CRB: Hi, Kelly. Before we get started, I’d like to inform our readers that they can find copies of Secrets of A Wolf right here: http://amzn.to/1nykm3y, and my 4-star review right here: http://bit.ly/1nym2tL
Now, down to the interview.
You and I have had a cyberconnection for quite a while now, and I’m very happy to be talking to you on such an auspicious occasion as the release of The Secrets of the Wolf. As my readers can see by recent review, I thought quite highly of this tale, and I’m anxious to hear your insights.
First of all, Paranormal Romance seems to have become quite popular lately. I’m curious what what made you want to start writing in that genre in the first place.
KELLY: I have been a fan of paranormal stories since I first began reading. Beginning with monster stories like Frankenstein and Dracula, moving to programs like Dark Shadows and then on to more modern stories like Harry Potter and Harry Dresden. I’ve always been drawn in by magical beings who are more than human.
CRB: Reading them is one thing, but what do you find most appealing about creating these kinds of stories?
K: These beings I create for my stories live harder, fight harder and love harder than characters in a contemporary romance. They have unique issues that cause problems with relationships and many times keep them from the people they love. Based on who they are or what they can do, such as shifting into a spirit animal, like Cameron in Secrets of a Wolf, their lives cause a unique treasure trove of issues that just beg to written into stories.
CRB: Are there basic differences and challenges in dealing with the different elements of storytelling, characterization, plotting, etc. in the paranormal as opposed to other genres?
K: A lot of the work is the same. You need to do character profiling and outlining the same as other genres, but the paranormal gives you special challenges. In order to write a good love story without things getting weird, you have to plan how and when your characters will fall in love and solve the riddles of how the special gifts of your characters will affect one another. Will a particular gift drive away a human? Can they only love within their own kind? Those are just some of the challenges that face a paranormal romance author. Also you have to create the special world with its own rules in which creatures of your creation can exist. Much like Science Fiction and Fantasy, you need to build a setting where your characters can be believable and seem real to your reader. Then You need to draw the reader into that magical world with you and weave a story that entraps them until they arrive on the other side of your story breathless and satisfied.
CRB: Breathless and satisfied. A divine state of being indeed. As I noted above, you work a great deal in the graphic and visual arts as well as on the literary side. How different is it to work with words instead of pictures?
K: A very interesting question. Not that different actually. As I form a story in my head, I play it like a movie. I envision scenes and how my characters’ facial expressions might look. Working with images, either photos or video, just gives you a chance to allow others to experience your tale on a different level. You give them a little more to go on with visual aids than you do with words. However, I believe it is every writer’s challenge to craft a story so well that the reader feels in the midst of the story with the author. Harder to do with words, but when you master the craft, it is a beautiful thing. Writers such as Dean Koontz have mastered this. He’s a genius at painting a picture with words. If I can craft a story half as well as he does, I will consider myself a success.
CRB: The cover of Secrets of a Wolf tells us that it is part of a series. Now that this first one is wrapped up, would you care to share with us something about what’s coming?
K: I’m hard at work finishing up the stories of the other brothers I introduce in Secrets and exploring the challenges they face being Guardians of Spirit Rock. The next book, Cry of the Cougar will be releasing in February.
What’s funny about me as a writer is I write what comes to me no matter the genre. I think that’s what allows me to appeal to many different types of readers.
In addition to the paranormal series, I’m also working on my first historical fiction novel based on a true story about the end of the Civil War and the flight of one of the Confederate Cabinet Members as he struggled to escape the Union Army. I feel this will be my best novel yet. It is challenging me like no other book has ever done. The research is exciting and grueling all at the same time, but I want to craft this story in such a compelling way that fans of Gone With the Wind find this story equally as captivating. A lofty goal, I know, but I think I’m up for the challenge.
CRB: Well, you won’t have Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh in the movie’s cast, but I’m sure you’ll find excellent replacements.
Thanks, Kelly, for sharing some of your artistic past, present, and future with us today. Onward into your bright and challenging future.
If you’re interested in more about Kelly’s books please connect with her at the following sites:
Website www.kellyabellbooks.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KellyAbellAuthor/?ref=hl
Twitter www.twitter.com/kellyabellbooks
Blog www.writewithkelly.wordpress.com
About Kelly
Kelly is the author of eight novels. She writes young adult thrillers as well as adult romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. She writes about gripping characters in tense situations that keep a reader turning the pages. She also spends a great deal of time helping other writers through her blog Write with Kelly (www.writewithkelly.wordpress.com), as the Vice President of the Paranormal Romance guild and a member of the Florida Writer’s Association.
When not writing, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband of 30+ years and her two college age children, when they find the time. She lives in Florida and enjoys all that living in the sunshine state brings, boating, fishing, beaches, theme parks, and more. Her loves to read (what a surprise!) She likes Thrillers, Romantic Suspense, and Romantic Comedy