Saturday, April 07, 2007

Wesley Interviews Kissa Starling

Welcome to Wesley's first interview! For those of you who do not know, Wesley (the hero in HOLDING FAST) is seeking interview subjects. You do not have to be an author or a writer. If you're interested in being interviewed, friend him and make a request on myspace. If you don't have myspace, just email him at wesley@emmasanders.com

Kissa Starling is Wesley's first interview. Welcome, Kissa!

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Wesley: What is your favorite color?

Kissa: Lavender

Wesley: What is your favorite food?

Kissa: French fries with ranch dressing

Wesley: Do you prefer cars, trucks, or SUVs?

Kissa: Anything convertible

Wesley: If you could drive any automobile in the world, money is no object, what would it be?

Kissa: Volkswagon bus with flowers painted all over the outside by me

Wesley: What got you started in writing?

Kissa: I started writing in diaries when I was young- a form of expression- an outlet if you will

Wesley: How long have you been writing?

Kissa: I started writing, with the intent to submit, about ten months ago

Wesley: What is your favorite genre do you write in and do you stick with one genre or several?

Kissa: I love Erotic Romance but I have submitted a Chick Lit story recently. I am also working on several children’s stories.

Wesley: Do you have a set schedule, something to get you going before you write?

Kissa: I usually write when everyone else in the house is asleep. That way I don’t have to worry about anyone interrupting me. I take a glass of Crystal Light and sit in front of the computer for hours. I try to make it to bed before everyone else wakes up!

Wesley: Do you prefer music, television, or silence when you write?

Kissa: I like listening to music and sometimes have the television on but once I get in my groove I am oblivious to any background noise.

Wesley: I noticed on your webpage you prefer to spend time with family and pets. What kind of pets do you have?

Kissa: I have two German Shepherds, two rabbits, two hermit crabs and two adult cats- my Moon just had six kittens and they are adorable.

Wesley: If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be and why?

Kissa: I would have to say a cat. They get away with everything! I would hunt during the day, eat whenever I liked, and lay around- only interacting with humans when I felt like being scratched.

Wesley: Tell me about your purses.

Kissa: Last count I had sixty. My husband vows it’s more. I can’t seem to go shopping without buying a purse. My favorites are beaded and vintage. I have one in every color imaginable and even take odd items and make them into purses. I never get bored because I change them so often. I could talk about purses all day long!

Wesley: Wow, that’s a lot of purses! What books and/or authors have most influenced your writing?

Kissa: When I was young I loved Judy Blume and V.C. Andrews. I enjoyed a few fantasy stories like ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’.

Wesley: Are you a sports fan?

Kissa: I adore baseball. The Atlanta Braves are my team of choice. I go watch them play a few times a year and keep up with the scores online.

Wesley: Tell me about your current release.

Kissa: I have a short story, ‘Candy Kisses’, coming out June 6th with Twilight Fantasies Publishing. It is a Twisted Fairytale- the x-rated version.

Wesley: Any upcoming projects you want to talk about?

Kissa: I have several stories out with publishers right now and I’m hoping to hear back from several of them this month. I am off in the summers so I plan to finish my first novel this July for publication.

Wesley: Who or what inspired you to write your first book? How long did it take to get published?

Kissa: I was browsing online and happened upon a Christmas writing contest. I wrote my first novella and submitted it. They asked me to revise and resubmit but I was devastated and worked on something else for a while. I have since learned that is all part of the process. I first published online last June, about two weeks after I started writing, at Sensual Venus. They accepted another story of mine in July. In November I sold my first short story to Steamy Audio and then I was offered a contract with Twilight Fantasies Publishing in January of this year. I’ve been really lucky so far.

Wesley: If you could have any career in the world, what would it be?

Kissa: My husband keeps telling me to win the lottery so we can retire. I picture myself living in Savannah, close to the beach- still pecking away on my laptop (that I will buy with the lottery winnings). I would like to someday paint my own book covers in watercolor. (I used to be an art major).

Wesley: Up until you were 15, who do you feel has made the greatest impact on your life? What about after the teen years?

Kissa: I have had my grandmother to look up to my entire life. We don’t live close but she is always there for me. She is a writer also. Other than her I would have to say my son. He has made me want to be a better person- I want him to have all of the opportunities I missed out on.

Wesley: What is the most embarrassing moment you’ll own up to?

Kissa: I had to think about this one. I have regular ‘blonde moments’ in my life. One time the remote entry pad batteries went dead on my key ring for the car. I asked my husband how we were going to get in- imagine my embarrassment when he said- “Use the key.” I have to admit I have went to the copier and asked, “Where are the pictures I printed off the computer?” at work. They just look at me and shake their heads.(For the blondes out there- computers print to printers, not copiers)

Wesley: LOL, Emma’s computer at work will print to her copy machine, so you can just use that as your excuse next time. Which star or celebrity would you most like to hang out with and why?

Kissa: I would like to meet Mel Gibson and dance with him on “Dancing with the Stars.” I love to dance and wear extravagant gowns.

Wesley: What have you learned about yourself in the past year?

Kissa: When I go for something I go all the way. I am even more determined than I first thought.

Wesley: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Kissa: Persevere- keep writing.

Wesley: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Kissa: I love to hear from readers and opening mail is one of my most favorite past times. I want to thank every person who has every read one of my stories.

Thanks for taking your time to interview with Wesley and congratulations on your success!

3 comments:

Rhonda Helms said...

What a great interview. And my manpanion would CROAK if I owned that many purses...HAHAHAHAHAHA

However, the man did build me a closet just for my shoes, so I guess he DOES "get" me. :D

P. Robinson said...

So you are saying you have more shoes than I have purses Rhonda? I have a closet to myself also. We just gotta love the men in our lives don't we? : )

Ansley Vaughan said...

Nice interview...

And I bet I've got more shoes than both of you put together!