Exclusive Author Q&A with Kelly Elliott

By Piatkus Entice
Related Categories: With Love News, With Love Posts

Bestselling author Kelly Elliott just launched the first book in a brand new series – and because she rocks, she’s also done this exclusive Q&A for all her readers. Keep reading for the scoop on Seduce Me, and more  . . . 

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What’s been your favourite cover of all the books you’ve published, and why?

Oh, that is like asking who your favorite child is! I would probably have to say Wanted. It was my first book I published so it will always have a special place in my heart. The cover for Seduce Me is a close second. I simply adore that cover.

What are your best conditions to read in?

Snuggled up on an oversized chair, a blanket, some hot tea, and my chocolate lab by my side.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

Somewhere in the mountains overlooking a beautiful blue lake.

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What was the inspiration behind your new series?

I started writing Seduce Me about three years ago as a side project only. Just a fun story to write that didn’t have any pressures of deadlines or anything like that. My publicist saw I was getting burned out and she was the one who suggested it. I probably spent more time re-writing that book than any book I have ever written, because I had the time to play with it. The story line came to me one day when I was driving and I saw a young couple standing outside an office building in downtown Austin. I was at a light and I watched them walk up to each other and kiss. The way they both looked at each other you just knew they were in love. And from that one simple encounter, my mind started going. I imagined where they worked, what they did for a living, their names. I pretty much had the first part of the book plotted out in my mind before I even got home.

Why have you set this series in Austin, Texas?

One reason is I’m from Austin. The second reason is I was inspired by that one couple on that one street corner in downtown Austin. I knew the book had to be set in Austin.

Have you got a motto you live your life by? If so, what is it?

“Every day of your life is an opportunity to be a blessing to someone.” I truly believe everyone needs some sort of helping hand each day of our lives.  It could be something as simple as holding the door for some and wishing them a good day. You always have a chance to be a positive in someones world.

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Which of your characters would you most like to meet in real life?

That is easy! Charleston Monroe, from Seduce Me. She is probably one of my favorite characters I’ve written to date. I love how strong she is, yet vulnerable at the same time. Plus I like her name…and her cat.

Have you always written books? How did you get started?

I knew I wanted to be some sort of writer early on when I was in high school after reading Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I was told by a college professor that I wrote in circles and would never make it as a writer. So, I gave up on that dream and tucked away deep down inside.

Story telling has always been something I loved to do and I did it often in all sorts of ways. Maybe it is the Irish in me!  I filled journals with short stories that I never shared with anyone. Once they were filled up, I threw them out. I kept a journal when I was pregnant with my daughter and filled it with little stories about how my day was. Then I kept another one after I had my daughter. Any excuse to write, and I was writing.  A friend of mine read the journal I kept after Lauren was born and begged me to publish it, but I tucked it away for her to read someday. Then one day I got an idea for a story on my way home from dropping my daughter off at school. I came home, opened my laptop and three weeks later I had Wanted written. The hardest thing I had to do after that was share it with the world. Best decision I ever made.

If childhood Kelly could see you now, what would she be most proud of?

I hope she would be proud of how I have stayed true to myself during this whole process. And if I could give childhood Kelly a piece of advice, it would be not to listen to that college professor and follow her dreams.

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Seduce Me is out now, and available to buy in paperback or eBook.