Welcome Author Katherine Garbera

One of the best things about having my own blog is that I get to invite whomever I want to be my guest here for a day. I’ve gotten to know so many wonderful writers this way and discovered a ton of fabulous books! Today, I’m welcoming fellow Tule Publishing author, Katherine Garbera, whom I’ve never met in person because she lives way across the pond! But I had a blast interviewing her here. Katherine is a USA Today bestselling author, who writes emotionally sexy contemporary romances.  An Amazon, B & N, and iBooks bestseller, she is also a two-time Maggie Award winner and has over 115 books published. So great to have you here, Kathy!

What inspired you to start writing?

I had always been an avid romance reader since the age of the 13.  When my daughter was born I wanted to have a job that I loved and where I worked from home so I started writing.  It took me three years to sell my first book.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

Usually characters for me, though sometimes plot but when I get the idea for the plot first, I find the story is harder to write.

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?

Hmm…that’s a tough question. I really love the writing process and I find when it is going well everything about it is a joy. Sometimes when I’m doing the final read-through of the galleys before publication I’ll read a line that I really love and I’ll have to go back and see if I wrote it or if my editor added it in. Always I wrote it.

What is the key theme and/or message in Red Hot Texan?

The key theme is hard for me to define. I wanted to write a story about opposites and used that old rule—two dogs, one bone—to build the conflict. Emma loves to read, Red is dyslexic. Emma loves to be inside, Red loves the outdoors.  Emma needs someone who is totally honest, Red has a secret he can’t share. The thing with this kind of conflict for me is that it makes natural tension in the story.

If you had to describe Red and Emma, each, in just three words, what would those three words be?

Well Red would say Emma is feisty, smart, and beautiful. And Emma would describe Red as tenacious, caring, and a good kisser.

What were the key challenges you faced when writing Red Hot Texan?

The key challenge I faced was that in Texas Christmas Tycoon, I had Red mention to Brendan that he was going to woo Emma using tips from an old fishing guide. So I had to find some good fishing tips and then apply them to things that Red would do. Once I had the list, the story just fell together.

What are you reading now?

I am rereading Susan E. Phillips Heaven, Texas. It’s one of my favorite books and every now and then I just have re-read it.

Favorite book when you were a kid?

When I was a young kid I’d have to say Trixie Belden mysteries and anything by Judy Blume.  When I was just starting to read, The Secret Three (it’s an I Can Read Book). The first romance novel I read was by Johanna Lindsey–Fires of Winter.

What was your dream job when you were younger?

When I was 8 I was going to be an astronaut but that was before I realized they had to know a lot about science which I’m not good at. Then I was going to be a business woman in Japan. Then I was going to be a teacher, then a flutist and that stuck with me until I had to audition in college and hated being rejected to my face. Then a writer. 🙂

If you could choose three people to invite for a dinner party, who would they be and why?

Living people? I’m going to assume that, I think I’d like to talk to Neil Gaiman I like the way he creates stories and characters and I think he’d be interesting. I’d also invite Reese Witherspoon. I think she’s had an interesting career and I think she’s had to make some tough choices to finally find herself running the show. Lastly, I’d invite the British comedian Greg Davies. He’s so funny and cracks me up so I think he’d keep us laughing.

If you mean anyone living or dead then here’s my dinner party list.  Zora Neale Hurston because she wrote and lived in Florida and I’d love to talk to her about my home state and her experiences in it. Baroness Orczy because she wrote such a dashing hero and seemed to be current with the time she lived in. Lastly, my maternal grandmother, Rose Wilkinson, because I miss her so.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

I always want to give a tongue-in-cheek answer: tall, gorgeous, and svelte! But the truth is I’m caring, a good listener and a good friend.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to tell your readers about?

I’m finishing up the last book in the Corbyn Sisters series featuring Delilah Corbyn and it is so much fun. I’m going to miss the Corbyn sisters when their books are done.

Kathy’s book Red Hot Texan releases today and is available at all book retailers. 

He’s only got one shot at hooking her heart

Red Aldean has his sights set on his longtime friend, Emma, who seems more interested in her regency romances than dating. A renowned river, adventure and fishing guide, Red is no stranger to a challenge. With his heart on the line, he turns to his trusty Texas guide to fishing—all he needs is patience, a plan and the perfect bait.

Last Stand librarian Emma Corbyn prefers to find her romance in books. It’s much safer. While she’s not set on perfection, she needs honesty. When larger-than-life Red Aldean starts wooing her, Emma can’t help but let her guard down. And even this bookworm can’t ignore the sizzle that ignites when he’s near.

Emma feels like she can trust Red with her heart, until she learns he’s keeping secrets. Does Red need a better lure to reel in the prize of his life?

Amazon | B & N | Apple Books | Kobo | UK 

Follow Kathy at her website or on social media: Facebook; Twitter; and Instagram.