INTERVIEW with KRISTIN LEE

I would like to thank Kristin Lee for taking the time for this interview!

BIO:

Kristin Lee writes romance novels that include the four S’s:
Steamy * Sexy * Sometimes Sweet * Swoon-worthy Book Boyfriends

Her books feature Forbidden, Second Chance, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Age Gap, Brother’s Best Friend and Forced Proximity.

She is married with two sons, born twelve years apart. Kristin wanted to be a sports caster growing up but ended up managing a Recruiting firm in Chicago, before moving back to Kentucky and starting a business with her husband. She also taught pre-school until she left to pursue her passion.

If she isn’t writing or reading, you’ll find her streaming her favorite shows, or attending sporting events. Did I mention she loves having a Bourbon cocktail while at the horse races?

If you haven’t found your match, don’t worry, you will.  But for now, take a romantic journey in one of her romance novels, where you are sure to meet a swoon worthy book boyfriend.

When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I never knew I wanted to be a writer until two years ago. During Covid I had ample time to write and my husband and family encouraged me. I was always a good student, so I bought some trade craft books and started studying. 

I read Stephen King’s Book, On Writing. One of his main points was to READ what you WRITE and delve into why you liked that particular book and more importantly why did that book fly off the shelves. I read all the time. 

I average about ten books a month mostly romance but some mysteries.

 

Did you have any influencing writers growing up?

Not really. I always read but I wanted to be a sportscaster, and a fashion designer. 

Of course, I ended up being a business owner, the Director of Recruiting for a staffing company and a pre-school teacher.

 

Are any of your characters based on people in real life?

Not yet, although some of their personalities are based on people I know.

 

Where do you draw your book inspirations from?

Some from real life but Stealing A Second Chance came from a dream. 

My son and his friends had gone fishing at a nearby pond after his baseball game, so the prologue is based on that event. That night I woke up and wrote seven chapters on my phone. 

I have fat thumbs, so it was hard to tell what I wrote while trying not to wake the hubby.

 

Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?

I’m a pantser, letting the characters drive the story. 

When I start a new novel, I just write the first chapter with no idea of the details of the story.  All I know is the trope and that there will be an HEA. 

After the first chapter, I write down 2-3 points that I want to make in the next 7 chapters. 

Then when I’m writing it, things may change drastically. It’s a process of rewriting 3-4 times.

 

When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?

I know their physical description but think about how many brown eyes there are in the world. What makes my character's eyes different?  

I wrote Stealing A Second Chance Oct/Nov 2021 and it wasn’t until a few days ago that I found what I think Wilson Shepherd looks like and even that is not a dead ringer. Maybe there’s only one Wils and he exists in my mind.

 

Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation.  What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?

I read a lot. Mostly at night before I go to sleep and by that I mean 2-3 hours. But I love to binge a good tv show too.

 

Who are your favorite current authors to read?

My current favorite authors are L.A. Cotton, Helena Hunting, Devney Perry and Emery Rose. They never disappoint me. 

I love to read and write angsty love stories.

 

What are your favorite books by others?

My top 5 that I’ve read this year are:

1) Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy

2) The Words by A Jade

3) Little Lies by Helena Hunting

4) The Rebound by L.A. Cotton

5) Letters to Molly by Devney Perry

 

Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?

Yes! My first series, The Racing Hearts Series takes place in horse racing towns like Santa Anita, Louisville, and Saratoga Springs. 

My husband has worked in various capacities in the sport for 30 years.

 

Do you write in single or multiple POV?

Multiple POV. I want to know what both characters are thinking because it helps me drive the book forward. 

Plus, don’t we all want to know what’s going on in a man’s head?

 

What do you find to be your best research tool?

Authors and the internet. I mean, it doesn’t have to be real, so the internet is a perfect place for fiction authors.

 

Do you write under a pen name?  Also, do you write under more than one name?

Just one pen name, Kristin Lee.

 

What genre do you write and why is this your preference?

I write contemporary romance with an emphasis on sports because I love them. 

I hear so many people say but I don’t like sports. When I write a sports romance, it’s about the characters and sports is at least one of their jobs. 

In my baseball series, book 2 takes place in the off season so it’s more about his contract, and book 3 is the President of the team. 

So, although there are some references, for me it’s always about the trauma and baggage the characters carry.

 

Tell me something about yourself outside of writing.  Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky trait...what led to you being you?

I played basketball in which I was an epic failure. I shot at the wrong goal and won the game for the other team. Still to this day people will ask if I was the one. It doesn’t matter that I got was First Team All-State for softball, or that I was captain of the cheerleading team. I’ve always been a positive person, so I took it as a badge of honor that I was memorable. 

I think what holds many people back from achieving their dreams is the possibility of failure and I never let myself think that way. My definition of success may not be what someone else’s is, so I keep that in mind. 

As an adult, I always need something competitive to spur me on. I don’t compare myself to other authors because I am ME.

 

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Start a social media presence before you release your first novel. Review other people’s books in the genre you’re writing.

 

How do you deal and process negative book reviews?

I literally just slumped in my seat but caught myself. Not going to lie—they hurt. But I don’t read them first thing in the morning so they don’t ruin my day, nor do I read them late at night so I can sleep.

Generally, once a month, I’ll go through anything 3 stars or less and make a spreadsheet of what they didn’t like about it. If I see recurring themes like “I hate cheating books,” then I will be more careful about writing cheating.

None of my main characters have ever cheated on each other…one couple in my first series was on a break like Ross and Rachel.

Luckily, I’ve had very few 3 stars or less so I chalk it up to different tastes in reading.

 

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Getting started with a new book that is in the same series. I love my characters so deeply that it is hard to move on. 

It took me six weeks to start Sliding Headfirst after writing Stealing A Second Chance. I was so invested in Wils and Kenni. I’ve read that book at least twenty times as I was writing it and then a few times since. 

But I’m so glad I gave myself some breathing room because I love how Patrick and Avery’s book, Sliding Headfirst turned out.

 

What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?

Lots of colored pens

Two notebooks:

One is for my daily to-do list

One is for my work in progress where I write words I want to use or plot points or a new character desc.

A neatish desk

 

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?  And why?

Helena Hunting because she writes spicy sports romance. Some are funny romcoms and some are so angsty they tear you down. I love her versatility that she can write both ways.

 

What is your schedule like when you are writing? 

8-10 Writing

10-1 Admin /social media posting

1:30-5 is a combination of marketing and trade classes

9:30pm-1am Writing (I do my best writing when everyone else is in bed)

 

Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?

M & M’s. I really need to find a replacement but is there one?

 

Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?

I have to be listening to music, usually something a little slower to keep a beat in my head.

 

Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?

We just bought a puppy, Cavapoo. Yes, he’s 5 lbs and he likes to jumps on my keyboard and chew on my charging cords. 

It’s like having a newborn but so worth it.

 

What is your kryptonite as a writer?  What totally puts you off your game?

Interruptions. I have to stay in the zone especially since I’m character driven.

 

Have you ever killed off a character that your readers loved?

No.

 

How do you celebrate after typing THE END?

A glass of wine and a few days off.

 

I hope you enjoyed this interview!

Check out all my interviews/reviews for Kristin Lee!
https://readingbydeb.blogspot.com/2022/05/author-at-glance-kristin-lee.html#more

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Connect with Kristin:

Email:
kristinleebooks@gmail.com

Website:
www.kristinleebooks.com

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