Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Interview with Kimberly Johnson and giveaway!!!

Answer Kimberly's question in a comment (include contact information) to be entered to win a copy of A Valentine for Kayla.  USA only. 

What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter.

Oh, I read that. It was great. Denise is one of my favorite writers. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I consider setting a character and put a lot of thought into where the story will take place. I believe the setting needs to reflect the feel of the story.

  
Tell us about A Valentine for Kayla – a brief blurb:


KAYLA RUSSELL DOESN'T LIKE VALENTINE'S DAY 


What should be Kayla's favorite holiday is just another reminder that she hasn't met someone special. The beautiful florist—and hopeless romantic—has nearly given up on love, when the man of her dreams walks into her shop…to buy flowers for another woman! 

Former music superstar Derek Wood poses as a local deliveryman while he cares for his ailing mother. Derek is drawn to Kayla's genuine spirit and natural beauty, but he can't hide his identity forever. The man Kayla's falling for doesn't really exist, but the feelings they share are real. Will Derek finally give Kayla a reason to love Valentine's Day?

How did A Valentine for Kayla get started?

I am not a fan of Valentine’s Day and last year on Valentines I sat down at my computer thinking about how much I don’t like the day. Then inspiration struck. A story formed in my head and I started writing A Valentine for Kayla.

Tell us about your research process.

Because I write contemporary fiction my research consists of internet searches and talking to experts in whatever field I have a question. I don’t enjoy research so I draw a lot from personal experience. I think that’s a big reason several of my books have musicians. J

Will we know what happens to your character after the end of the book?

Yes, there is an epilogue and the story is nicely wrapped up

Where do you like to write?

I enjoy writing at my desk. I purchased an ergonomic chair, so it’s the most comfortable place for me to write.

How do you handle distractions?

Not very well. LOL. I have a very hard time writing in the midst of distractions. I need a quiet place to write. If my family is home and I must write I go to my bedroom and close the door. Generally I only write when the house is empty. J

If someone else were sitting at your desk right now, what would they see?

A mess. J Let’s see, A coffee mug, a water goblet, a book, my iPod, a mouse, lots of papers, a jar filled with pens and pencils, a stack of notecards, a lamp, a printer and an assortment of other office type stuff. Oh, there’s also a mini Eiffel tower I bought at Epcot a little over a year ago.

When you’re working on a project, how do you keep the immensity of it from getting you down?


I set daily work count goals and focus on meeting that. If I focused on the project as a whole I would definitely get overwhelmed.

 What one question would you like us to ask your readers?  

Kayla, the heroine of A Valentine for Kayla dislikes Valentine’s Day. What about you? Do you like the day, or not and why?

Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering.

I am giving away one signed copy of A Valentine for Kayla to USA mailing addresses only.


Kimberly’s bio:

Kimberly Rose Johnson holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, teenage son, and their yellow lab. She writes heartwarming Christian romance for Heartsong Presents and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys taking long walks with her husband and dog, reading, dark chocolate and time with friends.
You may contact Kimberly via her website at http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/



Buy links:





9 comments:

Kimberly said...

Good Morning, Laura! Thanks for hosting me on your blog. :)

maudemaxine@gmail.co, said...


Yes i do like Valentine's Day. It is a day when I get cards and Chocolate candy. And I have always loved getting cards. And letters when folks used to write letters not email. I have cards from all holidays saved here and there, then there are days that I get some out and read the notes that were written to me. Of course I loved it more when my sweetheart was here with me, but still have kids, grandkids, and greats, so still get cards. I would love to be your winner.
Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

Karen in Florida said...

What a great idea - I think a lot of people share your dislike of Valentine's Day so it will be fun to see how you deal with this in a novel! I don't know how I actually feel about it (haven't thought much) except that it is far too big a deal for the consumer.

Donna Reimel Robinson said...

I never thought much about "commercial holidays," which is what Valentine's Day is to me. Then this year, my husband surprised me with a box of chocolates. So maybe this holiday has some merit!

Donna
derobin7@gmail.com

Neecykay said...

I work for Hallmark so Valentine's day is a busy day for me. lol Anytime you can tell someone how much they mean to you is a great day. I love getting cards or notes from my two grandsons.

Kimberly said...

I love the idea of giving cards and special notes any time of year for any reason.
Kayla the main character in A Valentine for Kayla was in a similar situation as you, Neecykay. Owning and working in a florist shop makes Valentine's a huge day for her, but she still didn't like it. lol

Kimberly said...

Maxine,

I think if my husband celebrated Valentine's the way you did/do, I would have a different opinion of the holiday.:)
I love that you are treated so well. I miss the days of handwritten letters. I still handwrite letters at Christmas time, but during the year, I rarely do anymore.

Kimberly said...

Hi Karen, I hope you get to read the book. I think you will enjoy seeing how Kayla deals with the Valentine's.

Kimberly said...

Donna, how wonderful that your husband surprised you with Chocolates! Mine did the same this year. I don't remember ever getting chocolate for Valentine's from him and we've been married 24 years. :) He usually ignores the day.

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