Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I work as a full-time technical writer/editor for a large software company. Though my love of books reaches back to my childhood, I had never read romance novels until one Christmas when my sister gave me the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. I was hooked from page one (actually, it was the first love scene). I had always wanted to write fiction, so I combined my love of history, romance and a happy ending to write my debut novel Cera’s Place. My short story, The Gypsy Casts a Spell, is available for free on my website http://elizabethmckenna.com/. I hope you will enjoy my latest novel, Venice in the Moonlight, as much as others have enjoyed my previous works.
I live in Wisconsin with my understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and a sassy Labrador. When I’m not writing, working, or being a mom, I’m sleeping.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is “Venice in the Moonlight.” A young widow discovers her father’s murderer is related to the man she’s falling in love with and must decide between vengeance, forgiveness and love. When I start writing a novel, I first pick a romantic locale and then research the history of the city. I wanted to write a story that was different than the typical English/Scottish historical romance. My husband and I had visited Venice about 20 years ago and I fell in love with it, so the story just fell into place.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a bit of OCD, so before I can concentrate on my writing, I have to check all my social media sites and book links in a specific order. Then I can settle down and work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nora Roberts was my initial influence. I love her way with dialog, and the love scenes are hot without being overly raunchy.
What are you working on now?
I am trying my hand at a contemporary romance. The short description is “At her 15th high school reunion, Jessie Baxter must confront her failed marriage and her own insecurities to find happiness with The One Who Got Away.” Of course – the story may change the more I get into it and work with the characters!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am always looking for new ways to promote my books. There’s so much noise in our lives, and it is hard to break through that and get noticed. I think Goodreads and Facebook have been my biggest help. I have also had some success with the websites The Romance Reviews and Night Owl Reviews.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to work with a great editor who will be honest with you (and knows grammar).
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Because I am often filled with doubts about my writing, I repeat the following quote every time I sit down to write: “There’s no right way of writing. There’s only your way.” ― Milton Lomask
What are you reading now?
I am not reading anything right now. I don’t read when I am working on a story because I don’t want to subconsciously copy anything from another author.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to finish my current WIP by the end of 2014. Since it is a contemporary romance and will require less research than my other two novels, I hope it won’t take as long to write as they did.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Not an easy question. I would probably bring one of the Harry Potter books, one of the Hunger Games book, Romeo and Juliet, and The Fellowship of the Ring.
Author Websites and Profiles
Elizabeth McKenna Website
Elizabeth McKenna Amazon Profile
Elizabeth McKenna’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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