Guest Author, Kim Watters

Today's Guest Author is Kim Watters, fellow Rose and one of the contributors to the Much Cheaper Than Therapy blog. The mother of two young children, Kim likes to write stories with children and animals in them, and not always the animals you would expect...Dog Days of Summer, Discovering Jenna, Scales of Love...a dog, a dinosaur and a snake. All of them short and sweet and poignant and perfect for a summer day reading break. Kim also has a free read, Wallflower, you're welcome to download from The Wild Rose Press.

Last, but certainly not least, on Friday May 8th, Kim got "the call" or in this case an e-mail asking her to return a call. After she finished hyperventilating, she called the editor back. After several years and more than five manuscripts, Kim is thrilled to announce a long-awaited sale to Harlequin Enterprises. On Wings of Love will be a February 2010 release from Steeple Hill, Harlequin's inspirational line.

Way to go, Kim! Congratulations and Happy Writing for Harlequin!

Now, on to the interview: Who are you?

Who am I? Great question Liana. Some days I’m still trying to figure that one out. Let’s so, by day I’m an accountant at a local golf resort, and at night and on the weekends a mom of two wonderful kids. In between it all, I call myself an author that writes stories from the heart. I grew up in a suburb of Chicago but relocated to Arizona in 1992. I always wanted to write a romance novel, but finally had the time once I moved here.

What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I like to write sweet and inspirational stories that really play on the readers’ emotions. I tend to delve into some emotional topics that really strike a chord with people.

What type of stories do you like to read and why?

I like all types of contemporary stories. I have read some paranormal and historical, but since my reading time is limited, I prefer the modern day romances since that is what I write and like to keep current on the trends.

When do you write?

I get up at five in the morning and write for two hours before the kids get up. Sometimes I’m lucky and get to write on the weekends, but I usually reserve those days for family activities.

When do you read? Where?

I usually read on a loveseat in our master bedroom after I put the kids to bed.

Where did you get the inspiration Scales of Love?

Believe it or not, when I was at a festival day in the town where I live. They had a reptile show there. While I was holding a boa constrictor I talked to the woman who ran the show and discovered that she was the owner. We talked about most people’s reaction to her pets and how many problems she had finding a date when she was single because of what she did. She then introduced me to her husband and told me a funny story of how they met. Bingo. Scales of Love was born. Thanks Deb. I used a lot of artistic license, but the essence of her story is written into Scales of Love.

Where do you go to think?

Think? Oh, yeah, that. When I walk the dog in the morning, or when I’m driving as long as the kids aren’t with me. Cliché alert-the shower is a good place too.

How did you come up with the names for your hero and heroine?

I love the name Rachel and Haskin is a family name. As for the hero, it just popped into my head and stayed there. Sometimes characters do that. They grab hold and won’t let go.

How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

It took eleven years before my first publishing contract, but I didn’t work at it full time. I published two books quickly and then had another baby, which changed my focus for a bit. I really got back into the writing world two years ago and haven’t looked back since.

Why do you write?

Why do I breathe? Because I can’t not write. (how’s that for a double negative) It’s part of who I am. As a child, I made up stories all the time. As an adult, I’m blessed that people will actually buy what I write.

At twelve years old, I fell in love with romance after I borrowed a romance novel from my older sister’s bookshelf. An avid reader, I was soon hooked on the happily ever after endings. For years, I dreamt of writing my own romance novel, but I never seemed to have the time until I relocated to a small town in Arizona where there are no sidewalks or public transportation and the cowboys still ride their horses to the bars. The wide open spaces of Arizona gave me the inspiration to begin to write. The rest as they say, is history.

For more information, and for information on Kim's latest releases, go to www.kimwatters.com.