I’m so happy to have Kaki Warner at Smexy Books today. Both of her western historical trilogies are favorites of mine. Tomorrow, Bride of the High Country releases.
Who is Kaki Warner? Give us the low down.
Ah…my least favorite subject. I guess I would describe myself as a late bloomer baby boomer and twenty-five-year overnight success, because after piddling around with writing for a quarter century, I finally got serious about it after I retired. I now live in a remote area on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in north central Washington with my husband of forty-six years and our rescue coon hound. I’m a lousy cook, a haphazard housekeeper, and I cuss a lot (with cause, I think. Forty-six years is a long time). I don’t hunt but I do own guns (we’ve had bears and rattlesnakes on our deck, and cougars abound in our area. Luckily wolves were recently re-introduced just to keep us on our toes. But not to worry, animal lovers. I’m a lousy shot, too.) I have an irrelevant and irreverent since of humor and find it hard to take anything seriously. I’m also the luckiest person you know. It’s a great life.
You are coming up on the close of your second historical western trilogy. Pieces of Sky started it all back in 2009. What inspired you to write about the Wilkins’s brothers and set it in the New Mexico Territory?
I lived in Texas and spent a lot of time visiting New Mexico and Colorado. For a girl raised in the big city (Houston), those wide open spaces and that sense of freedom had a great appeal. (As did the guys in tight jeans, but that came later). I grew up on the Code of the West as described by Zane Grey and portrayed by various western actors—I love mountains, and horses, and cowboys (but that came later), and always wished I could have lived back then (but with modern conveniences, of course). When I started Pieces of Sky, I just wanted to write a story about a lonely but steadfast man caught in a cycle of destruction, guilt and a desperate struggle to keep his land and family together. Then I cast people (mainly a woman) and obstacles (mainly himself, as well as a crazy bad guy) in his way to throw him off balance and hopefully show him a better way to live his life. After twenty-five years of goofing around with it, I shipped it out as book one of a trilogy (to be written) with his brothers as stars of their own books. It snowballed from there.
I read in a previous interview that you didn’t start out by writing Pieces of Sky as a romance, that is just where it happened to fall. In later books do you find yourself focusing more on the romance as you write?
It was my editor who decided to label it as a romance. A good marketing decision, since the majority of readers are women, and the majority of those are romance readers. Have I focused on the romance more in later books? I don’t know. Probably. I just mostly write the story my characters dictate. But I don’t think any book is complete without a love story somewhere within the pages…especially in books that are more character-driven than plot-driven. I try to do both. But only the readers can decide if it works.
Along the same line, while your books have a lot of romantic build-up, a lot of times the door closes on the sexy times. Do you ever feel pressure to incorporate more physical romance scenes into your books?
Only from you, Mandi, LOL.
*Mandi sneaks in – it’s an innocent question! *grins*
Every author has to decide how far to take the violence, language, sex scenes, angst, whatever in their books. There are many writers who can do sex scenes much better than I can, but how many can kill a horse with finesse? (Trust me, animal lovers, it was necessary—for the horse and the plot). I consider myself more of a storyteller than a romance writer, and would hate to have readers thumb through the story to get to the sex scenes, or skim over the sex scenes to get back to the story. I knew I was taking a risk not putting in more graphic scenes. But I’ve been gratified by the number of readers who write thanking me for focusing more on the “romance” of the relationship, rather than the “ins and outs” (get it?) of the sex scenes. Besides, these characters are my friends, and I don’t want to see ANY of my friends getting it on. I get enough raised eyebrows as it is.
Your current trilogy focuses on three women who form a strong friendship in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado. The final book, Bride of the High Country releases June 5. Tell us a little more about it.
Lucinda’s story was the hardest to write, not only because it dealt with the exploitation of a child, but because of structural issues. These bride novels are so closely woven, even though most of Lucinda’s story covers the time before she reaches Heartbreak Creek, I had to include some of Edwina’s and Maddie’s stories to give continuity to Lucinda’s (does that make sense?) Plus, since the hero and heroine weren’t even in the same location for the early part of the book, I had to keep the relationship going and growing. The odd thing is that I was already well into the book before I realized the main male character wasn’t the hero. I just hate when my characters wait so long to tell me stuff. But from then on, everything started to make more sense to me. In addition, I had the added task of making Lucinda more likeable. She came off a bit harsh and cold-hearted in the first two books, but I think once the reader knows her background and the emptiness she struggles to hide, they’ll like her better. And thankfully, the perfect guy came along to show her to the right track. This is a romance, after all.
Have you read any romance books recently that you’ve enjoyed?
I’m ashamed to say I hardly get to read any more. And when I’m writing, I have to be careful that I don’t become influenced by another author. Kinda weak-minded, huh? There are tons of great books out there calling to me, but I just don’t have time. Although on a recent trip, I started Genevieve Graham’s Sound of the Heart, and am enthralled. She writes gritty, dark, action romances with incredible historical detail and an almost lyrical quality to her prose. She could easily influence me, so I can only read her work in snatches.
Your Blood Rose Trilogy was recently released in mass market paperback. Where is Brady Wilkins’s mustache on the cover of Pieces of Sky? I am a huge fan of a mustached hero. His lip looks so bare. *grins* Do you have a preference to landscape covers vs. sexy men?
GADS. I know! I think he looks like Sophia Loren with beard stubble. WTF? When I whined about it to my editor, she said facial hair doesn’t sell well. Still… Brady and I were both embarrassed. Hanks’ cover (Open Country) was pretty good, but Jack (Chasing the Sun) looks like he’s barely past puberty. Now they’re working on the mass market covers of the Bride’s books and they’re along the same lines as the Wilkins mass market covers—although Declan looks too skinny and Ash has no premature gray in his hair. Oh well. I’m just glad they have on all their clothes (one wouldn’t want to mislead the reader, you know). The problem is that I don’t visualize real people when I write. Otherwise, they start to walk and talk like them rather than the character I’m trying to depict (weak-minded, remember). So I’m always shocked to see how the art department portrays them. I think, overall, they’ve done a tasteful, geared-to-the-market job on most of them. And although the cover of Bride of the High Country is beautiful, the pose and model are a bit sweet for a woman who spent two years in a brothel and is crafty enough to run rings around most men. But that’s just me. My favorite so far? The trade cover of Pieces of Sky. Maybe because it was the first, or because the colors are so vibrant, or because it was a good representation of the story. But Hank’s cover isn’t bad, either.
What is up for you next? Another western trilogy? *fingers crossed*
Now that you mention it… I just signed a contract for three more books set in Heartbreak Creek where we’ll be visiting with all the old characters, as well as meeting new ones. There’s a lot of unfinished business to cover—saving the town, resolving the railroad and water issues, birthing Edwina’s giant baby, and figuring out what’s up with Thomas and Pru. The first one involves a woman trying to cover for her famous father’s dementia, a lonely and embittered railroad security agent, a budding love story between a Chinese girl and R.D. (Declan and Ed’s oldest), a serial killer, and trouble ahead for…well, you’ll see. Fun stuff.
*Mandi jumps for joy!*
Thanks so much Kaki! Today, Kaki is giving away one copy of Bride of the High Country. To enter, just leave a comment. Contest open to US/Canada through June 6th.
haven’t read this offer…would love to try one of her books
Good luck in winning a copy, kathyp. And thanks for coming by.
I am just starting Chasing the Sun, and I love the series so far. Don’t know why I waited so long to read them. I would love a copy of Bride of the High Country.
Great, Susan. Glad you’re liking the Wilkins brothers. BOTHC is the third in this second series. Check your library for copies of the first two, HEARTBREAK CREEK and COLORADO DAWN. If you read them first, this one will make more sense. Good luck.
Bride of the High Country sounds good. I like the cover. Thanks for the giveaway.
And than you for coming by, Crystal. I hope you win a copy.
Oops. That’s “thank” you for coming by, Crystal.
Love, love, LOVE these books & can’t wait to read Bride of the High Country! Got my book group to read Pieces of Sky & now most are hooked! So delighted to know there are more Heartbreak Creek stories coming up!
WOW, I really appreciate that, AnneM. I hope you like this one, too. Good luck in winning a copy. And tell your book club thanks, too, for reading my book.
I love her books! Fantastic writer! I would live to win!
Hey, Kim. I would love for you to win, too. Thanks for coming by and good luck.
I’m a HUGE fan of Kaki and have read all of her books excepet Bride of the High Country. I’d love to win a copy.
Hi again, Joyce. Glad you came by. And good luck winning a copy. It was a fun book to write.
I live in Spain and before my kindle had trouble getting new english books. So I have not read any of yours YET but these sure look like my sort so I will be on the lookout for some. To win one would be even better.
Petula, this second trilogy should be going into mass market late this fall (December?), at which time the Kindle editions will be cheaper. I hope that helps.
Hi Kaki,
Great interview! I think I may be stalking you. I am hitting every blog where I find your book. What can I say I love your books and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this one. You are an awesome author and you write westerns my favorite books to read.
Quilt Lady, stalk me all you want. Hopefully, you’ll win a copy. I really appreciate your support and kind words. Good luck!
This is one book I am very anxious to read! I discovered your books later and flew through them quickly, only to have to then wait for this one. I, for one, don’t miss the sex scenes. If a book has great character development and an engaging story I don’t notice the lack of sex in it. I am just thrilled to have found a new historical western romance author.
Oooh, thanks, Janet. And as with my other books, it’s hard for me to take those scenes seriously, so I hope you’ll enjoy the condom scene in this one. Thanks for reading my books, and good luck winning a copy of this one.
I enjoyed the author’s comments on her books’ covers! I’m still trying to get around to reading a romance western. (Or is western romance?)
HA! Justine. It’s western romance. Come on, give it a try. I promise I won’t abuse your ears with venacular speech, or insult your intelligence with bigger than life cowboys. My guys are all pretty flawed and hopefully, fairly real, despite being romance heroes. And thanks for coming by.
I’m looking forward to reading these books!
Great, Estella. Hopefully you’ll win a copy. Good luck!
I love historical novels :D Glad to find a new author!
I appreciate that, Arianne. Thanks for giving my books a try. I hope you like them. And good luck in the drawing.
I love Kaki Warner’s books. Her covers (the originals) are always beautiful…works of art really. I’m excited about the release of BOTHC. I can’t wait to read it.
I have been lucky with my covers, haven’t I, Angie? I hope you like BOTHC as much as the others. It was a difficult one to write, but I really love these characters. Thanks for coming by and good luck in the drawing.
I love your books so much they are wonderful to read over and over. Your characters have realistic flaws that become insignificant when love enters their relationship..but I especially love your humor. I still laugh thinking about Brady and the umbrella. Looking forward to reading Lucinda’s story. THANKS…for the GREAT READS!!!
You’re welcome, Margaret. And thank you for reading them. You might find the condom scene in this one almost as humorous. Let me know. Good luck.
I haven’t really read many westerns. Are these books a good start? They do sound pretty good!
Of course they’re good, Sarac. Would I lie to you? But you can check out an excerpt at http://www.kakiwarner.com just to be sure. Or better yet, win one. Good luck.
I am not entering the contest but I just had to say how much I love love love Kaki Warner!! She is one of my fave authors. Great interview!! I am soooo excited to hear that she is continuing the series and we will find out what happens with Thomas and Pru and Edwina!!!! Woo-Hoo!! Have a great week!! Love your blog!!
Hi Mariann! What lovely words to wake up to (it’s 6:30 here. AARH.) Thanks for the generous support and for coming all this way just to say nice things. You have a great week, too!
I enjoyed the interview. The book sounds good.
Glad you enjoyed it, bn 100. And good luck winning a copy.
I love that you cuss alot but hey, you’ve been married 46 yrs. Loe that. I cuss alot but I may be in big trouble because it’s only been 23 yrs. Or 24 but who’s counting anyway?
I would love to live in the moutains like that. My dream.
The book sounds awesome and congrats on being a 25 yr overnight success. Continued success wishes.
Thanks, Vicki. 23 or 24 years? Hmmm…you still have expectation, then. It’ll get better, I promise. (Just kidding. Maybe). Living in the mountain is wonderful, except in winter when it becomes a life-threateing ordeal just to get down our driveway. But I’ve had bears on my deck, and coyotes threatening my dog, and rattlesnakes by my steps, and I get to watch deer from my office window. If you’re writing western romances, that really helps set the mood. Thanks for coming by and good luck.
Not entering, as I live in Holland. Thank you for the great interview ladies, I really enjoyed reading it. And I am one of those (few?) readers that don’t mind less sex in their books. Looking forward to reading a western romance.
Holland! How cool is that? No, really…how cool is it? It’s like 40-something here and rainy. Hope your day is prettier. Thanks for coming by, and I hope you get a chance to read a western romance that doesn’t have graphic sex…but lots of cussing. Have a great day!
Lol it is cold here. Only 12 degrees Celsius or so, and gray and rainy. I like it to be around 22-24 degrees, that is a perfect temperature.
You KNOW how I love your books, Kaki! I’m heading out today to pick this one up.
Thank you SO much for mentioning “Sound of the Heart”. I could influence you? LOL I don’t think so!!! But can I quote you on that? :)
It’s true, G. Your prose is almost lyrical and your characters are unforgettable, although they could probably cuss more. LOL. I can teach you if you want. Thanks for coming by. I know you’re busy promoting your own new release, so I really appreciate it.
I’ve just started reading westerns here recently and I’m always looking for new authors to read. This sounds great! I’ve already added The Blood Rose trio to my wish list.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Great, Paula. The Wilkins brothers are a hoot. I hope you like them. Good luck in winning a copy of BOTHC.
This sounds like a great book,please enter me in the giveaway :)
reginamayross@gmail.com
Thanks for coming by, Regina. Good luck.
Sounds really good!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks to you, too, Natasha. Glad you came by, and I hope you win a copy.
Sounds like a really good book. Please enter me in contest.
Glad you came by, Victoria. Your name is in. Good luck.
Beautiful covers to go with great stories.
Thanks, greenduckie. I like them, too. Good luck.
Kaki sent me. Enter my name in the drawing because she is beyond fabulous and such a wonderful person. :)
Yes! Yes! I am. You’ve taken the words right out of my mouth (or off my facebook page). LOL. Your name in in the drawing. (See how easy that was?)
I’d love to win again! Love this lady’s books!!!! kaki is an awesome writer!
Thanks, Juanna. I appreciate that. I wish you good luck. Again.
Congrats, Kaki! I’ve got several of yours on my TBR, and can’t wait to catch up with this trilogy :) YAY on the next, too ;)
I’m glad you came by, Fedora. Good luck.
Love you, Kaki! One of the most brilliant writers to come along in ages! So glad to hear the 3 more books are in the works.
Wow, Connie, thanks! (You’re now officially in my Will.) Meanwhile, good luck winning a copy of BOTHC.
I would be thrilled to win a autographed copy of Kaki Warner’s new book……Kaki is a wonderful writer really enjoy reading her books too
I would love for you to win one, too, Linda. You’re obviously a discerning reader who only deserves the best. Good luck.
Thanks for a great interview and giveaway! Kaki is a new to me author and I’m definitely popping over to Amazon to check out this trilogy! I haven’t had the chance to read any good western historical romances lately and these sound fabulous!
I appreciate that, Erinf1. You can also read excerpts on my website http://www.kakiwarner.com to be sure they’re something you might be interested in. If so, thanks for giving them a try.
Yes, it takes immense skill to kill off a horse and not lose a horse & western crazy reader!
How about you’re an open-minded author, not a weak minded author?
Glad you escaped Houston, as a Colorado native Houston is just all sorts of humid, bug-filled swampiness, except when Wings over Houston and the Stock Show are on.
Another trilogy? Hot Damn!
HA, Larisa. Because of you I haven’t killed off any more horses. Because of my brother, I haven’t let any more dogs die. See, I’m not too old to learn new tricks. But it’s odd that no one cares about the people I kill (like poor Mr. Satterwhite). And I think you’re being generous about Houston…even when the wings and horses come through–you didn’t mention the 6-inch-long roaches. Glad you came by. Good luck.
I was gonna mention Mr Satterwhite …
Love these books! Really looking forward to this one!!!!
Good Luck Kaki!
Thanks, Debbie. Hope you win one. I appreciate your coming by.
Kaki sent me :)
And thanks for coming, Doughty. Hopefully you’ll win a book. Good luck.
This is a great series and I’m so excited that the new book is out.
Thanks, Maureen. Glad you came by and good luck winning a copy of Lucinda’s story. Have a great day!