Animal Prints by May Williams

Photographer Ian Kroft’s dream is to finish his book on fellow veterans. When his father offers him the funds he needs in exchange for persuading a family to sell their farm, it sounds simple. Then Ian meets Collette and in a flash everything changes.
Cherry Ridge Farm is home to Collette’s family — and to her animal rescue center. The slim, gorgeous veterinarian has no intention of selling. Soon Ian’s chasing after her runaway dog and laughing at her jokes, and he knows that if he lets slip his real purpose, she’ll never forgive him. Ian’s torn between his book and his new romance...all while his father is clamoring for him to seal the deal. Collette can trust a dog to come back when she calls, but a man? Collette’s been burned more than once. Then a sweet, athletic photographer pops into her life and makes her wonder if it’s time to picture a new future.

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

I started seriously writing in 2009 (that manuscript lives a dark life in a desk drawer). I learned a lot along the way and was first published in 2011.

What is it about 'chick lit' / 'romance' that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres?
I do read other genres. I like mysteries, crime dramas, and literary fiction. However, my first love is romance. I’m a sucker for a happy ending, of course, but I also enjoy watching the romance develop and survive the challenges.

Can you tell us a little about your latest release?
The Michigan Moonlight Series has been released over the summer with Animal Prints (June), Snow Prints (July), and Finger Prints (August). Animal Prints is the story of Colette and Ian. Colette, a veterinarian, owns a particular piece of land that Ian is supposed to purchase for his father’s company. Ian, just out of the army and making his living as a photographer, soon discovers that he doesn’t want the property, he wants its owner.

What inspired you to write it?
I love the part of Michigan where the book is set so place was the initial inspiration. Then, I fell in love with my characters. I like real people in books so that’s what I created.

If it was made into a film, who would you cast as the main characters?
As I was writing, I pictured the heroine as looking very much like Gwyneth Paltrow. As for the hero, I’d need a tall, dark, and handsome guy. So many possibilities that I can’t decide.

What is your favourite book that made it to the big screen?
I enjoy many of the film adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. I love the BBC version with Colin Firth because of its accuracy to the novel (and Colin Firth’s dreamy looks). However, the Keira Knightley adaptation is just beautiful.

What was the last book you read and would you recommend it?
I’ve been making my way through Marie Force’s Gansett Island series and I would definitely recommend it. The men in those books are men you’d like to know.

Where do you currently write? And where would be your dream writing location?
I have a little writing space upstairs in my house where I can look out at the fire and police departments across the street. Although I live in a small town, there’s plenty of activity (and some good looking guys) always in view.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I’m the youngest of four sisters. When we get together, it’s absolute chaos because we all try to be in charge.

Tell us an interesting fact about where you live.
Summers are beautiful with crystal light and blue water and a great amusement park about ten minutes away. Winters, well, that’s a different story. Whenever I think about winter, I hear the moan of wind through the masts of sailboats. It’s a lonely, cold sound.

What inspires you as an author?
Writing is addictive. When I’m writing and it’s going well, I get a sort of rush. Sometimes there are agonizing moments of staring at my computer screen, but I get past those when I picture my characters falling in love.

What are your (writing) plans for the future?
I have two projects going at the moment, both contemporary romances. One is the first book in a series set on a plantation turned resort in Virginia. I have several books envisioned in that line, pages of notes, but few words on paper. The other book, which I’m thinking of as a stand alone at the moment, is set at a historic home, open for tours, in Massachusetts. The handsome and wealthy owner is going to fall hard for a lovely researcher who comes to delve into the secrets of his family.

Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list.
My bucket list is all travel both in the U.S. and outside. In the U.S. the place I must go someday is Key West. I was there once when I was five, but I don’t think that counts.

What do you listen to whilst writing?
I listen to soundtracks from movies. My favorites are Somewhere in Time, Saving Private Ryan, and Lincoln. Really, anything composed by John Barry or John Williams will work for inspiration.

Name one of your all time favourite songs.

Brown Eyed Girl always makes me happy.

May Williams is convinced she read every book in the public library of her hometown as a kid. They were wonderful inspiration for life as a novelist. If she’s not reading or writing, May can be found pursuing her other two passions – sewing and running. May lives happily in a little town on the shores of Lake Erie with her husband, two children, three cats, and one oversized dog.
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