Interview with Kew - by Joanna

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I am a widow with a wonderful daughter, an educator, travel, and movie buff, and write romantic music fiction set in the 1960s-1980s rock scenes in the Affairs of the Heart Collection. I live in sunny Southern California and when there is time, love to read under a palm tree with wave’s crashing along the shoreline.

My love of rock music began at a very young age when I returned glass Coke bottles for change to buy 45 rpm records. My interest moved from the music to the musician, and living in Hollywood, interviewed the Beatles for KABC television when they landed at Los Angeles International Airport. I acquired a taste for the funny Englishmen and began dating one of the Rolling Stones that exposed me to sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Later my memories surfaced in the Affairs of the Heart Collection where I weave my behind the scenes anecdotes with my long love of fairy tales and castles, mysteries, lightning, and thunder into a romantic suspense story.

Discuss you newest book/series.

Over the last three months, I have released five books in the Affairs of the Heart ~ London Series London, a rock star romance. BETRAYAL is Part 5 and the final book in that series.

Affairs of the Heart Series ~ London

How far would she go for love?

What if you were falling in love but not with the man, you’re engaged to?

Step into a modern fairytale, and get lost in love, betrayal, and revenge, where your “VIP all-access pass,” takes you behind the scenes, to sex, drugs, and rock n roll, with the most gorgeous men and women in rock music.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

The late 1980s, I was working as a law clerk at the corporate headquarters for a major motion picture and television studio. I recalled some of my adventures to a woman that transcribed for a romance author. She offered to format my stories if I was willing to write them down.

What are your current projects?

Preparing for a summer release of the second series of four books in the Affairs of the Heart ~ Hollywood Series.  

What would she do when her secret was out?

What if you could have everything you ever wanted – but not what you want most?

What books have most inspired you to write your first book?

Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles was popular at the time is began writing. I admired her first 3-book boxed set. I remember wanting that someday.

Give us insight to your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

Holly Hill, a paralegal, is the main female character. What makes her special to me is though she has suffered a devastating trauma and closed her heart as a shield from pain, she is trusting, and willing to believe in the best of other people.

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

I haven’t approached my writing to have a message, but if there is one – be open, take a chance and be adventurous.

When did you decide to become a writer?

I didn’t decide but began writing in the late 1980s.

Why do you write?

I have strong characters in my head that have a story to tell and won’t shut up until it’s told.

Do you write full or part-time?

I seldom write, I always edit, so I’d say, full-time editor.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

Editing, editing, editing. Did I say editing?

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book/series?

Nothing with writing other than keeping up with the characters, but with the editing, cover creation, and formatting for the paperbacks has slowed me down.

 

What is your preferred medium of writing?

Computer, though I have thousands of pieces of paper littering my desk, purse, and bed stand with thoughts jotted down.

What does your writing process look like?

Rock music is sensual so I need a sensual setting. I set the mood with low lighting maybe candles, rock song or ballad that fits the chapter, and some kind of scent, be it candle or oils. I prefer to write late in the quiet and dark of the night when rock in roll is strongest. I read the last page written and then continue to follow the characters.

How important are the names in your books?

Tough to answers as the character’s name themselves, so I’d say they are very important to them.

Anything particularly challenging in your writing.

Yes, keeping the timeline straight as the storyline stretches from the 1950s to 1990.

Did you make any marketing mistakes?

Yes, zillions. I originally did the big five route in the 90s when that was the only option. Then a few years ago, I discovered self-publishing. As a rookie, I didn’t understand the process and made many, many mistakes. After five years, innumerable workshops and on-line courses I decided to take the series and re-brand, re-title, re-edit and re-release.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Yes, ~ write your story, the one you would want to read.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to cruise on ships though I usually end up editing while sitting on a deck chair.

What are the main advantages of self-publishing?

I am the boss; it is done my way, my story, my covers, and my series.

What are the disadvantages of self-publishing?

Marketing, and promotion – they take a lot of time.

How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?

Positive. I have five stars reviews so I am very happy with reader response.

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?

I have my books placed in reader groups.

What are your views on social media for marketing?

I think Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and promotional social media opportunities from distributors are wonderful tools to have available to an author.

Which social network worked best for you?

Facebook is my first go to.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

My website https://www.kewtownsend.com/

I want to thank you, Johanna, for taking the time to have me here to share my Affairs of the Heart rock star romance series.

You rock!

Kew