary novella, Hearts in Darkness.
2. It’s incredible that you started writing because you were recovering from a head injury. Did you write to help you deal with the recovery process, or was it more a feeling that you wanted to grasp opportunities and fulfill your dreams?
Neither, really. The neurologist described it this way: when you have a brain injury, the brain re-routes neural networks around the injured tissue, and when that happens, sometimes previously unused/underused portions of the brain are “activated,” which is why traumatic brain juries can result in personality changes, liking foods you previously hated, and new talents/interests.
That was the case with me. I had a distinct urge to be creative—I bought a guitar and started taking lessons, and I started writing. And now it’s just a part of me.
I will say, though, that I had a feeling of wanting to live life to its fullest, to do and try everything, so that was a part of it, too.
3. Aside from contemporary romance, you also write paranormal, fantasy and erotic romance. If you had to describe your style in each of these genres to someone who’s never read your work before, what three words would you choose?
Hot, heartfelt, character-driven would apply to all – while I write in different romantic sub-genres, I believe there’s a lot that ties my writing together despite which one a particular book falls under.
4. Your muse seems to span all of the romance genres other than historical – ironic, since you’re a historian. If you were going to write a historical, which time and place would you set it in and why?
LOL I am writing a historical – straight historical fiction, not historical romance. Actually, I’m co-authoring it, and we’re writing in my area of expertise – early America. This particular story, which I’m not quite ready to talk about yet, is set in late 18th/early 19th century America and France.
5. Her Forbidden Hero features a woman who’s been in love with her big brother’s best friend for years. When will her big brother Brady get his own story, and can you tell us anything about it?
I can! I’m writing Brady’s story right now! It’s tentatively slated for an early fall release! I’m so excited about that, too! And you’ll get more Marco and Alyssa in Brady’s book…
Giveaway!
Laura’s giving away an ebook of Her Forbidden Hero to one lucky commenter. I’ll randomly choose a winner on Tuesday July 31st. Good luck!
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She’s always been off-limits…
Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend’s little sister, but her return home changes that…and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco’s not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he’s not about to let her see the mess he’s become.
…but now she’s all grown up.
When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can’t stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa’s not looking for protection—not anymore. Now that she’s back in his life, she’s determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time…
I often recommend “Hearts in Darkness”! I am so happy to hear that you have more stories for me to read, Laura! Thank you —
I love Laura’s work. I didn’t know about the head injury. Oddly, I regained the ability to write in Spanish after a concussion. This is the only book of Laura’s I think, that I haven’t read.
steph AT fangswandsandfairydust.com
Thank you for the Q & A. I’m glad that there are going to be more books in the series. Thanks again.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
You are a new to me author, but your book sounds just perfect. I love wounded heros. The human body is so complex. I knew a lady who could sing like an angel after a head injury, she couldnt before.
I would love to win a copy of your book. Gator_trish at msn dot com.
Love this interview, and i enjoyed it. I wanna read read Laura books, and i still looking forward to reading her book.
filiafantasy at gmail dot com
I have never read anything by Laura before. Very interesting Q&A session. I especially liked the part about the brain injury and how it changed her life. I had never heard of that before.
Really enjoying all your comments everyone! Thanks so much to Kat for hosting me!
Great interview. Have had several people talking about this book at the MRWA and I cant wait to read it. Married to a Marine this one has a special place in my heart!
I don’t want to suffer a brain injury, but I’m not a creative person and I would love it something unlocked that side of me the way your injury did for you. What a fascinating concept.
I am sorry to say that I have not read your work before but I love the concept of the story in your book Her Forbidden Hero, must try and find this book. Thanks for sharing.
Nice interview. The book sounds good.
I’m working my through Laura’s books! I loved HID and HFH!
Love laura’s books. This one sounds great also. Definate must read, adding to must read list. Great post. Thanks for the great giveaway. Another autho with great covers. I am a cover lover.