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Can I share a secret?

I have a favorite character. And it’s probably not who you think.

To date, I’ve published ten romance novels, and these stories take place in six unique “worlds.” I have even more books coming. I have loved discovering each and every character. It doesn’t matter if it’s the leads or a member of the secondary cast, following the journey to facing his or her inner demons and realizing the changing power of love is so fulfilling as an author.

But one character stuck with me.

I’ve made no secret that Holidays, Inc. is the book of my heart. It’s the project I’ve always wanted to write, and I am so grateful to The Wild Rose Press for encouraging me in the process. In fact, I’d handed in the sequel to my editor, the wonderful Leanne Morgena, and we started brainstorming a series name. I had something I loved, but Leanne thought we should save it in case I wanted to write another story.

And I thought, I have to use that title. So I had to write the book. To me, Lights, Camera, Holidays could ONLY be a redemption arc for Kara Kensington. From the outside, she’s shallow and cut-throat. In the first book, she is the catalyst for Dani’s move to New Hope and THEN steals Paul. In Jill’s book, Kara lurks as a sort of threat.

In truth? Kara is very, shockingly, human. As much as she would like to keep that information from the world, she can’t seem to get anything right. In Lights, Camera, Holidays, she returns to New Hope for the holiday season, filming the made-for-TV movie based on Dani’s purchase of the theater. She has everything at stake for her new production company, making her vulnerable. With her friendship on the rocks, she’s lonely. She’s a fish-out-of-water….so is someone else.

I hope you enjoy the story and the conclusion to the Finding New Hope trilogy.

Happy reading!

November is National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo). Once again, I’m participating in the challenge to write 50,000 words by the 30th. By the end of the year, I need a recharge. I’ve already written over 200,000 words in 2021. But I have so many stories to tell, and it all starts with a 50,000 first draft. So, I am jumping into the challenge feet first this year.

I’m writing this today, November 12, because it is also Disney Plus day. If you don’t have a subscription, this is an awesome opportunity to check out what it offers. I love the documentaries. I am endlessly fascinated and encouraged learning about (and witnessing in the case of Into the Unknown, the Frozen 2 documentary I’ve practically memorized by now) other creatives’ processes.

One line has stuck with me throughout this year. When asked what he does if he isn’t inspired by a project, one imagineer answered “I might not always be excited about a job I’m assigned. But it is my job to figure out what makes it exciting.” As a romance writer, I really connected with this statement. I love writing, but sometimes I find myself having to approach a trope I would not necessarily gravitate towards on my own. In the process of making the trope exciting, I find my inspiration.

This month, I’m working on the second of a planned trilogy of Western contemporary romances. I never thought I’d write a cowboy book. But I LOVE IT! It’s been an unexpected joy and–bonus–I am so blessed to announce I am now represented by a literary agent I’ve long admired, Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary.

If you haven’t started your 50,000 words yet, don’t worry! You can pick any day to begin. You just have to sit down, turn off your inner editor, and type. We are waiting for your stories!

I’m so delighted to introduce you to one of my dear writing friends, author Kayla Kensington. Her debut novel, Finding Her Family’s Love, is coming very soon!

Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your heroine’s bed? How about the hero’s?

Under Kendra’s bed, you’d find a covered container with a stash of yarn. A basket holds a variety of knitting needles. You’d also discover a pair of comfy red slippers that she wears on chilly mornings. 

What would you find under Pierce’s bed?

Under Pierce’s bed, you’d find six pairs of running shoes. Two are pairs he recently purchased. He can’t part with the other shoes that he wore during key track meets in high school and college. 

What is the theme of this book? If it’s part of a series, how does this book fit into the series?

The main theme of the book is forgiveness. Kendra needs to find it in her heart to forgive her late husband who emotionally abused her. In addition, she needs to forgive herself for falling in love with an abuser. 

Why do you write this genre? What inspired this story? Do you write any other genres?

I write inspirational romance because I read many books in this genre when my husband experienced health issues. The books inspired me and the faith message gave me peace. I wanted to offer readers the same encouragement I received when I read inspirational romance. 

As a middle school librarian, I also write for that audience. 

A long time ago, I experienced an emotionally abusive relationship with someone who seemed kind. Even after the relationship ended, the consequences of emotional abuse lingered and took a toll on my self esteem. I hoped to help readers who may know someone who experienced emotional abuse and realize that future happiness and healthy relationships await them. 

Any tips to share with fellow authors/aspiring authors? What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” Richard Bach. 

Keep learning and improving your craft. Join a critique group. Take writing classes. Define success as never giving up. 

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Kayla Kensington