Kathleen Ayers’ Despite the Duke releases later this week, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this delicious start to a new series HERE!
Did you always know you wanted to be an author? What is the first story you remember writing? How did you get from there to where you are today?
I secretly always wanted to be a writer…since 9th grade. But ended up in media sales for 30 years. The first story I actually wrote was for my creative writing class in 9th grade. It was horror (no romance I was only 14!). I toyed with writing on and off for years and published several books while working. Eventually I quit to write full time in 2020 (just in time for Covid!)
What is the most inspiring place you’ve visited and has it shown up in one of your books? Probably NYC and Newport RI. While all my stories thus far are based in London – I do have characters that are in Manhattan. I adore the brownstones and mansions.
How much research do you do into the time period and places you write about? Quite a bit. I have an entire bookshelf dedicated to the Regency, Victorian and Gilded Age time periods.
Do you have any experience dressing in character or participating in living history situations or are you more a fan of libraries and online resources? I’m more library/online resources. No dressing up for me (although it looks like fun!)
What drew you to the era you write in? I write primarily 1840’s either in England or NYC. Early Victorian. Railroads and industrialization are changing the world. Lots of inventions. Victoria has just taken the throne and she’s a young queen.
Is there something about the time period you think most people don’t know about? What do you think would be the most difficult part about living in that period? Hygiene. Yes, I said it. LOL.
What are your favorite kind of characters to write? Quirky and morally gray.
Do you have a specific trope that you’re drawn too? Enemies to Lovers is my all time favorite.
Where is your favorite place to write? I like being on my patio to write before it gets too hot.
Does it change depending on where you are in the process? No. I just go where I’m comfortable.
Which comes first for you: the plot or the characters? Usually…just a scene. The plotting comes late and it takes a while before I know my characters.
Do you know where the story is going before you begin, or does it come to you as you write? I’m a total pantser. The story unfolds for me while I write it. I wish I could plot out an entire book and then write it but that doesn’t work for me.
Do scenes come to you fully formed or are you as surprised as the reader? Usually I have the specific scene in mind. I rarely change it.
Does your writing process include any kind of ritual? Story specific playlists, tea, or candles, for example? No. LOL. Although I always have the TV on in the background when I write unless I’m on the patio. The background noise helps me think. That’s a holdover from working at radio and tv stations where the station is always playing in the background while you work.
Do you write better in the morning or evening? How do you handle the distractions of working from home, especially if you’re sharing the space with others? I have a home office so the only distraction is my 6 month old writing partner (Reyka) who likes to chew bones on my feet while I write. I usually write from 11-5 every day.
When it’s difficult to physically travel, how do you find ways to escape? I like to be outside with my flowers, my birds and listening to the waterfall of the pool. I live in TX so a pool from April-October is pretty much a necessity.
From all your books, who is your favorite hero and why? I love Ware from Sinfully Tempted. He’s just this big bulky guy who falls in love with his complete opposite. He’s a duke but has been obsessed with his hobbies and such until Tamsin comes along and rocks his world.
What do you like to read when you’re not reading in your genre? I read everything from Romantasy to horror. The only thing I don’t read (which is the easier question) is mystery/police procedurals.
Did you have a favorite book or series when you were growing up? So I’ve read The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas (my hero) at least a half dozen times. Such a beautiful story. But I’ve also read IT by Stephen King at least three times so….when it comes to genre I’m all over the place.
