Kathy O’Rourke, the awesome author of the Men of Nirvana Flats series, is my guest today.
Kathy O’Rourke
What lead you to become a writer?
My father was a gifted storyteller. I wanted to be like him so in grade school I started telling stories and writing them down. In high school, I wrote short stories and teenage love poems full of angst and heartbreak but I was in my recluse stage, fat, pimply and self- conscious so I never shared them with anyone. In college I had a bit more self- esteem so I promoted my work and had two stories and several poems published in the university’s literary journal. Then came real life, my job, family etc. and my writing went back into the closet. It wasn’t until I took an early retirement that I started writing novels.
How do you find your inspiration for your books?
Now don’t think I’m weird but the characters tell me what to write. I develop a main character and go from there. My first book was based on a bad experience that I read about on line and put my character Beth in a similar situation and let it ride.
Are you a planner or fly by the seat of your pants type of writer?
A little of both really. I lay out about three sentences on what should happen in a scene and then let my fingers fly.
What are the top three questions you are never asked and what are the answers to them?
Do you think you are a good writer? The answer is no. I am a new writer learning my craft. I am however a good storyteller.
Are you happy with your work? Again, I am still learning. I feel like I have finally found my voice in my most recent WIP and look forward to sharing you with you all.
Are you ever going to write something other than contemporary romance? Probably. I have a secret compulsion. I love post- apocalyptic fiction… not zombies though!!! So I am thinking of writing something along this line.
What are five things that you want your readers to know about you?
- I’m funny
- I’m only old in body but not in my heart or ideas
- I try hard to deliver full bodied characters. full of layers, not just one dimensional.
- My books are not just one sex scene after another. There is a real storyline and the sex fits where it should go, not the other way around.
- My books, even though they are sexy and suspenseful, carry a message.
What are you currently working on and can you share a teaser of it?
I am currently working on the fourth book in my Men of Nirvana Flats series, ‘Perfect for Me’. It is the story of Tuck and Bridie. Both older. Both questioning whether there really is love the second time around. Both have baggage that needs to be handled. Tuck is a member of the Nirvana Flats Motorcycle club and a florist. Oh, he’s also a Dom. Bridie… well I’m not gonna ruin it for you. You’ll need to read it. This book has suspense, loss, love and redemption.
Here is an excerpt: (This takes place in Tuck’s florist shop)
Slamming the fridge closed, I turn around a bit embarrassed at being caught helping myself. I throw him a sheepish smile, and it’s returned with one hell of a delicious looking grin.
Wow, I melt a little at the sight of him. He’s tall and a bit on the skinny side, dressed in jeans, a black Motley Crue t-shirt, and cowboy boots. If I were to guess, I’d say he’s in his early forties. His face is thin, yet well proportioned. He’s not model handsome, but still sexy as hell, with his day-old scruffy face stubble and a bit too long dark brown hair. Remarkably, he doesn’t seem angry at finding me rummaging through his shop.
Stepping away from the fridge, I smile, wave and try to answer normally but fail miserably. “Just me,” comes out of my mouth in a weird squeak.
Did I just wave? I want to kick my fat ass for looking like an idiot. I tell myself, Don’t be stupid here, say something nice. The first thing that comes to mind is, “Nice store you have here.” I give myself a mental slap for being so unoriginal.
He smiles at the compliment. “Thanks.”
Wait, he’s looking at me funny like I’m from another planet or something? I blurt out, “I wasn’t trying to steal anything, I promise.”
I swear he’s ready to laugh, “Never thought you were.”
Maybe I can get him to actually laugh; I know I’d feel better if he did. “I don’t want to end up in jail for stealing a plant.”
I don’t get the laugh I’m hoping for, only a question. “What were you doing anyway?”
“Looking for something different, something unusual.”
He crosses his arms, raises one eyebrow, and smirks at me. In a deep voice, he asks, “What do you mean by unusual?”
Oh, hell no. He sounded like a Dom just then. Oh Bridie, stop it, not every man you meet is in the lifestyle.
Where are my manners? I introduce myself. “Hi, my name is Brigid Murphy, but everybody calls me Bridie.” I offer him my hand. Should I curtsy too? No girl, the hand is enough.
His hand is so big it covers mine completely as he gives me a firm handshake. Tripping over his words he tells me, “I’m Bob Tucker, but everybody calls me Tuck.”
Did he say what I think he said? I double check, “Your nickname is Fuck?”
He responds with a large belly laugh and a manly snort, “Only when I’m in trouble. It’s Tuck with a T.”
Get to know Kathy!
Stalk her on FB: https://www.facebook.com/kaseyorourke01
Buy her books Men of Nirvana Flats series on Amazon:
Knowing Beth: http://amzn.to/1NdSMnI
Thanking Stars: http://amzn.to/1SgeQxd
Soap and Water: http://amzn.to/2669RGu
Perfect for Me: http://amzn.to/1W4VCNE
Michele Zurlo 