Interview of Author Coleen Kwan

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author Coleen Kwan.

Latest Book: Real Men Don't Quit
Buy Links:
Amazon:  http://amzn.to/ZbHQaO
Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/10E4j1
Kobo:  http://bit.ly/ZfXB7f
iTunes:  http://bit.ly/XUOg35

BIO:
Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoy s avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.

Q: What part of the book is the easiest for you to write? Why?
A: The easiest part to write is usually the beginning of the book. That’s because I’ve spent a lot of time thinking of my characters, envisioning them, imagining how they interact with each other, and very importantly, how they first meet each other. Like the opening scene of a movie, the beginning of the book introduces the characters and sets the mood between them. Planning the first meeting between hero and heroine can be so much fun, but going on from there is a lot harder. I can dream up lots of fun story beginnings, but often that’s all they ever are—beginnings.

Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you? Why?
A: Undoubtedly the hardest part for me is the middle. Usually when I plan a story, I have strong ideas about the beginning and the ending, but the middle part is a gray area that requires fleshing out. It needs rising conflict, character development, emotional arc, all at a good pace. Plus it needs to work toward the ending I’ve already planned. The middle is the meaty part of the story between the appetizers and the desserts!

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: My favorite character in Real Men Don’t Quit is Tyler Jones, my heroine. She’s feisty, sassy, and independent. She’s had a tough childhood but she’s risen above that. She works hard and is fiercely protective of her three-year-old daughter, whom she’s raising on her own. I like Tyler because she’s the opposite of me. She does and says things I’d never dream of. That’s the beauty of writing stories—I can create characters I could never be.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: That’s an interesting question! To me they don’t look the same because they have distinct personalities. However, I have noticed that when it comes to physical descriptions of my heroes, they all tend to have dark hair. I must have a thing for dark-haired men! (BTW my partner has dark hair.) That’s the only similarity I’ve noticed.

Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: I don’t have one favourite romance book of all time, but one that always sticks in my mind even years after I’ve read it is The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. It’s a fantastic story, and the romance between Tatiana and Alexander is something else. It’s not an easy read but definitely worth it.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: I’d quite like to try writing a romantic suspense story. I’ve had an idea for one at the back of my mind for a while now. Why haven’t I written it? Well, I think writing a suspense novel is actually quite difficult, especially maintaining the element of mystery and danger, and then combining that with romance is a tricky balancing act. Also, I don’t have the time at the moment! But one day hopefully I’ll feel more confident about writing a romsus.

Links:
Website: http://www.coleenkwan.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ColeenKwan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coleenkwan.authorpage

BLURB:
Serial bachelor. Celebrity author. Her perfect forever?

When famous author Luke Maguire decides to write his next novel in the small town of Burronga, Australia, he's sure he can ignore the fiery redhead next door. Not only has he just been burned from a high-profile breakup, but he's never been one to set down roots. No, he'll finish his novel and leave Burronga. And soon.

Tyler Jones just wants to run her business with her best friend, Ally, and take care of her three-year-old daughter, Chloe. She's never needed help from anyone, especially not a man, and the brooding, rugged writer next door can't tempt her. Not in the least.

Only Tyler and Luke can't stay away from each other. So they set rules. No staying overnight, no future plans, no sappy good-byes when Luke inevitably quits town. But the chemistry between them is too strong to contain in a rulebook. Are Luke and Tyler ready to risk their lives of independence for something more?

EXCERPT:
His warm breath stirred the hair at her temples. “I’m uncontaining right now.” Lifting his hand, he brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. “And all because of you.”

His feathery touch had her tingling. She gulped, amazed he could affect her so much with so little. The spark in the depths of his black eyes hinted he was experiencing the same response. She leaned back, moistening her lips, waiting for the inevitable—for him to lower his head and kiss her.

But he didn’t. Instead, he trailed his fingers through her hair, lifting the strands one by one. “Your hair…I’ve been racking my brain trying to find the right description for it. It’s like fire and marmalade and cranberry. So soft, too…”

His caress transfixed her, the sight of him fondling her hair more erotic than she could have imagined. “Um, most people just call me carrottop.”

“Huh. That doesn’t do you any justice.”

He tangled his fingers around the back of her hair, tipping her face up. He gently skimmed his lips down the length of her exposed neck. She caught her breath as hot sensations rolled through her, the feel of his lips exciting her. With his body pressing up against hers and his fingers twined through her hair, she was at his mercy, but instead of using his advantage, it seemed he wanted to tease her, tantalize her, control her and the situation.

She wasn’t used to the man calling the shots. If it had been anyone else, she would have tired of the game and taken over. But Luke was different. With him, it was exciting to allow him the upper hand. As he continued his leisurely exploration of her neck and earlobes, she felt herself melting, giving in to him. She coasted her hands over his chest and shoulders, aching for his mouth to crush hers, but willing to let him set the pace, for now at least.

Using his hips, he nudged her into a better position and wrapped his free arm around her waist, bringing the full length of his body against hers. She traced the outline of his torso, relishing the tautness of his muscle until her hands rested on his hips, the urge to pull his shirt out of his waistband almost irresistible. Luke licked the underside of her jaw, the wet flick drawing a gasp from her.

“What are you doing to me?” she whispered, her desperation growing, her rules against making out now a distant memory. “The way you’re nuzzling my neck, I could swear you’re a vampire.”

He chuckled, mouth still nestled against her throat. “Tyler, you have a very kissable neck. It’s enough to turn anyone into a vampire.”

She squeezed his waist. “I have other kissable parts, you know.”

Straightening a little, he gazed down at her, eyes brilliant as jet. “Are you telling me where I should kiss you?”

“Only if you’re looking for directions.”

“Angel, I’m not lost. I’m taking the scenic route.”