A voracious reader, Kathleen Ball quickly discovered the world of romance novels and she knew she was home. Kathleen wrote her first book two years ago. She was shocked to find out that people loved what she wrote. All of Kathleen's novels are award winners. Callie's Heart is her first published novel. It is the first book in The Lasso Springs Series. Kathleen lives in Texas. She moved there from Rochester, New York and is having the time of her life exploring Texas culture. Kathleen is married to her wonderful husband Bruce and they have one son, Steven. They just welcomed new additions to their family, a new daughter in law, Brittany and her cute as a button son, Colt.
She feels blessed to be supported in her writing by her family and friends.
Welcome, Kathleen.
Where do you live, and how has your environment affected your writing?
I live in Fort Worth, Texas. I moved here from New York six years ago. I never thought I'd ride a horse and hand out in stables but I do.
How many books have you written?
I have written five novels.
Give a short synop of your most recently published book.
Callie Daniels' mother has one dying wish. She wants neighboring rancher, Garrett O'Neill, to marry her seventeen year old daughter. It's not supposed to be a conventional marriage. Garrett O'Neill would keep Callie's ranch safe and Callie would go away to college.
Four years later, Callie comes home with stars in her eyes and happily ever after in her heart. She plans to make their marriage real until finds the new housekeeper, Sylvie in Garrett's arms.
Heartbroken, Callie takes off to her own house, which they closed up four years ago. She stays there with Old Henry, a longtime friend and ranch hand, until her new horse injures her. Garrett forces Callie to move back in to his house.
Callie finally gets her heart's desire. Alone in a line shack, they make sweet love for the first time. Unfortunately the love light is gone from Garret's eyes the next morning.
Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?
Callie's Heart will be available April 1st as an ebook.
What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give other writers?
Join writing groups online, writers are the nicest people I've met. Believe in yourself, give yourself a pat on the back when you meet a goal, whether it's a certain word count or finishing your novel. We don't get raises or Atta boys from bosses. We have to congratulate ourselves.
We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?
While I was writing, I made friends and I watched. An online presence is a must. A website, facebook, booktown, twitter. There are more. Share other's work on your sites. Buy their books and review them. Learn how to use twitter and build up a following. Retweet other's tweets. I'm hoping that all the time I took networking will pay off.
Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for 2012 or beyond?
Callie's Heart is available in April. Texas Haven in June. Ryelee's Cowboy in August. Lone Star Joy in September and Stetson's Storm in February 2013.
Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
www.kathleenballromance.com
