Guest Author Interview: Anne Kemp

Today we are interviewing Anne Kemp, women's fiction author, who is giving away one of her books.

Alexis: Hi Anne, thank you for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts :-) You just had your first novella debut last month, ALL FRUITS RIPE. Can you tell us a little about it?

Anne: Sure! It’s the prequel or mini-novella that introduces readers to the character, Abby George. It’s a fun 30 page teaser giving you a sneak peek at her world in LA, just after being laid-off and right when she’s given an offer to relocate to the Caribbean. 

Alexis: Living in the Caribbean myself, I'm sure I know what her decision was :-) And already you have the next in your series coming out this coming week. How exciting! You already know I love your setting. So what is RUM PUNCH REGRETS about?

Anne: RUM PUNCH REGRETS is about what happens to one LA woman when laid-off and offered the chance of a lifetime. It’s about discovering family secrets, while discovering oneself, coming to terms with your siblings and who they are…and about falling in love again!

Alexis: Where did you get the idea for this story?

Anne: Funny enough, - well, now it’s funny - I was laid-off like many others in 2008, right before Christmas. It felt like the world around me had collapsed. My ego was bruised and I was still smarting from the news when I was offered the chance to take off to St. Kitts. How do you say no to an opportunity like that?

Alexis: You don't :-) So this idea came straight from your life. That is wild. What is your favorite character trait of Abby?

Anne: I really wanted her to be relatable and early feedback showed me I hit the nail on the head :-) I love her so much. She’s fun, fun , FUN to hang out with!

Alexis: I like fun people and I'm guessing that you are fun too :-) You are also an award winning blogger. What made you decide to write women's fiction?

Anne: I’ve always wanted to write a book so I finally made myself do it. Plus being laid-off….kinda of gave this gal a little incentive.

Alexis: And a little time, right? What can we expect next from you? Do you have any new releases coming or a work in progress?

Anne:  I’m blessed that I get to write a whole series about Abby George! I’m currently working on the next novella to be released in early fall and the second full-length novel. Each book takes you a little deeper into Abby’s Caribbean world – and it’s going to be a bit adventurous!

Alexis: How fun. Every day here in the Caribbean is an adventure, so I'm sure your books will be very entertaining :-) Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us. It's a pleasure having you visit.

Anne:  Thank you for having me – it’s truly and honor.

Alexis: For a chance to win one of Anne's books, be sure to leave a comment for her. If I have contact information, I will let you know when you win, otherwise, check the side column for your name on Wednesday under WINNERS :-)

For more information on Anne’s books go to http://www.annekemp.com/books.html

BIO:

Anne Kemp is the author of the Abby George Series, which includes her debut novella, All Fruits Ripe, and first novel, Rum Punch Regrets. She is also the columnist behind “Anne In Progress,” which appears monthly in the Frederick News-Post, a newspaper in the DC-Metro area. As a blogger, she is known for penning “Life My Way” and “The Ultimate Late Bloomer.”

Her original and honest sense of humor used in her columns and blogs earned her a Bloggers Choice Nomination for Best Humor Blog in 2010.

A portion of Anne’s book revenue is donated to Lupus LA.

Alexis: Don't forget, for a chance to win one of Anne's books, leave her a comment :-)