Interview with Author Kimberly Adkins:
Hi Kimberly. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...
- Please tell us about your latest book.
I really love my newest release, Blood Evolution. It holds a special place in my heart for a lot of reasons. It is the first vampire novel I have ever written and it takes place in New Orleans, a city that I am very passionate about. All the contemporary parts of the story are based on a dream I had and to see it all written out on paper is an amazing thing.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
I have a full length paranormal coming out in September called ‘Through Ancient Eyes”. I think that out of all my books, the research I did for this one was my favorite. I studied a little known race of people in Ancient Peru, called the Cloud Warriors. The neat thing about these people is the fact that the conquistadors and other explorers of that time noted in their logs that they all had white skin and red or blond hair, with blue eyes. That really sparked my imagination and the fact that so little was known about them, I was able to make up a fictional society and culture to support their legend for this book.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
I have a website at www.kimberlyadkins.com that has a lot of information about me and what I’m up to. I also like to paint and have some pictures up in a gallery there. There is a painting titled ‘Amon’ up, actually, that goes with my new release Blood Evolution.
- Do you allow readers to contact you? If so, how do they reach you?
I really think that having readers contact me is the best part of being a writer. Wow, I can’t even expressed how honored I feel when someone who has read my work reaches out to me. They can email from my website anytime.
- What are some of the most memorable questions/comments?
I had a reader once tell me that my writing was overwhelmingly beautiful and flowing, like liquid silver. It really took my breath away.
- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?
They inspire me so much to keep at it. Every artist gets good reviews and bad reviews, but for someone to go out of their way to let you know they like your work makes a big difference. I often think back to a kind letter from a reader when I need a spot of sunlight in my day.
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
The biggest reason is that romance novels have a Happily Ever After ending each time. It is so inspiring and satisfying to work on your novel and know in your heart that your characters, these amazing characters that you grow to know and love along the way, will meet a good end and be together when its all said and done.
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
All of it. Every author, musician and artist out there opens up their heart and soul to lay it out on the canvas and the cd…or the blank page 
.
- Where do your ideas come from?
Inspiration can strike anywhere. Not long ago I was staying at a bed and breakfast called Ravenswood Castle in the Hocking Hills. I opened up the wardrobe in the Queen Victoria room and saw an antique medieval dress hanging alone inside. I suddenly saw a whole story flash before my eyes and it is actually something I am working on now called Blood Curse Manor.
- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?
I do think it is important. Clever words and a quick wit really make your characters shine and convey certain intelligence. I always say you have to be smart to be a smarty pants!
- What kind of research do you do?
I love to do research. Especially when it comes to lost cities and ancient civilizations! I’ll use everything from the internet to books…to the History or Discovery Channel. I think it is so much fun to learn and you have that opportunity with every book you write.
- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
I would love to do a Science Fiction story one day. I have dabbled in it and love to study theory. It would be an amazing challenge and one that I would enjoy immensely.
- Fill in the blank favorites -
City - New Orleans. Did I say New Orleans yet? The city is so full of passion, magic and art. The air is sweet with jasmine and sweet olive trees when they are blooming and you can always hear a sultry saxophone playing off somewhere in the distance. So many people think the hurricane wiped that away but it didn’t. The foundation of the city is her people and what doesn’t kill them only makes them stronger, let me assure you. The denizens of New Orleans are extraordinary folks that I admire greatly.
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
I am a member of RWA and I highly recommend that any aspiring writer join their ranks. They are very supportive and have a valuable pool of resources available to writers at all stages of their career. I also have a critique partner, Angela Steed, who is my rock…I can always turn to her and we make it through this crazy world of writing, critiques, publishers and reviews together. I could not do it without her.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Never give up. I know when you are submitting and you get back rejections it is so discouraging. If someone does reject you and they tell you why, try opening yourself up to their explanation to see if your writing can improve from it. If an editor bothers to explain their reasons to you it is a valuable piece of instruction, and one they didn’t have to give so they see promise in your work.
Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Author Links:
Kimberly's Website Kimberly's MySpace Siren's Website Black Lyon's Website Gallery Email One of Kimberly's Favourite Sites One of Kimberly's Favourite Groups Kimberly's Myspace Blog Follow Kimberly on twitter
RaH Links:
Interview Review Review
Information & Purchase Links:
Buy Kimberly's Books at Amazon
Buy Kimberly's Book at Siren-BookStrand
Buy Siren's Books
Buy Kimberly's Books from Black Lyon
Buy Bookstrand Books