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Interview with Author Kristan Higgins + Giveaway
Filed in Giveaways , Interview , Kristan Higgins , The HEA Lover , The Latin Lover Posted on April 6, 2011 @ 6:00 am
21 comments
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We are very happy today to welcome Kristan Higgins to Book Lovers Inc! She is here to celebrate her latest release My One and Only
.In the highly improbable case you haven’t yet heard of or read any of Kristan’s novels let us tell you what you can expect. Sweet, heartfelt, emotional and heartwarming romances with chuckle out loud moments and completely scandalous and out of the ordinary family members (a mother running a mortuary? yep, just open All I Ever Wanted
!). Kristan’s romances make you smile, sigh, laugh and tear up, so of course we were ecstatic when we learned she was up to answer some of our most burning questions! 😀 So please give a warm welcome to Kristan and if she is a new to you author, then trust our joint recommendation and try out one of her novels, you won’t regret it!
.In the highly improbable case you haven’t yet heard of or read any of Kristan’s novels let us tell you what you can expect. Sweet, heartfelt, emotional and heartwarming romances with chuckle out loud moments and completely scandalous and out of the ordinary family members (a mother running a mortuary? yep, just open All I Ever Wanted!). Kristan’s romances make you smile, sigh, laugh and tear up, so of course we were ecstatic when we learned she was up to answer some of our most burning questions! 😀 So please give a warm welcome to Kristan and if she is a new to you author, then trust our joint recommendation and try out one of her novels, you won’t regret it!
Caroline: Kristan can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Kristan: I like to make things up for this type of question—I’m an ex-con, a quintuplet, I have six toes on my left foot. Alas, none of this is true. My regular life is very wonderfully ordinary. I’m happily married, adore my two kids, I’m a dog person (surprise!). I hate to cook, love to bake, am afraid of hummingbirds for no good reason. I belong to a book club, love children, love going to the movies…I can see you’re dozing off now, so I’m going back to lies. I was raised in a castle in Bavaria, George Clooney is my half-brother…okay, sorry. Only sentences 3-6 are true.
Caroline: Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?
Kristan: I generally check my email to see what’s on the docket (answer interview questions, for example ;-), then, as soon as the kids are in school and I’ve eaten my Cheerios, I head over to my little office, which is an attic apartment down the street. I am a plotter, and I do a lot of Deep Thinking before I start writing…wondering what traits this person would have, how he or she’d react to certain situations, where the gooey underbelly is and why this character would work so hard to protect it. Then I start writing the first draft, and everything changes anyway. But I think all those Deep Thoughts and outlines help get to the core of the characters. I don’t have WiFi in my apartment, so the distraction level is a lot lower than at home.
Caroline: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Kristan: Book Lovers, I think, carry a story with them. You mention a character, and they sigh—they felt that book, rather than just enjoyed it. They were in that story with the characters, crying and laughing with them, practically eating the same food.
Caroline: One thing I noticed in your novels is that you always seem to create the perfect pet for your characters. How are you doing this? What do you think are the 3 top things a pet does for a person, fictional or real?Kristan: I certainly try to create the perfect pet, so thank you! All those animals say something about the character—Bowie in All I Ever Wanted, for example, was just as cheerful and optimistic as his owner. Coco in My One & Only has that dual personality thing going on—bold and fun on the one hand, scared and hiding on the other, just like Harper. Top three things a pet does for us? Gives us a sense of purpose and a chance to be selfless; provides companionship and understanding; snuggles.
Caroline: I think everyone who ever read one of your books knows that family is always a really prominent topic in them. What do you think is the appeal of this? And why does it always play such an important role in your books?
Kristan: Well, I think families shape us more than anything else. How we’re viewed, what role we play, what we’re good at, what we’re not. I’m always a little surprised to read a book in which family isn’t given a prominent role. The appeal of including family so prominently might come from the simple fact that most of us are involved with our families, either family of origin or spouse/children, so readers relate to characters who have to deal with a goofy brother or all-knowing mother. It also gives me a chance to play off the main characters’ issues…if Harper, for example, is a bit cynical on the issue of True Love, her sister is a believer (and then some). If Nick is an over-achiever, his brother is the opposite. I don’t plan those elements out so much as (forgive me) let the story inform me of what’s needed. A lot of times, a sibling or family member only makes an appearance around page 267 of the first draft, when I have an “ah-ha!” moment and realize what was missing.
Caroline: What can we expect of My One and Only?Kristan: A lot of laughs, a lot of great sniping back and forth between Nick and Harper, a few tears thrown in as well. These two may have more to overcome than any of my other couples, and I dug down deep to torture them. It’s what authors do. We inflict and torment. It’s fun! But I think you can expect a fast, fun ride (pun fully intended), some really memorable characters, and a wicked cute dog.
Caroline: Your heroine Harper is a divorce attorney and she’s very good at what she does. She has some commitment issues of her own- those already existed before she chose her new profession. What makes Harper see the end of a relationship before it really got a chance?
Kristan: Harper’s mother left on Harper’s 13th birthday, never to return. The one person who had always seemed to love her more than anyone on earth just ups and leaves, no explanation. That left quite a mark, and at a very tender age.
What I love about Harper is that she truly wants to believe in love…but she’s surrounded by examples of failure. She loves Nick, but she’s so scared of things ending badly that in a sense, she forces the issue. But it takes two to tango—Nick believes that words are enough, and once they’ve said “I do,” he thinks they’re set for life. As for Harper’s abilities as a divorce attorney, she is very sincere (and correct) in believing that you need more than plain old love…you need commitment, honesty, time, communication, etc.
Caroline: One thing I really loved about My One and Only was how you included the flashbacks of Nick’s and Harper’s marriage. The result was really heart-wrenching. They were so vivid and emotional they left me crying more than once. Why did you decide to give us all the background information piece by piece while the main story progressed? Was it hard for you to separate between both timelines? Or did you write them after each other?
Kristan: Thank you! I loved writing those flashbacks. They’re a critical part of the story, because they show just how two people who loved each other so much could still end up divorcing. I meted out the back-story for a couple of reasons—the more invested the reader is, the more interesting the back-story will become. I try to put in a flashback at the point when the reader is absolutely dying to know more. The other reason in this particular book was to break up the monotony of driving. Harper and Nick in the same car for six hours at a shot would get a little wearying, so it seemed like a natural point to return to their past and see just how they got this moment. That’s one of the things I love about this book—all that edgy, surging, simmering emotion trapped there in the car with them!
I love writing back-story or flashbacks or whatever you care to call it. I generally find myself rubbing my hands together. I write sequentially—Chapter 1, Chapter 2—so when I finally get to the “here’s how it happened” part, I’m practically rubbing my hands together with glee. These tend to be the most wrenching parts of my books, and they’re deeply satisfying to write because in a sense, they justify the present by exposing the wounds of the past. I’m so glad they affected you so strongly! It was intentional, let me assure you!
Caroline: Harper’s boyfriend Dennis is a fireman- he’s gorgeous, funny and all but he has some less than appealing facts surrounding his person (I’m thinking Rat-tail!) and he is kind of Harper’s pet project à la “How do I show the world how awesome Dennis is”. How did you come up with his character? Any advice for people like him?
Kristan: I love Dennis! What a fun character to write! He’s such a good-hearted doofus, and yes, Harper thinks he’s perfect husband material—he’s a nice guy, he’s got a way with kids, he’s obedient. Voila! What more does a girl need? But interestingly, Dennis is a little more emotionally intelligent than Harper, which is something she discovers over the course of the story. So Den isn’t quite a stereotype, and he really is one of my favorite characters. Advice for Dennis? Denster, dude…keep doing what you’re doing. You don’t need to change a bit.
Caroline: What 4 characteristics should a perfect hero have and does Nick fit that bill?
Kristan: Holy testicle Tuesday, that’s a hard question! Eep! There are so many qualities we want in a hero…but a non-negotiable trait would be kindness, and Nick is definitely kind—note his treatment of BeverLee, the way he hired Willa, his care of his senile father. Two: he should be smart, and boy, is Nick smart. I had so much fun writing the dialogue between him and Harper, the flying insults, the little digs…and yet the love that underlined all of that. Three: Sense of humor. Nick has that in spades. And four: the ability to admit being wrong. That one takes some time for old Nick, but when it happens, it happens big.
Caroline: Nick is a complete contrast to Harper. He believes in people and their ability to connect to each other. What draws these two to each other?
Kristan: Like any great couple, Nick and Harper see something in each other that no one else has. He takes one look at her and sees her potential—he calls her “wife” before he even knows her name. Harper can see in Nick that underneath the joking and sex appeal, there’s a great man wanting to happen. I didn’t see them as being quite as different as you did—to me, they’re almost two peas in a pod. Nick clings to his idealism, but it lets him down again and again; Harper clings to a certain level of cynicism, but in her heart, she has a lot of hope. The times that they can meet in the middle are when they’re at their best. So if you scrape away the outer appearances, they’re really quite alike, methinks. Or not! I may be completely wrong. Obviously, once the book is out there, it’s completely open to interpretation.
Stella: Is there a supporting character from any of your novels whose story you would consider telling your readers and giving him/her their own novel? Or you don’t believe in series/connected stories?
Kristan: Actually, my April 2012 release will feature characters you’ve met before. And I think I’d like to write a series, though I can’t make any promises just yet. I’d like to because it’s very hard to say goodbye to my characters and settings, even…and I know readers feel the same way, because I get a lot of mail asking for a series or for a return to a certain character, which is hugely flattering, let me tell you. That being said, there’s a joy in writing a book that’s a true stand-alone, because it feels so complete.
Stella: We both loved All I Ever Wanted (it was my introduction to your writing btw, thanks to Caroline’s high praises, ok back to the question), and I wanted to ask: you balanced the emotional depth with so many humorous details, some bordering on absurd (in the best sense of the word): Callie’s mother working in a funeral home (even having Callie’s 30th birthday party in the next room to a wake), Callie’s older sister being a fertility specialist and discussing ovaries and sperm count loudly no matter at what social event, then in My One and Only Harper’s boyfriend calling her ‘Dude’, where did these ideas come from? Any funny inspirational story you could share with us?Kristan: A birthday party at a funeral home was just irresistible. To tell you the truth, I often “look for the funny” as I’m writing a book, because the initial idea is usually quite raw and often poignant (in the case of All I Ever Wanted, for example, being in love with someone who doesn’t reciprocate, and having to see him every day with someone else). I loved that Callie, who tried so hard to charm everyone, had a sister with absolutely no social graces. As for Dennis calling Harper “dude,” well…that just came out as I was typing.
Funny, inspiration stories? Heavens! Read my blog at www.kristanhiggins.com…the one where the really gorgeous guy sits next to me on an airplane. Life—mine and everyone else’s—is full of humor and little oddities. All writers are thieves, as the saying goes, so watch what you say around me :-).
Stella: My One and Only is a love story not like many others, the hero being the heroine’s ex-husband. One would think not the most romantic setting, yet it works wonderfully in My One and Only. Could you tell us how the idea came to you to write the story of a second love story interwoven with flashbacks of the first, badly ended one? It is certainly a quite unusual combination.
Kristan: Thanks, Stella! I wanted to write a divorced heroine, since I hadn’t yet, and as ever, I wanted it to be hard for her to get her man. Worst possible choice for hero? Ex-husband. (Conflict drives the story and all that…). I had an image of a couple bickering on an altar as best man and maid of honor, and the story kind of jumped to life from there. I think the hardest part for me was giving two people who genuinely, truly loved each other a good enough reason to divorce. I do think I found it—Harper’s sorry past, Nick’s blind ambition, the two of them being so young. The love never died; the challenge is to do better this time.
Caroline: What is next on your schedule?
Kristan: I just finished Until There Was You, which comes out in November; am writing a book for April 2012, currently called New Book :-p, and I have a few appearances lined up for the next few months (all listed on the calendar on my website). And my family and I are going to the Adirondacks this summer, which I am quite looking forward to!
Now the mean questions:
Caroline: Can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?Kristan:
1.They’ll laugh, cry and come away with a smile.
1.They’ll laugh, cry and come away with a smile.
2.They’ll get a virtual vacation to two of the most beautiful places on earth—Glacier National Park in Montana, and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
3.My daughter wants to go to medical school.
Caroline: Please can you summarize My One and Only for us twitter style (140 characters or less)?
Kristan: Divorced couple, destination wedding, best man, maid of honor, unplanned road trip, cute dog.
Caroline: If you could live in any novel- which one would it be?
Kristan: I’d have to go with Catch of the Day. Nothing beats the coast of Maine, in my opinion. Plus, I’d get to eat at Joe’s Diner every day. Breakfast is my favorite meal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~
Kristan has generously offered one copy of My One and Only to a lucky commentator living in the US.
All you have to do is ask Kristan a question
or leave a meaningful comment about the interview.
Please leave us a way to contact you
(email in blogger profile or twitter name-
no way to contact you – no entry).
This giveaway is open to residents of the US only!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, 23 April 2011 and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good luck!
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You're sure to laugh, cry, and laugh again when you read a Kristan Higgins book. I've read all her books and they are all awesome. "All I ever Wanted" took me on an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it. To date, Ian is my favorite Hero of hers. Ethan (Next Best Thing) comes in at #2. He's a charmer with the Octogenarians. Kristan writes such lovely heartfelt stories that will have you counting down until her next release.
I'd love to be entered for a chance to read My One and Only!
jcross719 at yahoo dot com
I love pets in romance stories.
I have read your books and am looking forward to reading My One and Only.
kissinoak at frontier dot com
Fabulous interview, y'all; I really enjoyed it! 🙂 I can't wait to read 'My One And Only'!
So sorry! Here is my email: justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Another Kristan Higgins novel—what a joy! The family relationships, the humor and tears, and the wonderful pets combine to make your novels so special. Thanks for visiting. I enjoyed the interview, and am looking forward to your newest.
And I’m intrigued about the April 2012 book, which will feature characters we’ve met before. Would it be giving away too much to let us know where “New Book” takes place?
I cannot wait to read this book. Kristan's books are the best.
For my question: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Helen L.
gmapeony@yahoo.com
I completely agree with her answer to the four characteristics a hero must have…it's not all about the looks…you need the important stuff, like humor, smarts, etc…! (and looks are nice too!)
kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com
I have enjoyed Kristan's books so much that they have become comfort reads for me. When I finished reading TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, I turned back to the first page and started reading the book all over again. This new book of Kristan's sounds like another winner for her.
castings at mindspring dot com
People's interactions with their pets and families do tell a lot about them and must add another aspect to the romance.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Do you ever come up with two different pets for the story and have trouble deciding which one is it? Also, does the inspiration for the pets ever come from your own?
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
If you are good to an animal, you msut be a good person.
I love your books, Kristan and cannot wait to read this one.
patoct at yahoo dot com
I am a follower and email subscriber. I really want to read this book. What suggestions do you have for a future writer? Tore923@aol.com
I LOVE backstories and flashbacks b/c they provide insight about why people are how they are. It's one of my favorite parts of reality shows such as American Idol, Dancing with the Stars…
I enjoy reading about family relationships/quirky family members. LOVE humor in books and emotional stories.
And, my daughter was born with 6 toes on her right foot — no lie.
Finally, I watch a South Asian serial where there the male romantic lead is a divorce attorney and the female is a wedding planner.
monagarg@yahoo.com
These are great books to read on a long trip (so you don't have to put it down constantly). I was wondering if you have charactors that you could do a series on because of all the flashbacks ect that its hard to get it all in one book without losing some details?
I love animals in books. And Kristan, your books are so great.
Natalie's Mama
lovesthemets @ yahoo dot com
Great interview. BTW, I am a little in love with Dennis just reading your answer. Do you find, that even after plotting, that sometimes your characters decide that they don't like your plans and head in a different direction?
jepebATverizonDOTnet
Great interview! I enjoy books with pets as characters, and I love humor in my stories. Your books sound like a perfect match for me.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great interview! Congrats on the release! Really looking forward to reading it.
Do you use characteristics of people and pets you know IRL in your characters?
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I'm not big on contemp. romance but I really love Higgins books. And I do love the pets.
innocentbutler@hotmail.com
awww, I love pets too. I agree with you said about them – and that they always love you no matter how dumb your choices are. Everyone needs a pet! (I also like that your books have a strong sense of family <3)
jennifer kjovus
kjovus(at)gmail(dot)Com
It was a great interview! It will be interesting to read the upcoming release which has previous characters in it. Can't wait to read My One and Only!
gfc follower – pams00
pams00 @ aol.com