Welcome to our continuing feature here at Sizzling Pens, "5 Questions For..." It's a mini-interview with some of your favorite authors, and today, we're thrilled to bring you Harlequin Blaze author, Kira Sinclair
When not working as an office manager for a project management firm or juggling plot lines, Kira spends her time on a small farm in North Alabama. Shared by her wonderful husband, two amazing daughters and a menagerie of animals, it’s amazing to see how this self proclaimed city girl has (or has not depending on who you ask) adapted to country life. Over the last several years Kira has used her Thursday posts at The Writing Playground to vent about the exploits of the donkey, goats, goose and any other animals that wander home with her husband. However, those posts did not prepare her for the joy of seeing her books in print. Kira loves to hear from her readers, visit www.KiraSinclair.com to send her a note. Or stop by www.writingplayground.blogspot.com and join in the fight to stop the acquisition of an alpaca. Kira's new release, AFTERBURN, is out right now!
1. How many manuscripts did you write before you sold one?
Whispers in the Dark, my first book, was my fourth manuscript. Although I was working on number five when it sold.
2. Which book was your hardest to write and why?
Honestly? Afterburn was the hardest for me. I love the book but it was much more difficult because I was dealing with a subject – the Air Force – that I wasn’t as familiar with. I did a lot of research and learned quite a bit during the process.
I also had to dig deep as a writer for this one. I’m starting to see patterns and places where my writing can improve. I think that’s true for everyone though. We all have strengths and weaknesses. The hard part for me is pinpointing those spots where I can grow so I can keep them in mind as I go forward. Being aware of them is half the battle. In the end, this book made me a much better writer. I’m proud of the finished product and happy to have come so far.
3. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being an author?
Hmm…the business side of things can be difficult. I’m a writer and tend to be a creative soul. Numbers and marketing and promotion aren’t my strength. I find it hard to push myself on other people. But as someone once pointed out to me, if you aren’t willing to toot your own horn no one else will do it for you.
4.What authors have most inspired your work?
How much space do we have? Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Linda Howard, Beverly Barton, Linda Winstead Jones, Nora Roberts, Rhonda Nelson…the list is endless. I learn something from each and every book I read.
5. What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to my first book. It’s going to be Anne and Blake’s story and is proving to be very fun and interesting. Don’t have a title or release date yet but hopefully soon. Check my website as new details come out – www.KiraSinclair.com
6 comments:
Waves to Kira and thanks for joining us at the Pens. How fun to have you as a guest. Loved the interview and I'm looking forward to reading Afterburn! I've heard very good things about it.
Welcome Kira!
I have another question for you.
When we talked we realized both our May Blazes had Air Force fighter pilots as heroes. Believe me, I hear you about the research. What sparked your idea for fighter pilots? Do you know one?
Hey, Lori! It's so great to guest here with you guys. I love seeing you :-)
juliet, well, the simple answer Juliet is yes and no. My brother-in-law was in the air national guard and worked on planes. His father was a fighter pilot and now flies for Delta. One of my husband's best friends is career Air Force but doesn't work with planes. So while I have connections they aren't that strong. In fact, most of my Air Force info came from another great friend whose husband was in the Air Force for many years.
I was given the task of writing an active duty Air Force hero and it just seemed appropriate that he be a pilot. I mean how more Air Force can you get? And then I started toying with the idea of using the Thunderbirds and when I found out they were stationed in Las Vegas I was sold. I also enjoyed making my heroine active duty Air Force. I got to learn two completely different aspects of those career choices.
Kira,
I LOVED writing about (and researching) Vegas for my Blaze setting. Have you been there? And if so, what was your favorite hotel, and /or place to see, thing to do?
I'm sorry, Juliet! We had our reader's luncheon today and I left my computer early yesterday afternoon to help get ready. It was a long couple of days but so much fun.
I've actually never been to Vegas. This is where having a close friend who grew up there came in handy. Anything I needed to know I asked her :-) Andrea (Smart Pants on the Playground) was a font of information. I've always wanted to go though and since my characters had their honeymoon at the Bellagio I think I'd like to stay there.
Kira,
I decided after I sold LET IT RIDE that since I was writing about Vegas and I'd never been that I would "research" it by taking hubby (who'd also never been) and go for a couple of days. We left the kids with my mom and had a wonderful time. We saw the dancing waters in front of the Bellagio, the pirate show in front of the Treasure Island, and rode the godola in the Venetian. We saw Zumanity, the erotic Cirque de Solei show--very sensuous. I used a portion of my advance to go and , of course, it was amost entirely tax deductable. I recoomend it if you can.
THank you again for being our guest this weekend and maybe you can come back and blog again sometime?
Hugs,
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