Author Interview with Katie Kenyhercz

Do dreams ever inspire your writing? What did you last dream about? 

I often don’t remember enough about my dreams to include any wild ideas in my writing, but usually that magic period right before I fall asleep is when a good bit of dialogue or a plot twist will hit me, and I’ll have to write it down before I drift off and forget it. In my last dream, one of my MFA instructors turned out to be friends with one of my high school teachers, and I was happy because they’d always seemed like cosmic twins to me.

When did you first start writing? And when were you first published? 

I first started writing X-Files fan fiction when I was twelve. I created my own first characters in my late teens but wasn’t published until 2013.

What is it about 'chick lit' that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres? 

Chick lit has evolved so much and is no longer a genre in itself but a style of writing that’s finding its way into almost all other genres. I think the first I heard the term was around the time Maryjanice Davidson started writing her Dead series. I loved the snarky, funny tone. It was so different from the prim and proper writing I was used to reading. I’m so glad I can find that kind of voice in romance, mystery, sci-fi, and even horror now.

Can you tell us a little about your latest book?

Lorelai Kelly was mere inches from her Olympic goal, but a broken ankle landing a triple axel in the spotlight forced her to delay the gold medal hunt another four years. Now she's starring in the Sin City on Ice show to make ends meet and focused on a comeback that keeps eluding her grasp.
Dylan gained national attention in his early teens and went on to become the NHL's youngest captain and leading scorer in his second season. He breathed new life into a sport that had been dying in the States, but it's lonely at the top. Now the captain of the Vegas Sinners team is feeling the pressure and looking for something more.
America's ice princess might be the only one who can help his current slump-and Dylan's way of expressing thanks could undermine everything Lori has worked for. Can two people who spend their lives on the ice thaw just enough to let each other in?
Buy the book here: Amazon B&N iBooks

What inspired you to write it?

This is the 4th book in my Las Vegas Sinners series. I introduced Dylan in the first book, and readers loved him so much, they wanted to hear his story. He was inspired by Sidney Crosby, my favorite player. I was always intrigued by how well he handled so much pressure and responsibility at such a young age. I asked myself what kind of woman would be his perfect match, and it needed to be someone who could understand what he was going through. An Olympic skater was just right.

Who designs your covers? 

I’m published through Crimson Romance, so their art department creates my covers.

If your latest book was made into a film, who would you cast?

I’ve always seen Josh Hartnett as Dylan. My inspiration for Lori is a model named Andi Davis.

What's your favourite 'chick lit' book that made it to the big screen? 

Definitely One For the Money by Janet Evanovich! I love the Stephanie Plum series.

What were the last two books you read?

I’ve been under writing deadlines for the last two years and haven’t had much time to read, but I’m still trying to finish the last Odd Thomas book by Dean Koontz because it’s one of my all time favorite series, and before that, I read Miss Guided by Alexia Adams.

Name one female author you think deserves to be better known. 

Rachel Caine! She has a decent following now, but she’s brilliant, and I wish her books were movies or TV series.

Where do you write? 

At home, I usually write at the kitchen table, but I have three writing dates a week where I’ll meet my RWA chapter mates at local coffee shops for a few hours.

Tell us a random fact about yourself. 

I’ve been a vegetarian since I was twelve.

Who would play you in the movie about your life? 

Reese Witherspoon. Short, blonde, blue eyes, and just the right mix of sweet and sass.

Tell us an interesting fact about where you live. 

I live on an Air Base, so at any given time, there’s probably a C-17 plane above you.

What are your (writing) plans for the future? 

I’m wrapping up the Sinners series with the fifth book, Fair Trade, out later this year. After that, I’m going to do a collection of short stories, each one catching up with a couple from the series. After that, I’m not sure! I may genre hop, but there will always be romance in what I write.

Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list. 

I’ve always wanted to visit the Maldives. Tropical paradise!

Name one of your all time favourite songs. 

The song that’s been kind of an anthem for my series is “Vegas Girl” by Conor Maynard. It’s up-beat, and you can’t help but dance.

What do you listen to whilst writing? 

If I’m writing at home, I need quiet because it’s easy to get distracted. If I’m writing in a coffee shop, the background chatter and light music blend into the background, and I can shut them out.

Who (or what) did you want to be when you were a kid? 

I wanted to be a doctor. I loved the idea of really helping people and making them feel better. My dad is a general physician, and I used to go with him on hospital rounds to see patients. When I was a junior in high school and took my second chemistry class, it became clear that my talent was writing. I realized what I considered a fun hobby could actually be a life path, and it was the right choice for me.

I live in Seattle with my Air Force hubby, and I write hockey romance. I played one season of roller hockey when I was fifteen--it hurt enough that I decided I liked it better as a spectator--and it's been true love ever since! My fictional team is the Las Vegas Sinners, and my real-world team is the Pittsburgh Penguins.

I like strong, capable heroines who bring out the vulnerability in their tough guys.
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