Because
Kat began writing as an outlet for her own enjoyment, she wrote, and continues
to write, the stories she enjoys reading most – contemporary romance with
strong alpha heroes their ladies can’t resist no matter how hard they try.
Where Kat and Jeanette’s story paths differ from the standard is Ms. Murray
focuses on the relationship before love enters the picture. Her characters have
needs on a level apart from the heart. As such the plots are about
relationships of convenience that become strained when one of them falls in
love. Heady, emotionally charged stuff. Still, Kat handles the challenge with
skill and guarantees a resolve readers will find satisfying.
“The
Game of Love” was Jeanette’s debut novel about a former NFL player now coaching
high school football and the pro-tennis player now teacher and coach in the
same school. The “Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.” trilogy soon followed,
beginning with “The Officer Says I Do.” Each book centers on one of three
Marine officer friends and the not-so-average relationships they encounter with
women so wrong, and ultimately, so right for them.
Kat’s
first novel (and Jeanette’s latest release) is “Taking the Reins.” Peyton
Muldoon needs a trainer for her failing horse ranch, but whisperer Redford
Callahan has no interest in wasting his time with a soon to be defunct
enterprise. That is, until Peyton arrives at Redford’s hotel room with a
sensual offering he can’t wait to negotiate. Oh yeah. The poor man is in so
much trouble.
If
you enjoy well-written contemporary romance with an edge, give Kat and Jeanette
Murray a try.
Q)
You initially wrote to satisfy your need for romance novels. What made you
decide to take your stories public?
A)
After writing and enjoying writing for myself, I just decided it was worth a
shot. I was a stay at home mom, and while I liked creating the stories for my
own pleasure, I figured there was nothing stopping me from sharing them and
doing the research to find a publisher. I had the time, and I had the drive.
Q)
I have to ask: Is your husband home and safe and what are your future plans?
Thank you both for his service by the way.
A)
He is home safe, thanks for asking. And you’re welcome, though I know both of
us never really consider it service. It’s just his job, one he loves, and I
love him so there it is. Future plans are always up in the air in this
lifestyle. For now, we just want to continue to focus on keeping our family
together whenever possible, and for us to raise our daughter and keep her happy
and healthy!
Q)
You also wrote the novella “No Mistletoe Required.” Do you prefer writing the
shorter stories or full length novels?
A)
I get a reward from both short stories and full length novels. Novels give me the
chance to explore the relationship more, twist more turns into their lives,
delve more into a back story or secondary characters. Novellas are more
focused, and so they get to the heart of the matter, with a little less drama
than a novel, simply because of the lack of words. Usually if I’m feeling the
burnout from novels, I try a novella for the change of pace. Literally,
novellas have a different pacing, and a different approach to their plots.
Q)
You are very active on Twitter, Facebook – Internet social sites. How important
do you think a digital presence has become for authors?
A)
I think digital presence is as important as the author wants it to be, for lack
of a better way to say that. I do believe a website is almost required, since
fans want a single place where you can list all your releases and the info for
them. But social media is what you make of it. If the thought of tweeting makes
your teeth grind, it’s not for you. And that’s okay. If you force social media
and it’s a chore, people will sense that and it won’t be effective. I only do
what I enjoy doing, and I enjoy tweeting and posting on Facebook. I was in
college when Facebook started, back when it was ONLY for college people. So
I’ve had a Facebook account since the day it literally existed. It’s very
natural for me to get on Facebook and cruise. I LOVE when readers reach out to
me and ask questions on social media, or just share tidbits about their day
with me. That’s why I’m on there, to chat. It’s not static, it’s meant for
interactions.
Q)
“Taking the Reins” is actually the first of a planned trilogy. What came first,
the characters who would live your story, or the plots?
A)
The characters come first, always. I don’t write suspense (at least not right
now) and so what drives my plot, what is at the root of the “conflict” for each
book is what the characters are bringing to the table. I like to write
characters you could know. I want readers to believe this is happening, that
they could head to a horse ranch and meet Red or buy a horse from Peyton
because they’re that believable. So the conflict is from the characters
themselves.
Q)
Any parting comments for fans and potential new readers?
A)
I’ve been writing for three years now and it still amazes me when someone
contacts me to say they’ve read my book and they loved it. I love hearing from
readers, so seriously, come on by and say hi. Write me an email from my contact
page on my website, or tweet at me (@KJMurrayBooks) or leave a post on my
Facebook wall. I always try to respond, and I love it.
DA Kentner is an
award-winning author www.kevad.net
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