Twenty Questions with Author Kelly Moran!

Hello again my friends!

Today I'm so pleased to continue my two day salute to author, poet, mom, and all around super girl, Kelly Moran.  Kelly's newest book  Summer's Road will be released on Friday, March 25 from our friends at The Wild Rose Press  (And you can pretty much purchase it where ever else online you get your books!) 

Yesterday Kelly discussed book reviews.  Today, I put her on the veritable hot seat with my hard hitting questions.  LOL!

Feel free to comment at the end.  And remember, be sure to leave your contact info...one lucky commenter is going to get an eBook copy of Summer's Road FOR FREE!



1) Hi Kelly!  Welcome!  What biographical information would you like to share with us?

Let's see... As for writing, I'm a member of RWA, was a Finalist in the 2008 Best Books Awards and the 2009 Indie Excellence Book Awards, and I'm a reviewer for Bookpleasures. Personally, I'm a mom to four-year-old twin boys with another boy on the way in July. I love MLB and NFL, card games, and sleeping when I can. *wink*


2) When did you begin writing?

Really young, like eight or so, with poetry and short stories.


3) What inspired you to become a writer?


I think some people are just born to. Some people see equations in their heads. Others need people around and contact. Then there's us writers... we hear voices and see characters that are only real to us. In a way, one almost has acknowledge that or go crazy. Literally, I mean.

4) Your published works span a wide array of genres from romances to short stories to poetry to a children's book. What's your favorite genre to write?

My main focus is romance and children's books. The poetry, etc. was how I began my career, but not where I'm headed long-term.

5) I know it's rather like asking a mother to pick your favorite child, but what's the favorite book or story you've written and why?

Eh, hmm. I'd have to say SUMMER'S ROAD because it was my first attempt at romance. The first draft was written when I was sixteen. Of course, it's evolved and been rewritten since. And thankfully, something to be proud of now.

6) And speaking of motherly stuff...can you brag about your kids for a moment?

LOL. The twins are four, and though very close, they are very different in their personalities. One loves people and interaction, the other to be left to his own devices. One is very emotional, the other very logical. They share a common love of superheroes, however. They are both also too smart for their own good. They register a year intellectually ahead of other kids. I'm curious what the new little one will be like. (Hopefully quiet).

7) Do you write with a soundtrack for whatever you're working on, or do you write in complete silence?

I have to write in silence, though music does inspire plots and characters.



8) As a busy mom, when do you find time to write? What's your schedule like?


I cloned myself years ago. Crap...shouldn't have admitted that. I mean... I work my writing in around others things going on. The family comes first, but if I keep my priorities set and limits known, I do okay. I only work part time, so I write a bit in the morning or early afternoon, and I don't let myself get behind in my reviews.



9) Your new book, Summer's Road, is a very well reviewed romance. How about a little synopsis/blurb?

After her father’s death, Summer Quinn realizes just how alone she feels in the world. With no family to fill her life now, she finds comfort among friends, but yearns for true love, contentment, and family. When her boyfriend, Matt, suggests they raise their relationship to a higher level, Summer jumps at the chance to get everything she’s always wanted. Only, she doesn’t expect the heat arising between her and her best friend, Ian – a man who never seems to settle down. A man the complete opposite of what she’s looking for. But when her estranged mother reappears after twenty-eight years, Summer’s world completely flips upside down. As secrets from her family’s past and Ian’s true feelings for her emerge, Summer’s now faced with choices she’s not sure she can make. The rest of her life’s happiness hinges on her confronting a past she’d rather deny and legitimately opening her heart to love, even if it’s not where she expected to find it.

10) Did anyone in particular inspire your main characters?  

No, not really, though the heroine, Summer, is a lot like myself. The songs "Collide" by Howie Day and "The One" by Gary Allen inspired the new plot and most of the story.


11) How was it working with The Wild Rose Press?

I loved it. According to my editor, Stephanie, not a lot of edits were required, so that went smoothly. The chat loops and promo dept have been easy to talk to in regards to reviews, cover art, and my trailer.

You Tube link to Summers Road


12) Favorite Book/movie/TV show?

I'm not even going to get into "favorite books" as there's just too many. TV= Bones, House, Fringe, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Ghost Hunters, and Forensic Files. Movies= Princess Bride, Exorcist, Spaceballs, Harry Potter, Clue, The Proposal... (too many, really.)

A big reason why I like Kelly...she has an EXCELLENT list of favorite movies!



13) Favorite Actor and actress?

I love Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Natalie Portman, and Joshua Jackson.




14) What are you reading right now?

I review one to two books a week. I'm going through the March and April Sourcebooks and Grand Central titles now.


15) Do you snack when you're writing and if so, what are you eating?


Oh, I only eat healthy foods. Carrots. Tofu. (Did that sound convincing? No? *sigh* ) Okay, I'm a huge chocoholic and coffee junkie. Popcorn is my biggest weakness.

Coffee, chocolate and popcorn...the food pyramid of chapions!  (Or at least writers!)

16) Starbucks or Caribou coffee?


Hmm. Both? I love SB mocha's, but Caribou's reg coffee.

Told you these questions would be hard hitting!  And she hasn't dodged any at all!

17) Most hiliarious childhood memory? (Example...the one time in my life I was trying to be cool, I got on my cousin's pony and tried to show off my riding talents. Pony walked me under the clotheslines and nearly decapitated me.)

Oh boy. My freshman year of high school my friends and I decided to make a horror movie. As it turned out, I was the murderer at a sleepover. There was ketchup everywhere (fake blood).

NICE!  Kelly is obviously going to be a triple threat: author, mom, and horror movie director!

18) What are some of the best/worst movies made from novels and why?

I remember being really disappointed in the book-to-movies on Nora Roberts from Lifetime. A lot of the variations on Pride & Prejudice were bad too. I was, however, very impressed with the Twilight saga and the Harry Potter ones. Well done. Atonement was outstanding!







19) If your life story was made into a movie, who should play the part of you?


First off, I'm no where near interesting enough to have a movie made about me. But if I were to indulge in grand illusions, Michelle Williams captures my quiet broody side, and Drew Barrymore would play my silly, eccentric side well. Bonus that both ladies are way prettier than I.

Oh stop it!   Personally, I would have Catherine Bell (JAG, Army Wives) play me, but makeup would have to make her short, blonde and fluffy...


20) What would you like readers to take away from "Summer's Road?"


I suppose whatever they feel after is the right thing. I love the "friends falling in love" aspect to it, the forgiveness, the "happily ever after." My books tend to have a serious undertone quality, because that's just how life is. My heroine has depression and some childhood abandonment issues. I hope readers take away a sense for what that's like, but know that there is a way out. To understand, as I see it, that sometimes friends are your family.



Thank you Kelly, for your answers!  Now, my friends, if you have questions for Kelly about raising twins or her brand new book, comment below...remember, leave a tiny bit of contact info so one of you can win a FREE e-copy of "Summer's Road."