Name: K E Osborn (Kimberly Osborn)

Age: 29

Where are you from: Adelaide, South Australia

A little about your self i.e. your education Family life etc:
I live with my best friend – Kay, Bella my Moodle (Maltese x Poodle), four green tree frogs, and Edward and Alice the Zebra Finches (yes, the name’s are from Twilight). I studied a Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design at TAFE, and have a small graphic and website design business – which is lucky because I am able to design my own book covers.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

My debut book Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy was released on September 7th, 2013 on Amazon and Smashwords. I have received great reviews so far and it has been a very exciting time.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

In high school I had a love of writing, but decided on a career in Graphic Design instead. It wasn’t until I had a vivid dream about a couple meeting through a three car pile up, that I felt like I had to write this story down.  Next thing I know the idea has turned into a Trilogy.  My dream was in October 2012, and I set myself down and started writing solidly until the Trilogy was on paper.  It wasn’t until my best friend Kay, found the work and started reading it that I realized I wanted to publish it.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It wasn’t until I sent my work out to Beta readers, that I realized that my work was of a standard that people were enjoying. After receiving the great reviews from randomly selected Beta readers, I considered myself a writer.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

As discussed above, the Trust Me? Trilogy was born from a vivid dream.  I have written other books (to be released) and they have also come from dreams. I have a pen and paper on my bedside table ready, so if I wake up from a dream, then I can jot it down.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes, mainly contemporary romance.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title is the theme of the Trust Me? Trilogy. Jenifer Taylor, who had an absent father, and was jilted by an ex boyfriend, developed major trust issues with men. Her trust issues span the first book, when she is ultimately asked the question by Aiden O’Connell, her love interest, “Do you trust me?”

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

It’s an age old question; can you trust someone you love? A lot of women out there can relate to this question, and the answer will vary from woman to woman. Trust is something that must be earned.  This book explores that exact question.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

A percentage of the book is realistic in the fact that I can relate to Jeni. Most of the book, however is fiction.

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Jeni’s trust issues are based upon my own. I’ve had an absent father for most of my adult life, and my ex partner was very dominant and controlling, which caused my issues of trust in men to be jaded. Jeni’s best friend, Sarah is based upon one of my friends.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life?

Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey brought me back to love reading books again. I love feeling the emotions when reading a good book for the first time.  That’s what helped to inspire me to start my writing career.

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Whilst writing Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy, I found a series of books by K.M. Golland, called The Temptation Series. I read these books quickly, and loved them. I realized that K.M. Golland, was a fellow Australian writer and contacted her. She very graciously helped me through the entire process of self publishing. Without her help, I am not sure the book would be out now.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am about to start, on recommendation, The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towle, which is followed by Wethering the Storm.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

I really loved the Thoughtless series by S.C. Stephens, and I know she has a new book out called Conversion. The other author that I really enjoyed was Emma Chase, with her book Tangled.   It was one of the funniest books I’ve read.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I have two current projects. The first is called Just Friends? and the second is called It Will Rain?

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

I had a lot of support from my family and friends, but outside of family the one that stands out was one of my best friends Marni.  She read and re-read my books over and over again without complaint, even when I would send her the book in portions and then change it and send it to her again. I am very thankful to have her in my life.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely, I love it.  Lets face it, I guess that should be – I hope so. I am very humbled by the reaction so far to my debut novel.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

It was changed so many times from the original draft, that I think I have it pretty much perfect in my eyes. Maybe I would have added a little more of the supporting characters, Sarah and Chris as everyone seems to love them.

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

It started at high school, when I wrote a story about war for English class.  The emotions when I was writing it, really made me realize how much I enjoyed the writing experience. However, I did not follow it through, and ending up becoming a Graphic Designer.  However, in 2012 I decided to follow my heart and ended up writing again.  I now know this is what I love doing, and want to make it my career.

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

The first project is called Just Friends? which is about an Australian girl Kat Barett, who moves to LA to further her music career. She meets a cocky and arrogant Will Sanders, at her college. An Indi Director hires Kat and Will to star in an upcoming movie franchise. The story talks about their rise to fame, how they cope with it, and ultimately go from being just friends to falling in love. The second project is called It Will Rain? which is about Makailie Raine, a budding author who is on the right side of the tracks. She meets Cole Barrington, who is from the wrong side of the tracks. Cole is dominant and ruthless in his business dealings, which makes Mikailie quickly realize there is something he is hiding from her. Cole is infatuated by Mikailie and her innocence, but he doesn’t want to drag her into his darkness. This book may develop into a series of two books, but the first one is still in the draft stages of writing.

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

English and grammar, neither being something that comes to me naturally. Luckily for me there are editors who help make my books great.

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I think S.C. Stephens is my favorite author at the moment. The angst and emotion I felt whilst reading the Thoughtless series was overwhelming at times. It made me want to jump into the book and slap Kiera (the lead female) so many times it wasn’t funny.  It was frustratingly good reading.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

No, not as yet as this is my debut book. However, I would be open to travelling if needed.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

As a Graphic Designer, I design my own covers. Graphic design is my second love, and I really enjoy designing them. The main reason being that they turn out exactly the way I want. Seems I excel in all things creative.

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I guess when I really think about it, I love getting the story down on paper, but really detest the multiple drafts and editing process. Of course, it’s something that you have to do, but it seems to take so long to complete. The process makes the book the best it can be, and therefore is a necessary evil.

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

When I first started writing Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy, I was doing it for fun, rather than seeing any serious writing potential that I might have had. I learnt from various readers that my writing was good, and from there I decided to make a go of it.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

You need to find out ALL the information you need before you self publish, including reading all the information provided by Smashwords and Amazon. Especially things like, the USA tax laws, and proper formatting. I ended up spending a great deal of time reformatting my work because I did not understand the correct formats for dialogue etc. The USA tax laws require that you have an ITIN number to reduce your payable USA tax. This number takes considerable time to receive.

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

THANK YOU. Your support for my debut work means a lot to me. I ensure that I answer every question that readers ask me via Social Media and/or any other means. I want to make sure that I am available to my readers as much as possible.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

My main hobbies would be graphic design, which I enjoy doing in my small business Swish Grafix and Web Design.  I also enjoy going to dog shows, and show dog training with my Auntie Wendy’s Akitas. My main past times would be reading and listing to music. I love Australian Rules football (AFL), and my team is the Adelaide Crows. Go Crows!

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

Let’s start with TV shows.  Currently I enjoy watching Big Brother Australia but don’t tell anyone lol. We have a soap opera here in Australia called Home and Away, which is full of manly eye candy, so therefore it’s top of my list to watch. Some others are Game of Thrones, Revenge, The Vampire Diaries, Grimm, Lost Girl and Warehouse 13. As for movies I like the new Star Treks, The Notebook, Iron Man and the Avengers. Then there are the old classics like Xanadu and the Labyrinth.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Favorite foods – well I like food there’s no doubt about that, but favorites would be the classic bangers and mash, love a good BBQ and pasta.
Colors – pink is my favorite color, followed closely by green and yellow.
Music – my favorite band is Bon Jovi, but I also like anything pop.

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

In my wildest dreams I would have loved to be a drag car racer. But of course that’s never going to happen.

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? if so what is it?

Website
www.keoosbornauthor.com
Goodreads
www.goodreads.com/author/show/7203933.K_E_Osborn
Amazon Author Page
www.amazon.com/-/e/B00F6RK2HS
Facebook
www.facebook.com/KEOsborn
Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/froggy585

Amazon Purchase Link
www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0G6JRW

Smashwords Purchase Link
www.smashwords.com/books/view/354821

Also available on Kobo and Barnes and Noble

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