Today I am speaking with romance author, Kelly McDonough. Hello Kelly and thank you for taking time to talk to Fallen Angel Reviews.

No, thank you and Fallen Angels for helping me promote my newest book.

I noticed that Crazy for Kate is out. I love the book cover. It has a way of making me look at it more than once. We would love to hear about this story, would you enlighten us?

I’m glad you like the cover! Scott at Samhain Publishing took my idea and really ran with it. It came out better than I originally envisioned it. I wanted something different than most of what is out there – meaning no pecs or cleavage, lol! Not there’s anything wrong with that! It obviously sells. But, this book has a sweeter tone, and I wanted that reflected in the cover – so, readers would have a better idea of what they are buying. Crazy for Kate is a story about a hot-looking construction worker who looks good in a white T-shirt and pair of ripped jeans. He also has a big heart that he wants to share with a family. Enter Kate McKaye and her two – sometimes precocious – little girls. They’re biological father wants nothing to do with them other than sending a monthly check. When Chris and Kate meet, sparks fly. What’s a hot-blooded male in love with the perfect female who just happens to have two adorable daughters he loves to do? Especially when he’s got a secret he’s afraid to tell! That’s all I’ll say. :-)

Do you have any other upcoming projects you would like to share with us?

Sure. IT GIRL is a story about an exceptionally beautiful woman who catches the eye of the publisher of a highly successful and tasteful men’s magazine world-wide. He wants her as his August IT Girl, and this confirmed bachelor starts thinking he wants her in more ways than that. Only problem is she’s engaged to a good-looking, wealthy real estate mogul who is backing her New York City exclusive boutique, Naughty & Nice Clothes. Her boutique is a huge success with actresses and models and the soap operas. However, she just can’t bring herself to set a wedding date because, as she tells her best friend, she doesn’t feel the way she should – romantically about her fiancé. There are some twists and turns as this publisher pursues the woman of his dreams. That should give you a little bit of an idea of what IT GIRL is about -- a hero and heroine living in two different lifestyles in the fast lane, but both craving true love.

Does it take you long to compose your stories?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. I started my first story when my thirteen-year-old son was a baby. However, I had to decide: do I want to raise my children myself or let my mother watch them while I write? I shelved that project and decided to do the mom thing. Whenever I had free time, I would jot down ideas or names or titles for books. Then, when my two children were old enough I began to write. So, that first story took a long time in coming about! Most stories don’t take me long once I know where I’m going with them. I usually can sit and write from page one to end – no problem. But, it’s the ideas formulating that take time – but, trust me, that’s a whole lot of fun – day dreaming! Twist of Faith only took me two weeks to write. Love’s Magic Spell? Well, that darn corporate fairy godmother, Lucienda, used to keep me awake at night. Finally, I decided I had to get up and write down what she was telling me. That story took a month or two. I guess it also involves what kind of family life schedule I have going on at the time. I’m not one to stay up until midnight writing. I need my beauty sleep!

How would you describe your work station where you create your wonderful stories?

Oh, it’s organized, clean and semi-neat. I have my work station, filing cabinets and book shelves lined with reference and research books and favorite titles. I have my calendar hanging on the wall so I can schedule interviews quickly. (I’m a feature writer for a local newspaper and do lots of phone interviews.) I also share the office with my husband. He’s set up on one side of the room – I’m on the other.

Has there been a particular character that you hated to say good-bye to, once your book was completed?

My corporate fairy godmother, Lucienda, from Love’s Magic Spell. She’s so unique, and I can see her bringing together a few more heroes and heroines.

Do you ever suffer writers block?

Absolutely! Right after I finished Twist of Faith – I was stuck. Completely and totally blank. Then, my editor told me I had to write a final chapter for Twist. That got me out of my slump and back in the groove. It was frustrating though – being blocked.

What would you tell a beginning author seeking a publisher?

Don’t be afraid to start with a smaller press. Everyone starts somewhere, and a smaller press is more likely to hold your hand throughout the whole process. That’s a wonderful thing for a writer being published for the first time. The other thing I’d say is submit only to publisher you’re impressed by. Research them and their writers. You might even want to contact some of their writers to find out if they’re happy with their publisher. And, of course, shoot for the stars. If a big publisher is willing to look your manuscript over? Lucky you!

While writing, how does the story develop for you? Do you go from start to finish or create scenes as they come to you?

It usually starts with a scene, but then I go from start to finish. I like order and see events happening chronologically.

Kelly, what would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

I don’t know if this would surprise anyone, but I have a soft spot for abandoned children and animals. I take some of my royalties and donate to certain causes. Okay, here’s one. I absolutely HATE cleaning. I want to be rich enough one day to have my own housekeeper, lol! (Like we all wouldn’t.)

Do you have a habit that you know you will never change?

Yes, that’s letting things roll off my back. I’m so used to doing it that I don’t know that I’ll ever really let petty stuff upset me.

Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

Just a big thank you to them for supporting me by buying my books. :-)

If you could be a character in any Disney Movie, which movie would you choose?

That’s a tough question, Linda. I love the characters in High School Musical and Hannah Montanna, but I’m going to go with a classic. Cinderella is my favorite because I always see ways to twist stories into “Cinderella stories.” I LOVE Disney by the way. I always wanted to work for them.

Congratulations! You just won a year off from work to travel anywhere in the world and write the story of your dreams. Where do you go, what type of book do you write, and what’s the title?

I’d go to Ireland. I have this Irish fairy collectibles doll, named Shannon the Shamrock fairy. When I saw her – I just knew I had to own her. She sits in my dining room cabinet. She’s a beautiful (and expensive) porcelain doll. I’ve always thought she held the key to a paranormal romance about fairies or something like that. Then, I’d turn around and go to Australia just because I always wanted to visit there and hope a story would hit me.

Which room in your home would you say is your favorite?

Oh, for God’s sakes it’s my bedroom. And no, not because of that! (You readers with one track minds :-) ) Because I love sleeping. The more sleep I get the better. It’s a tug-of-war situation with me because I love life and don’t want to miss out on anything. However, many of my of the things I’ve written have come to me through dreams.

I do love your website. www.kellymcdonough.com. Do you have any other links, myspace, Facebook, etc that you would like to share?

No, nothing yet.

Thank you so much for spending time with us, Kelly. It has been a delight, and I wish you the best with your writing.

Again, I thank you and Fallen Angels and all my readers for their never ending support. Without all of you, I wouldn’t have a writing career. I only hope I’ve given my readers an escape from reality through my writing stories that I always say were written with angels beneath my fingertips.

Interviewed by: Linda L.