Book Lovers Inc.
Romance Novel Reviews, Author Interviews, Commentary
Interview: Author Kieran Kramer + Giveaway
Filed in Giveaways , Interview , Kieran Kramer , The HEA Lover Posted on October 25, 2010 @ 6:00 am
45 comments
Today we’re delighted to welcome Kieran Kramer on Book Lovers Inc. Kieran’s debut novel When Harry Met Molly will be released on November 2nd. This is the 1st book in a new humorous Regency Romance series named The Impossible Bachelors. Let’s give a warm welcome to Kieran and stay tuned to win a signed copy of When Harry Met Molly.
The HEA Lover: Kieran, can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Kieran: I’ll be glad to, but the first thing I want to say is that I’m just so happy to be here! And I really appreciate your support. Being the sixth of seven children born in nine years, I grew up one of the crowd! I was jostled about in the car and had to speak loudly at supper to be heard–sometimes I’d even wave my hand and hope to be called upon! At any rate, as a new author, it feels a bit strange for me to be in the position of being singled out, so I feel shy and excited all at the same time. :>)
The HEA Lover: Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?
Kieran: Darling, I’d give ANYTHING to be a planner. It would save me so much angst. I’ve tried and tried and TRIED but can’t do it very well. I’m mainly a pantser, but I have to admit, having studied plot structure now for years, it’s worked its way into my story process. I now recognize that I’ve been using classic plot structure all along. It’s really innate in all of us, which is a miracle, really. I first heard Christopher Vogler mention that point. It’s like we’re born with an instinctive knowledge of story structure. We all have the same hangar, but we drape different stories on it. Recognizing the story’s bones does wonders for me when I run into a wall.
In a bind, I often go back and re-read my plot structure books, especially SAVE THE CAT, by Blake Snyder, which was written for screenwriters but is just as helpful to novelists. I’m also a huge fan of Michael Hauge’s and Chris Vogler’s.
Knowing plot structure helps me out of those dark corners that seem to plague us pantsers. But in truth, just taking a walk or staring at the wall (while eating sunflower seeds and being walked over by my two cats) is my main way to stew over a story…ideas come that way.
The HEA Lover: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Kieran: Oh, boy, BIG difference! readers can take or leave reading. Book Lovers can’t. Reading HAS to be a part of their everyday routine. They dream about book characters and can even see words on pages as they dream. They fall in love and cultivate friends based on a shared interest in a certain book–or books in general. A real Book Lover knows that reading is probably one of their very best friends, that their lives would be impoverished without books, even if they live in a mansion and drive a big car. Book Lovers are SO important to the enrichment of our different cultures and our shared world.
The HEA Lover: We heard that you have a special love for girl names ending on a long E. What is the appeal of those for you? Which name ending on a long E don’t you like at all?Kieran: It’s so funny–I had NO idea I had that affinity for girls’ names ending in the long E sound but realized it in my writing. My daughter’s name is Margaret (although we almost named her Lucy). If I get all psychological about it, I think names ending in the long E sound suggest a playful, approachable quality about that person. Whereas names like Anne and Margaret are strong, dignified names. Of course, my Margaret is completely playful and approachable, so my logic doesn’t hold up here, does it? it’s just a gut impression I get. I think we all do. Names DO matter.
Okay, a name with a long E sound I’m not crazy about using in a book is…(drum roll) Margy. I had a friend with this name, and it was SO hard for people to pronounce. They didn’t know if the G was soft or hard (it was hard). But the name itself is lovely–any name is if the person is!!!
The HEA Lover: What can you tell us about your new series, the Impossible Bachelors?
Kieran: My guys don’t want to settle down and have no plans to, but each one is snared by the woman who’s his perfect match. It’s fun. My characters are memorable, at least to me. I dream about them and miss them. I love my four hunky bachelors, that’s for sure. I also adore my women.
The HEA Lover: What makes it stand out from the usual historical?
Kieran: Hmm…I’d have to say my books might be more crazy than some other Regencies out there. Crazy in a way that might make you laugh if you’re reading it in the car pool line or waiting at the doctor’s office and you’re tired and you NEED crazy!!
But I hate to even compare. I love ALL Regencies. Some days I am so in the mood to read Mary Balogh, Lisa Kleypas, Julia London, Kathryn Caskie, or Sabrina Jeffries. And then the next day it’ll be Cathy Maxwell, Eloisa James, Teresa Madeiros, or Julia Quinn. And I’m loving the newer Regency writers cropping up, such as Tessa Dare, Miranda Neville, Sarah Maclean, Sara Lindsey, Courtney Milan, Tiffany Clare, and Vicky Dreiling. There are SO many great Regency writers out there, and I didn’t even name them all!!
Oops–Jo Beverley, one of the all-time greats. Can’t make ANY list of Regency authors without including her!
The HEA Lover: What can we expect of When Harry Met Molly, the first book in your series?
Kieran: Expect to grin or maybe even laugh out loud. Expect to be surprised at times. Expect a feel-good story. Do I ever LOVE a happy ending with a lot of hoopla!!
The HEA Lover: Harry loves his life full of pleasures and free of any duties and commitment. When the Prince Regent pushes him into this little game he fears losing all his liberties- all in all a free spirited character. What does he care about in life? Anything he loves more than being free?
Kieran: Even more than freedom, Harry cares about his family and friends and vulnerable people. He would sacrifice his reputation for them. If push came to shove, he would even die for them. He’s a passionate man who needs someone to recognize his heroic qualities.
The HEA Lover: Your heroine Molly is rather hot-headed. Molly can’t believe she’s found herself wearing a gown with tiny naked people featured on the bodice trim. Tell us more about her. She sounds feisty and fun. And where did she get that dress? 😉 Just joking!Kieran: Molly got that amazing dress from a lightskirt who abandoned her clothes trunk! I’d like to find it, too!
What’s she like? Well, Molly is actually a very bright young woman–who makes mistakes because she lets her feelings run away with her. Yes, even smart women can do that!
I don’t like to write about characters who are even CLOSE to perfect at the beginning of a book. I want them to LEARN something. And I want to laugh as they do. I have enough stress in my own life (who doesn’t?) that I don’t want to follow a heavy-duty serious character in my own writing. I can handle it, and embrace it, in other people’s…but as for my stories? No. Give me flawed. Give me a gal who trips up.
I gravitate toward those kinds of female characters because I’m one myself. I’m smart as a whip in school, but I wear my emotions on my sleeve and have NO sophistication whatsoever. So I land in hot water a lot. And look stupid. And have to back up and, um, FIX things.
A LOT.
(To my husband: Honey, you are a saint to be married to me!!)
The HEA Lover: You books sound hilarious to me. I love these laugh-out-loud-books. Is it hard for you to make your books funny or is it just the way you are?
Kieran: We laugh a lot as a family, and I think one reason is because I’m willing to create funny moments that sacrifice any semblance of dignity a wife and mother “should” have. The psychologists would probably disapprove.
I have no idea why I’m like this, except it’s probably a ploy for attention (going back to being number six out of seven children born in nine years).
As for my writing, it’s just the way I am. And believe me, I’ve had to rein myself in. I had a wacky English nanny growing up and I’ve got a lot of Irish in me, so my sense of humor is pretty absurd.
The HEA Lover: How many books will there be in your Impossible Bachelors series?
Kieran: So far, four. I don’t know yet about any more at the moment. We’ll see how things evolve.
The HEA Lover: Are you working on any other projects we should keep our eyes open for?
Kieran: I always have my own ongoing private writing projects–because I love to write. But I don’t talk about them because I’m shy and I still have writing dreams that are delicate and blooming. Thanks for understanding.
The HEA Lover: The mean questions: (<===because we love to torture our guests *wink*)
Who’s your favorite secondary character?
Kieran: Okay, I’ll consider none of the Impossible Bachelors secondary, so I’d have to say…the mistresses all together. But if you’re going to be REALLY mean and make me choose ONE mistress, it would be– Nope. I change my mind. It’s Cedric. I ADORE Cedric!!!!! And why? Because no matter what he does, Cedric makes me laugh. –
The HEA Lover: Can you summarize your book (and/or series?) twitter style (140 characters or less)?
Kieran: You think this is going to be hard for me, but I regularly Tweet now @KieranKramer , so it should be a piece of cake!!
(45 minutes later…)
My goodness, this is difficult!!!
(Two hours later and a lot of procrastination later …)
Okay, here goes a Tweeted blurb for WHEN HARRY MET MOLLY:
An outrageous wager & a twist of Fate bring together a rakish bachelor & a hotheaded bluestocking in a scandalous contest both must win.
The HEA Lover: Which 4 characteristics should a perfect hero have in your opinion?
Kieran:
1) He must have a great sense of humor
2) as well as an amazing kissing ability, separate from other lovemaking skills which should be amazing as well, of course!! But kissing is an art in itself, right?
3) He must also be really intelligent and
4) possess the capability to love deeply.
The HEA Lover: Now can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?
Kieran:
1) to laugh and remember you have the capacity for joy
2) to remember that love is the ONLY thing…the ONLY, ONLY thing!
3) to complete the mystical connection between author, story, and reader. We sustain each other in a way that those who don’t love to read can’t understand.
The HEA Lover: Thank you for answering all our questions Kieran, your answers made me laugh a lot!
Kieran: Thanks so much for having me here today! These questions were a lot of fun to answer!! XO
(Here’s a fun ‘interview’ of Kieran *wink*)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*~Giveaway~*~*~
Kieran is generously offering a signed copy
of When Harry Met Molly to 1 lucky commenter.
All you have to do is ask Kieran a question
or just leave a meaningful comment about the post.
Please leave us a way to contact you
(email in blogger profile or twitter name is okay- no way to contact you – no entry)
This giveaway is open Internationally!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, November 6th and we will announce the winners on Sunday.
Bonne Chance everyone!
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Thanks for the giveaway!
I enjoyed reading about you.
Please enter me.
lucybeugelingramos@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by, Lucy!
I'll be touching base here later today–I have to run out the door to JURY DUTY. Aaaghh! Normally, I'd be quite happy to serve on a jury, but this time I hope they pick someone else to serve because I'm swamped with all kinds of activities the week before my Big Book Release Day!
I can't wait to come back in a few hours and check in. Meanwhile, I hope everyone's enjoying their day!
Hugs,
Kieran :>)
That was a good interview. I would like to ask, what is a time period you haven't written about, but would like to?
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Hey, Kieran, I can't wait for the big release day! I'm not good at writing humor myself, but I love to read it.
Since you're answering questions, here's mine: Have you always written historicals or have you tried your hand at other subgenres?
(Don't enter me in the contest. I already have the book on order. Thanks!)
Hi Kieran
I must say I love your covers, they look so fun and cute. Just like HR should look like. And how do you come up with those fun titles?
Hey, everyone! I'm back from jury duty selection–I have to go every day this week except Friday! They didn't choose me to serve on the jury today, but who knows? Maybe tomorrow or the day after. It was just like The People's Court, kinda fun! They said these sorts of trials are short. So I definitely won't be there next week during Release Week. Thank goodness!
I'm so glad you've given me some questions to ponder. First off, Gwen, if you win, you win! You can give the book away, but thank you very much for already putting it on order for yourself. I so appreciate your support.
And as for your question, no–I've also written chick lit. I love my chick lit characters so much, I still laugh when I think of them. One in particular seems real to me. Like she's just waiting around for someone besides me to notice her. Maybe in the future I'll get to go in that direction, too, with my writing, but for now, I'm sticking with Regencies!! I love 'em!
I think I might have mentioned I also have some other writing projects, too. But they're so new and delicate, I don't like to talk about them because I feel shy, still.
Debbie, I've never written Victorian, but that appeals to me a LOT. Thanks for asking! :>)
And Blodeuedd, I come up with my titles at odd moments, often when I'm dreaming or falling asleep or waking up. But my editor Jennifer Enderlin deserves a ton of credit for my titles. She's come up with several of them herself. She's brilliant and fun, which is a wonderful combination.
A fabulous interview – I so enjoyed reading it! Don't include me in the contest, because I've already got WHEN HARRY MET MOLLY preordered for Kindle. I just can't wait to read it!
Your books sound like fun.
Any chance you will write a historical paranormal story?
I love books with humor so I can't wait to read about your bachelors and how they meet their one and only.
seriousreader at live dot com
Vicky, you are SO kind!! XO
And Sullivan, I think it would be LOTS of fun to include paranormal elements. I'll be pondering that!
Linda, I'm glad you like humor, too! I hope my books will bring you some extra good cheer, which is always nice to have around the holidays. My favorite thing is to read a story with a happily-ever-after in front of the fire on a cozy winter's night. :>)
Kieran, I absolutely love a book that can make me laugh out loud. I'm really looking forward to this series.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
Hi Kieran!- I totally love that name, by the way! Now I really want to read your book; I could definitely use a good laugh. My life has been way too stressful lately, and I'm spending too much time focusing on all the negative things.
My question is which part of a book do you enjoy writing the most? Beginning/middle/end? Thanks!
Rachel
Res498(AT)aol.com
So pantsers are a little nuts. So what? I'll certainly NOT hold that against an author I"m dying to read like I am Kieran Kramer.
Great interview!!! I'm just drooling over your covers too. Super congrats!
~D~
Sandy Jay, thanks so much. I hope you get a kick out of When Harry Met Molly!
And Rachel, I know just what you mean about paying too much attention to the negative. It's so easy to do! We see negative stuff all around us every day. If my book can in any way lighten your stress load, I'll be thrilled. Please let me know if it does! I'll be rooting for your stress to lessen, meanwhile. :>)
Wow, I think I enjoy writing the end the most because I love to see things get a little tense and crazy and then get resolved. And nothing makes me happier than writing a happy ending. I LOVE to do that! Thanks for asking.
Darynda, thank you for your kind comments!!! I'm so glad you like my covers. I love them, too–I'm crazy about the art department at St. Martin's Press.
Great interview! I couldn't agree more about the perfect hero! Wish I had someone like that in reality!
I'd love to win this book!
vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com
@Kieran: 😀
All the titles are really cute!
Thanks for the giveaway I would love to read this one.
apk1princess@live.com
I enjoyed the interview and I must say, I love the titles of your books. I love humor in a story, and it sounds like The Impossible Bachelors series is going to be a lot of fun, I can't wait to get started reading it.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
Any book that can make me vocal in my emotions (laughing, crying, screaming, etc) is the perfect book. I loved learning about these and I am now going to add them to my to be bought list.
When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorite movies ever, so as soon as I saw this title, I was immediately interested. I figured it would probably be very funny and it sounds like it will be. I'm looking forward to reading it.
jen at delux dot com
Vicky, I agree those are the traits of the perfect man in real life, too! We shouldn't settle for less, right? :>)
Alexa,Barbara,and Jen M: I'm glad all three of you like the titles! Fun titles always grab my attention. I hope you enjoy the books, ladies! I'd love to hear from you after you read them–join me either on Facebook or GoodReads!!
Heather, thank you for adding my series to your to-be-bought list! I'm flattered. I also hope I hear from you after you read When Harry Met Molly.
I'm also having fun with guest authors on my blog at my website next week (Release Week!!!) so please visit me there at http://www.kierankramerbooks.com.
Have a great day, everyone!
Hugs,
Kieran :>)
Thanks for the giveaway. I have never read any of your books but would love to. They sound really great. What other books have you wrote and what made you decide to become a writer? Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Tore, Thanks for stopping by! This is my first published book, but I wrote several manuscripts before I sold this one.
I decided to become a writer because I love reading and writing. Being able to be immersed in the world of books, as a reader AND a writer, to me is a dream come true.
Thanks so much Kieran! I'll definitely let you know what I think. I cant wait to read it 🙂
Humorous regency romance, sounds intriguing 🙂 I love finding books that can make me laugh and give me butterflies all at the same time. I can't wait to look into your books and I love that you write about imperfect characters because it makes them more real in my eyes because really, life is all about imperfection. Thanks for the chance to win
june111@att.net
I LOVE historical romances and am always looking for new authors! Well, it looks like I've found one! First, I look at a book's cover and if that intrigues me I look further. Your covers are great! They're colorful and fun. And if a book can invoke some kind of emotion, whether it be crying or laughing out loud, that to me is the earmark of an extremely entertaining book. I look forward to reading more by you and have added "When Harry Met Molly" to be TBR list — unless, of course, I win it here!!! Good luck and much success!
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I love the premise of your book! Sounds very funny and intriguing and I love the cover as well! I'm in a bit of a reading slump lately and your book just sounds right to pull me of there. 🙂 Good luck and much success with your book!
claudigc at msn dot com
i like the sound of this series…love regencies and love funny stories, so it sounds like a win-win for me!
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
Your book sounds really fun! You yourself seem really fun as well, enjoyed the interview. Would love to read it.
jbax90@gmail.com
Dear Jolene, Laura, Claudia, k_sunshine1977, and Jbax90…
Thank you all for the lovely comments. I hope When Harry Met Molly lifts your spirits, brings you a chuckle or two, and reminds you that love does, indeed, conquer all.
Please let me know if I've succeeded–I'd love for you to visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KieranKramer.
Hugs to you all, and have a wonderful weekend!
Kieran :>)
I stumbled upon a very early review about your book, and accidentally opened your webpage to read the excerpt and all.
Then I read both excerpts (the one in your webpage and the other in Amazon) and well, those excerpts made my day! They're really funny and I just couldn't help counting the days until it comes out! (I tried to pre-order but it's impossible in my country to get the book early).
Anyway, I'll be waiting for all your books and well, count me in as a member of your FB fan! 🙂
Good luck with all the writing process in the future!
June, Thank you so much for your sweet comments! What country do you live in? I can't wait to get to know you better on my FB page. Your note made my morning! Happy Saturday! :>)
I enjoyed the interview very much. The book sounds lighthearted and I'm wondering if all the stories have the same tone in the series.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Light-hearted regencies are one of my favorite genres–think Georgette Heyer, who was the author that started me on them. These definitely sound as if they will fit in and belong on my TBR pile.
cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
How did you start writing?
erma0726@sbcglobal.net
This sounds like a wonderful book. I like that the characters are imperfect and it is funny! moondreamer1979 at yahoo dot com
What a fun interview. I do so enjoy humor in books. It adds so much to the story, even though it must be much harder for authors to incorporate well. (Thank you!) I am curious as to the female name preference. Which of these might you like for a character? Haley, Maggie, Stacey, Jenny, Cassie, Julie, Cathy, Patsy, Leigh?
(Email in profile.)
This is my neighbor's type of book!
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
Never had heard of this author. Love the idea of a comedy Romance. All these books look terrific!! Please enter me in the giveaway! I like the four things a hero has to have. The kissing is inthe eye of the beholder!!
lknott@partnercom.net
She is my mom's favorite quthor of all time. I hope I cna win to give this 2 her as a Christmas gift.
parca650@yahoo.com
or
twitter: @p_weezy415
I would love to read this interesting book
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
Wow I just read through that interveiw and I have found me another great author. I am a book lover. And your books Kieran are very much something I could read and not want to put down. I am so glad I stumbled upon this blog.
What a beautiful cover
s2s2 at comcast dot net
Z would love to read this. I love books that have some humor in them. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would like to know how you get inspired for a new novel – do you start with a character or a setting? I love to read fun romance novels so thanks for the chance!
aleksa91 hotmail com