Guest Author: Beth Kery

Posted September 29, 2009 by Casee in Promotions | 44 Comments


Beth Kery is with us today to talk about her October release, Paradise Rules. Her most recent releases include Wicked Burn, Daring Time, and Sweet Restraint. I’ve read Paradise Rules and have to admit that I want to visit Hawaii sooner rather than later.


Book Binge: Can you tell us about the first book you wrote?

Beth Kery: I wrote a romance when I was back in my twenties and submitted it to Harlequin. At one point, an assistant editor called to clarify a point in the manuscript, and I was so excited I almost couldn’t hold a comprehensible conversation. Later, she rejected it with all these handwritten notes on how to improve the story. I was so crushed that I threw away the manuscript and didn’t write for ten years. I was an idiot, and didn’t have enough experience to realize that was a promising rejection, and that the assistant editor probably expected me to resubmit with the suggestions. I still roll my eyes when I think about it.

BB: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

BK: I never had an ‘aha’ moment. It was sort of a gradual process. Even today, I have to remind myself that I’m a writer because it seems a little surreal.

BB: If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?

BK: I’d just do my other job full time, but for fantasy’s sake, I’ll say an FBI agent.

BB: What is your writing schedule like?

BK: I set a daily word count when I have a deadline. I usually try to get my word count done in the morning, but at times, it stretches to all day.

BB: Tell us about your upcoming release, PARADISE RULES.

BK: It’s a very sensual love story set in Hawaii about a woman who reluctantly falls for a man who sort of embodies the island and everything she’s been trying to escape for most of her adult life. It’s a story about facing your fears and coming to terms with the past, but it’s also a terrific romance. Sparks really fly between these two powerful, stubborn characters.

BB: What book was the most fun to write?

BK: Hmmm…I would say Daring Time. I loved researching early twentieth century Chicago and touring the Prairie Avenue mansions.

BB: Which one of your books do you think is your best work?

BK: Oh jeez…it changes with every book I write. At the moment, it’s a toss up between Wicked Burn and Paradise Rules, but Gateway to Heaven consistently remains in a top position.

BB: Is DARING TIME your only time travel?

BK: It is my only time travel. I loved it, but time travels are not the hottest thing on the market at the moment, unfortunately. I wrote a proposal for a follow up to Daring Time called Making Time, but I don’t know if it will ever be published or not. It’s kind of on the backburner at the moment.

BB: What’s up next after PARADISE RULES?

BK: I have a Christmas themed novella coming out from Samhain in early December called Holiday Bound and an erotic contemporary from Berkley in February 2010 called Release.

BB: Who is your favorite romance author?

BK: Well, once again hard to get a straight answer out of me. It’s a toss up between Jane Austen and Sandra Brown.

BB: Do you re-read? If so, what is your favorite book to re-read?

BK: I definitely re-read–it’s a comfort thing for me–any book by the above authors or any Harry Potter book.

BB: Is there any other genre you have wanted to write?

BK: I’d love to write straight contemporary, steamy but not erotic. I’d also love to try YA someday.

BB: For readers who haven’t read your books, which one should they start with and why?

BK: That’s another tricky question. I’ve had people start with Daring Time and be a little let down when they move to the straight contemporaries, and the opposite has been known to occur as well. People start with Wicked Burn and then get to Daring Time, which is a paranormal light/time travel and go…what’s this? If you enjoy contemporary erotics, I’d start with Wicked Burn, as I think it’s a good example of my writing style and voice.

BB: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

BK: I would say don’t be afraid of rejection. Consider it a mark of experience. Nobody likes rejection, but it is part of the publishing experience. Don’t be like I was when I was a naïve twenty-two year old and throw away a manuscript because of one rejection.  Put a different spin on how you interpret rejection. Think of it as a battle scar to be proud of, and know that you are one step closer to being published.

Thanks so much for the thoughtful interview, Casee.

BB: Thanks for being with us today, Beth!

Leave a chance to win one of two autographed copies of Paradise Rules. And if you have any questions for Beth, have at it!

________________

Edited to add: Leave a comment by Sunday, 10/4 at 11:59pm PDT.

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44 Comments

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44 responses to “Guest Author: Beth Kery”

  4. Amy M

    I loved Sweet Restraint! It was so fantastic! That is one in my re-read pile actually. I just got it out the other day it is waiting for me. I just have to finish the one I am into now, and then I am reading it again!

    Amy M

    Reply
  8. Sarah Simas

    What a great interview!

    It was a blast learning more about Beth! Especially, the part about circular-filing her MS. OMG! I could totally relate. When I get flayed by my CP’s, I always think about just scrapping it all and going back to watching General Hospital during the kids’ naptimes! LOL

    Congrats on the new release, Beth!

    Smile!,
    Sarah Simas

    Reply
  10. Wanderer

    Nice interview! I’ve only read Wicked Burn and I thought it was a very hot yet real story. The tragedy, the aftermath, the healing, the romance. All combined to make a wonderful book. I look forward to Paradise Rules because of the Hawaiian setting and characters. I don’t know why the islands/islanders are not used more often in romance. Seriously, have u seen some of the men? Hot people in hot climates!

    Reply
  11. beth kery

    ODM–Hi fellow Chicagoan. 🙂

    Chris–lol, are you saying the DT cover is edible?

    Erin and Wanderer–so glad you ladies enjoyed Wicked Burn. Paradise is the most similar to WB than any of my other books, not in content, but in tone. Thanks!

    Amy M–thanks so much. That’s a real compliment, for Sweet Restraint to be in the ‘read again’ pile.

    RKCharon–I have been to Hawaii several times, and yes, I was there right before writing the proposal for Paradise Rules. I actually saw something there that sort of inspired the core of the story. Lea at the Closetwriter blog mentioned it in her review, if you are interested.Thanks!

    I’m glad you enjoyed Daring Time, Tetewa.

    Joder–well, I guess you never know. The publishing world is a mystery. But yeah, I’d love to write Making Time. Ryan and Hope were featured in it, although it focuses on a different couple. I love the atmospheric quality of time travels.

    Sarah–yeah. The trials of being rejected or heavily critiqued, right? It’s a writer’s personal battleground. Glad you stopped by!

    Rowena–thanks to you ladies for having me. 🙂

    Thanks for stopping by Razlover!

    Reply
  12. Mary G

    Congrats on Paradise Rules upcoming release. I too loved wicked Burn & tried Daring Time on faith. It was just as amazing considering the parallel stories that had no loose ends. All of your books have strong plots & characters and beautiful language that makes me sigh. Sweet Restaint & Paradise Rules follow in the same path. Don’t enter me. Just wanted to cheerlead.

    Reply
  13. Leah Braemel

    I’d definitely recommend Wicked Burn as the first Beth Kery book to read. I love Beth’s writing – her alpha heroes. Yum.

    (OMG on tossing the Harlequin note!)

    Reply
  16. Natasha A.

    Yeah, I must say I am definitely more of a Wicked Burn girl than a Daring Time, but only because time travel isn’t my thing 😉
    BUT I did absolutely LOVE Wicked Burn!

    Reply
  19. Sharon

    I absolutely love Daring Time and Wicked Burn! I’m catching up on Sweet Restraint so that I’ll be ready for Paradise Rules when it comes out. Beth, I just love your books so much! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  22. Tracy

    I started my love of Beth Kery books with the Subtle Lovers series from Elloras Cave. I think that series is a great introduction to Beth’s work.

    Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

    Reply
  24. Cathy M

    I’ve gone through all of Beth’s EC releases, as well as, Daring Time, Wicked Burn, and now reading Sweet Restraint, and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. The storylines and sensuality really work for me and based on the excerpts for Paradise Rules, I’ve got another winner to look forward to.

    Reply
  25. Rowena

    Hey thanks for stopping by Book Binge today, Beth…I read Wicked Burn and enjoyed it so you’re on my radar! Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  26. Anonymous

    My family’s planned trip to Hawaii went to hell when my son’s appendix burst a week before we were supposed to leave, so I’m hoping I’ll win and get to enjoy some fantasy visiting. — willaful

    Reply
  34. Suzie

    Hi Beth,

    I’ve read good reviews about your books
    but haven’t tried any of them yet.
    I have to confess sometimes the cover
    does influence my decision to buy or at least
    read an excerpt of a book.
    And unfortunately your cover heroines are the type
    of heroines I try to avoid to read (tall, thin, sexy/gorgeous).
    My questions for you, do you have any plans to
    write about heroines that are physically ‘unattaractive’ by modern standards (eg plump, plain) or even older than the hero?
    My second question is have you ever thought
    that the cover models are not quite what your
    h/h looks like?
    Thanks.

    (I apologize if my comments does not come
    as clear, but English is not my first language)

    Reply
  37. beth kery

    Awww, Mary G thanks! You are very kind.

    Hi Leah! Nice to see you here. Thanks about Wicked Burn and the alphas. :)Same to you, Natasha.

    Jane–I actually have written straight contemps–Gateway to Heaven and Flirting in Traffic–but I haven’t sold yet to the NY market with a straight contemp. I have a straight contemp series with my agent at the moment. Fingers are crossed for that one. Thanks!

    Anonymous–oh, I’m sorry about your son. Poor guy. You all must have been bummed. Paradise Rules is very atmospheric, so while not a replacement for Hawaii, still a nice alternative. Best to you.

    Tracy, you are a sweetie. Thanks so much.

    Tracy D–I don’t have a super strong opinion about book trailers, but I do think they are a viable way to reach the reading audience. People like to be entertained, and if you can get your name and book out there in the process, all the better. I had my first done for Paradise Rules, and really liked it. I’ll probably do another.

    Hi Suzie! Cover models rarely look like what an author envisions. It’s a rarity if they do. A lot of people are under the impression that the publisher hires models for these covers, but that’s the exception, not the rule. The art departments use stock photos, for the most part. So do I think the man and woman on the cover of Paradise Rules look like Jason and Lana? Jason–not at all. Lana–the face is pretty good, but Lana is a lot more curvy. Nevertheless, I think it’s an attractive cover that generally is representative of the story.

    I hear what you are saying about tall and thin, etc. In Flirting in Traffic, I featured a full figured heroine who was self conscious about her size, and of course the hero that she was sexy as heck. Thanks for your note!

    To everyone else, I appreciate you stopping by and saying hello. Your good wishes mean a lot to me.

    Reply
  38. flchen1

    Hi, Beth!! Great to see you here! I’m so glad to hear about your books coming up after Paradise Rules, too–it’s always good to know there’s more good stuff to come 🙂 Hope you’re having an exciting run-up to release day!

    –Fedora

    Reply
  39. Bella

    Hi Beth! Congrats on the upcoming release! In fact, it sounds like you have a full publishing schedule coming up for the next few months — awesome for you AND awesome for us!

    Thanks for the great interview and giveaway!

    Oh, and Making Time shouldn’t stay on the back burner tooo long 😉

    ~bella

    Reply
  40. Booklover1335

    Beth Kery is one of my new fav finds this year. With Daring Time, Sweet Restraint and now Paradise Rules. Have been anxious to read this one for months!

    Thanks for the great interview, and Beth…I would love to read a straight contemporary. They are a fav genre of mine because the focus of the story is the characters falling in love.

    cldivineATyahooDOTcom

    Reply
  43. Eva S

    Great interview! You are a new-to-me author, but I’ve heard so much about your books and I’d love to read one!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

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