Thank you so much for having me, it’s a pleasure to be invited to chat with your readers today.
Please tell my readers a few things about Kelly Rae?
I’d love to; let’s see I am a mom first and foremost. My son, Triton, is nine and constantly keeping me on my toes. He is also my favorite person in the world. We currently live in southern California, but I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I love movies, mostly romance and shoot ‘em up bang-bang types. I can’t watch scary movies, because I laugh and ruin it for everyone else. Finally, if you catch me on a good day I will make you a pasta sauce that will knock your socks off!
What made you decide to write "What if..."?
I started writing this book before my son was even born. Then life took over for a bit and I lost focus on writing. Then one day my son and I were talking about his dreams (being drafted into the NBA) and I thought what better way to show him that dreams are possible than to do it for myself. Triton knew I wanted to be a writer and so I went for it, full force. I just decided it was time to live my own dream, so I finished What If… and started the work of polishing, for publishing.
Why is "What if..." close to your heart and what was the challenges in writing this title?
I think since it’s my first published work there is bound to be a level of closeness that will surpass all other books I write. However, there is also the element of forgiveness that is key to me. Things happen in life and we take on blame that is not ours, sometimes shaking that undeserved blame is very difficult. I love the journey that Katie takes to forgive herself and move forward. I think it was actually a lesson I learned while writing the book and forgave myself for a few things in the process.
The difficulty for me was letting go of the story, letting it out into the world where it will be reviewed and judged and not just my little baby anymore.
What are some of the issues for today's aspiring authors?
I think one of the biggest issues currently is deciding whether to wait for a traditional publishing contract or to self/indie pub. This new ability has made a lot more options available to aspiring writers. For a long time it was very important to me to have a NYC, big six publisher pick me out of the blue and publish my book. The trouble is that it can take a long time to be SEEN by someone in the big six. You will face many a rejection by agents and editors before anyone in NYC will take a serious look at your work. J.K. Rowling wasn’t noticed until she had already published the first Harry Potter book on her own, so it doesn’t mean you aren’t a solid writer. It’s a very subjective business, just like reviews and readers themselves. Not every agent or pub house is going to think you or your work, works for them. You can choose to wait for the nod from New York or even a smaller press…or you can DIY. Self-pubbing is also a risk and will take time to build a readership, but for some at least it’s time spent being published. My best and only advice is to research all of the options you have and decide what works for you, personally. Writers are making a success in both veins of publishing. So, research and then write, write, write!
I see you are considered a bit of a daredevil by your friends, tell our readers some of the things you have "dared" to do?
Oh, this is a fun question! Let’s see, I swam with sharks in Waikiki, I bungee jumped off a crane, zip-lined in Catalina. In addition, on a slightly milder scale, I’ve been in hot air balloons, helicopters and raced on the back of a motorcycle. The motorcycle one I wouldn’t do again – not enough protection between me and cement and I have to admit I enjoy my skin. But there are still a few items on the dare devil list
Who would you say is your biggest "supporter" and why?
My biggest supporter is my son, because while I was finishing What If... and working on getting it published, he agreed to move away from California to a small town in Oregon. It was a place where it would be cheaper to live and I had family to help, while I worked on the book. It was a pretty big sacrifice for a seven year old, at the time. Nevertheless, he did it for me and someday I will return the favor and do whatever it takes to make his dreams come true. Here is to hoping that whatever it takes involves a waterfall and rappel ropes.
Please tell my readers where to find you and where "What if..." is available?
What If… is currently for sale in ebook and paperback on Amazon and Barnes&Noble and ebook only on Smashwords, KOBO and Diesel.
Kelly, do you have anything you would like to add today?
Thank you for having me and taking the time to stop by and learn a bit about me and What If… One lucky person who makes a comment on this blog today will win a free copy of What If… via Smashwords coupon so you can download to any ereader or laptop you might have. I hope you enjoy reading What If… should you decide to pick up a copy. Have a wonderful day!
Thank you for spending time with us and our readers today! Thank you so much for having me and I wish everyone a blessed day of living or planning their dreams!
Book Synopsis:
Can once in a lifetime happen twice?
On one fateful night during high school Katie Wright loses everything: her father, the first man she ever loved, dies in a car accident and Chris Staller, the first boy she’s ever loved, breaks her heart. Fast-forward ten years and Katie is a beautiful, successful woman who has spent the past decade doing her best to make her life all about work and to keep everyone at arms length—friends and lovers alike. But she’s lonely and beginning to awaken to the fact that she is only pretending to be happy and content. Working through her emotional challenges while maintaining a stellar career reputation is tricky, but she’s a fighter and always determined to come out on top.
When Katie pays a visit to her old high school, however, she runs into Chris, now a dedicated PE teacher who pines for the one he let get away. An upstanding member of the community and a much better man than he was a boy, Chris is determined to win Katie back at all cost. But Katie is less than receptive to the idea, and when he lays down a challenge, she is determined to come out on top again.
Kindle
Nook
Smashwords
Where to Contact Kelly:Website
Twitter: @kellyraebooks
Author Bio:
Kelly Rae is a native of California, currently residing in a mountain of snow in Central Oregon, covertly planning her escape to get back to her Golden State roots. Kelly has a nine year-old son named Triton, who is her inspiration in all things, and a passion for writing, reading, and traveling.
Good luck to everyone who enters the Giveaway and thanks for stopping by!
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