Name Kristi Ahlers

Age

Where are you from California

A little about your self `ie your education Family life ect

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Well in the past two months I’ve had two releases. Her Highland Rogue, which is book two in my Clan Ross series and my holiday novella The Trouble with Holly. I’m really excited about both of these books and so far been getting great feedback on them which is a total bonus.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

 I began to seriously write for publication about thirteen years ago. I was in the middle of getting my degree in history and was studying in England and a historic event I came across in my research made me stop and go hmmm…from there I plotted out my first story. Gabrielle came to be.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

 After my first novella was accepted and published in 2004. I realized that I really didn’t write garbage if a publishing house was willing to take a chance on me.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

 I was living in England and came across the tragic event of the Sepoy Mutiny in India. I was so dismayed by what happened and I had Gabrielle and Devlin already talking to me but no story for them until that moment. I thought “what if” and away I went with the writing.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

 I do and it depends on if I’m writing my historical stories or my contemporary/paranormal stories. My historical romance tend to be more sensual and my contemporary/paranormal tend to be both sensual and humorous.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

 GAH. I AGONIZE over titles. I really do. I really stink at coming up with them and normally I have my critique partner or my writing group come up with something. The only ones I don’t seem to have trouble with…is well my Trouble with series. J

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

 Most of my stories have the theme of second chances.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

 As far as locations and historic details they are very accurate. I generally don’t write or set a book in a location I either haven’t visited or lived. As for the historical details, I adore research and have a blast including things that I’ve learned along the way.

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

No, not really. Most part it’s based on “what if” or on something I read or heard on a documentary.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

I love, love, love Les Miserables. I love how Victor Hugo created his characters. Julie Garwood and Andrea Kane (their historicals) also had a great deal to do with how I approach that genre. In fact one reviewer of my earlier works compared me to Julie Garwood and it was such a thrill.

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

 Heather Graham (who has actually mentored me a bit J ) and Julie Garwood.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 I’m currently reading The Paradise. Love this story.

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

 Ella Grace has fast become a fav or mine in the suspense genre and I really enjoy Donna Grant for paranormal romance.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

 I am currently working on book three of my Clan Ross series, as well as several Trouble stories for next year.

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

 My best friend Meagan Hatfield is my total cheerleader. She’s talked me down off the ledge more times than I know J

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I’d love to say yes, but unfortunately it’s rare to be able to write and only write for a living. However this won’t stand in my way of writing. Have laptop will travel.

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

No, I feel that the stories I’ve written have been true to me and my creative self.

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

I’d always wanted to write even as a young girl. I’d create little stories in my head for friends and I’d write them down. Creative writing was my favorite subject beside history.

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

For those readers following my Clan Ross series, I’m currently writing Kenzy’s story. She has come forward in time from 1295 Scotland and literally falls into the lap of Jamie Kennedy, a NOPD homicide detective. Together they are going to solve a string of murders and Kenzy is going to learn what it really means to believe.

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

 I really hate writing the intimate scenes (lovemaking). For me it’s more than just the physical act, I want the readers to go on the journey with the characters and I want them to feel the connection between them. So I put a great deal of pressure on myself to make sure I’m conveying that in the scene.

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

Oh this is a hard one! I love Phillipa Gregory for her attention to historic details, I love Sophie Jordan, Shana Galen, and Julia Quinn for how they craft their characters and bring the Regency time period alive. But the two authors I read over and over again are Heather Graham, and Julie Garwood (her historicals) there is just something about the way they write.

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

 Most of my books are based on places that I’ve travelled. I lived in England for three years and Belgium for four. I was very lucky on the places I was able to see and the things I experienced. Being a former flight attendant I was able to travel all over the States and Canada and always took note of things for books.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

 My publishers. J

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

It depends on the story. Series are difficult because you have to include enough of previous books that a reader feels “caught up” but that readers who have read the previous books don’t feel bashed over the head with repeat details.

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

I always learn a little bit about myself and details from research and include that in my books. Maybe it’s a lesson in patience, or humor at something that happened to me or a friend. Writing should always provide a chance for learning and growth.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

 NEVER GIVE UP! Trust me I’ve been there were all the ideas dry up, or you’ve faced a challenge and think you can’t find a time or place to be creative. It’s up to you the writer to carve out time just for your writing, find a place where you can be free of distraction and give into the creative process. If you’re really and truly a writer, the muse and the characters won’t leave you alone until you write their story.

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

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies.

 HA, I love to read and I also like to detox with cross stitch.

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

I love Criminal Minds, Downton Abbey, The Big Bang Theory, Once Upon a Time, Sleepy Hallow, Bones, and Project Runway. I’m also a super big fan of How I Met your Mother and anything on Discovery ID. Eclectic I know. J

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music.

My favorite foods are comfort foods, like pot roast and potatoes, Chinese, Thai, and Mexican. I love Lavender and green and my music is all over the place. I love country, rock, 80’s music, and classic rock. Just depends on my mood.

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

 I’m not really sure. I would probably would have continued to fly and found some other way to vent my creativity.

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

I love to interact with my readers you can find me here…http://kristiahlers.blogspot.com/ and here…www.kristiahlers.com