Today I have the wonderful Katie O’Boyle, author of stepping Up To Love, it the Blue Rose Writing Room.
Welcome Katie!
Do you use a pen name/pseudo name? If so, why. If not, why did you decide to write under your own name?
I’m published in my professional field under my real name, so I chose a pen name for my romance novels. My beloved, very romantic cousin Cathy Boyle passed away while I was writing Stepping Up To Love, so I chose a name similar to hers as a tribute to all the ways she inspired me.
I had a cousin, Kathy, who was my best friend. She passed away too, so I totally understand your choice. What’s the funniest thing anyone has ever said to you about your writing? Or the unkindest? Or the oddest?
I had an odd experience with an editor whose beliefs were out of synch with those of my book. It made for a tense and frustrating editing experience! I grew in my ability to express the beliefs of my heroine and hero, which was integral to the plot. Afterwards I blogged about “Staying true to your book” (drkatecollier.wordpress.com) and the situation now seems like “lemons into lemonade.”
Oh, that sounds really interesting. . . and hard! What’s one place you absolutely want to visit before you die?
How did you know I’m working my way through my Bucket List?! I’ve not yet visited my grandmother’s home in County Mayo, Ireland. Nor have I visited nearby County Donegal with its spectacular coast and ancient villages. That trip is high on my list. Maybe Manda and Joel (heroine and hero of Stepping Up To Love) should honeymoon there very soon!
I’d love to visit Scotland and Ireland. Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever written any other genre? Do you plan on doing so in the future?
My friends were surprised when I said “I’m writing a romance novel!” and even more surprised when I said “Contemporary.” I read (and exchange with friends) mostly classic mysteries, cozies, and historical mysteries (especially Cora Harrison, Jacqueline Winspear and Alan Bradley). But I lovea good romance, and a 2012 event inspired me to write the Lakeside Porches romance books and novellas. Soon I’ll go back to those unfinished mysteries and rethink and rework.
Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
Horror. It’s not for lack of material; I just like to focus on positives like happiness and growth.
I’m with you on that. I get scared. What are you most afraid of?
Running out of time to write.
Chuckling here. Did you read my mind? Do you have a favorite quote?
I picked up a calligraphy at a craft fair with a quote from Helen Keller. I wish I knew which book it’s from. The words are, “So much has been given to me, I have no time to ponder that which has been denied.” She has been such an inspiration to me!
That’s lovely! Can you tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself?
I lived for a year as a single Yankee woman in the Deep South. Some of my friends said, “Gutsy!” Some asked “Why??” I met wonderful friends who are still in my life and in my heart. Yes, I will write a couple books set in the same, unique city. Probably one passionate romance and one murder mystery!
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Doc
Favorite Fruit? Raspberries
Favorite Hero? Susan B. Anthony
Favorite Eye Color? Mysterious dark hazel
Best Vacation destination? Ireland. No surprise!
Food you can’t stand? Olives. Pathetic, huh?
What annoys you? Zealots (Lighten up already!)
Coffee, tea, or something else? Tea, Earl Grey
Nightgown or Jammies? Nightgown—soft cotton
Prefer dogs or cats? Cats always, forever
Let’s learn a bit about Katie
Born in the village known as the Birthplace of Women’s Rights, Katie passionately loves the
Finger Lakes in every season. She enjoys lunch with friends on many a lakeside porch, and she cherishes the lakeside porch as a place for intimate sharing, laughter, and inspiration. She is hard at work on book three of the Lakeside Porches romance books and novellas.
Now about the story…
When her boss Joel Cushman catches her using the spa shower at The Manse, junior accountant and graduating college senior Manda Doughty comes clean about the alcoholic drinking that has led her into a disastrous relationship with a predatory professor. Joel, who is also a trustee of the college, is faced with more problems than a beautiful, naked woman in his shower. While he’d rather make love all night with funny, brainy Manda, Joel knows his desire for her has no future if Manda cannot stay sober, grow up, and face her problems. While Manda immerses herself in AA, Joel uncovers harassment and embezzlement that threaten the existence of the college his ancestors founded. Can he fix the problems at the college without exposing Manda to public humiliation? Can Manda clean up her mess and trust the love she feels for Joel? The odds may not be in their favor, but miracles happen for those who are willing to change their lives and open their hearts.
Enjoy an excerpt from Stepping Up To Love
Halfway through the shampoo, she heard him tap on the frosted glass door and slip some clothes onto the hook in the dressing area. “I owe you, Remy,” she said over the noise of the shower.
“Shhh!” he commanded. “I know nothing!” he declared and hummed his way back through the locker room.
The bubble of laughter that rose in Manda turned into a flood of tears. She let them flow and mix with the hundred-degree simulated rainwater pouring from the ceiling.
Finally warm, and thoroughly clean, shampooed, conditioned, citrus-scented, and far less achy than she’d been, Manda turned off the water and drew back the linen curtain dividing the shower stall from the dressing area, and screamed. Standing at the glass door was the big boss. Remy’s boss. Her boss’s boss. She wasn’t sure, but Joel Cushman was probably everybody’s boss.
“Geez, Joel, I thought you were a pervert!” she yelled at him. I can’t believe I just called Mr. Cushman “Joel.” I am in so much trouble here.
“Manda? What—?” His voice cracked like an adolescent.
Manda stifled a laugh. His eyes were drinking in her body as though he couldn’t believe what she’d been hiding under her baggy clothes. Drink your fill now, Joel, because I am off men for life.
“I thought you were a criminal. What are you doing in the shower at seven fifteen in the morning? And stop batting that curtain around.”
Manda tried desperately to grab hold of the linen shower curtain, flapping this way and that in the current created by the open door. “Do you mind?” she scolded him.
Giving up on the curtain, she crossed her arms and turned her back on him. He probably likes that view, too. “Could you hand me a towel, please, or get out of here?” Why am I yelling at the boss? Seriously dumb, Manda.
He was silent now, which was worse. What is he doing, standing there, looking at me? Panic overtook anger, and she turned back to look at him.
He had dropped the admiring once-over, and she saw he was taking a second look at her purpling bruises. Silently, he handed her a towel from the top of the stack and looked her in the eye.
Manda wondered if he could read the shame and fear clouding her vision.
Joel cleared his throat and ordered, “In my office. Five minutes. Dressed.” His jaw was hard as he turned on his heel.
Connect with Katie
Facebook: /katie.oboyle.author/
Twitter: @TompkinsFalls
Blog: http://drkatecollier.wordpress.com/
Website: http://higher-powered-romance.net/
Buy link:
