AuThursday – Kris Norris

by Kris Norris

Hello Naughty Boys and Girls.  Please welcome fellow RP writer Kris Norris.

 

First off, thanks so much for having me today, Tina. I’m thrilled to be here.  

Q:  So Kris, When and why did you begin writing?

 I suppose I started writing my first true book about a decade ago. I’d just moved across the country and was considering what kind of career I really wanted. Up ‘til then I’d been making a living as a helicopter pilot (yes, and that story is another interview in itself). So I took some time and starting writing this story that was knocking around in my head. Of course, kids and family got in the way and I really didn’t do anything concrete until a few years ago, when I finally finished said story and thought about getting an agent. After a while of going nowhere, I wrote another book, then another, and I think I had four before I actually decided to submit a story to an e-publisher. To my surprise, after a couple rejections, I landed a contract with Total-e-Bound for my first novel, Deadly Vision. Since then, I’ve contracted several books with both TEB and Resplendence Publishing. Of course, the why is easy…because if I don’t I think my family might commit me! Apparently sane folks don’t have characters talking in their heads, but it’s okay for writers. So I guess I’m here to stay. OH, and that first book I wrote…it’s called Hard Target and will be out with Resplendence next November.

Q: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’d love to say I thought of myself as a writer from the start, but honestly, I don’t think I really believed it until that first contract arrived. I think it represented a benchmark state for me. I used to tell folks I wrote, but it’s hard to feel confident about it when you aren’t published. So having that first contract really made me feel as if my career choice was justified. Funny how I don’t consider how many books I sell as an indicator. I just love having them out there.

Q: How did you come up with your titles? Any interesting stories behind any?

Is it okay to admit that I totally suck at choosing titles? No, really. I swear I agonize over every one. And the couple that have popped into my head have been ones I’ve had to change. I wish I had an interesting story to go along with one, but quite frankly, I usually always end up asking for help. Though I’ve heard a few good stories behind titles. Don’t suppose I could claim one of them as mine?

Q: What do you want your readers to take away from your books?

I’d love for reader’s to feel satisfied, and maybe a bit sad it’s over. (Am I dreaming here?) I really believe books are like movies and TV, they’re there to let you escape and make you laugh or cry or just to have you sit on the edge of your seat, anxiously turning pages to find out what happens. If readers finish one of my books and thinks, wow, what a great ride, then I’m about as happy as I could get.

Q: What book are you reading now?

Oh, I just finished up Bronwyn Green’s Cuffed and Dangerous. It was absolutely fabulous. I’ve also got Fran Lee’s novel, Dictated by Fate on the go. For more mainstream fiction I still love anything by Stephen King and am putting some of his stuff on my Christmas wish list.

Q: What are your current projects?

I’ve currently got three series on the go, so I’m trying to start the next book in most of those. But my main focus right now is an erotic futuristic story I’m writing for Resplendence. It’s my first venture into that genre and I’m pretty excited about it. After that, I’m trying to get my next vampire story written and book two in my Enchanted Lovers series. Then I’ve got a ménage to write, a sequel, my third stalker book….way too many to count.

Q: Name one person that you feel supported you.

I’ve been fortunate to have a number of people rooting for me. My family have always believed in me and kept insisting that I’d make it if I just didn’t give up. My kids are always telling me how great I am, though they aren’t allowed to read my books yet, lol. But they love trying to help out with blog ideas and hints on how to make my book trailers better. I have friends who’ve volunteered to read my manuscripts, and who shout it out to the world for me. So there’s never been just one person. I’ve got the whole village scenario going on.

Q: What was the hardest part of writing for you personally?

I’m a perfectionist, at least for myself, lol. So it’s hard for me to get to a point where I say, yup, that book’s done. It’s as good as it can get. I’m the kind of girl who wants to keep tweaking it until I don’t think there’s anything left for the editor to do. I’m working on it, but it’s a hard trait to fix (and I’m not sure I want to).

Q: What do you feel is the biggest misconception about e-publishing?

I think the biggest misconception is that everyone who submits to an e-publisher gets accepted and that the stories e-pubs put out are of poor quality. Some of the best writing I’ve had the pleasure to read has been from e-book authors. And I happen to know that many publishers have top-notch editors scouring every page for inconsistencies, typos and just plain junk. I’d love for folks to give e-books a try without these preconceived notions stuck in their heads. I think they’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Q: Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Folks can find me at my website www.krisnorris.ca

Or on my blog at www.krisnorris.blogspot.com

Join me on Saturday when Kris shares a steamy excerpt with us.

Until then – Be Naughty!

Tina