Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Northern Virginia with my football-crazed husband, two beautiful daughters, and two psychotic Shih Tzus. I teach courses in international relations, peacekeeping, and human security for the American Military University. I also work as a reading tutor at my daughters’ elementary school. What can I say? I still love school.
I’m addicted to coffee, dark chocolate, reading, and writing; although not necessarily in that order. Reading will always be my first love. Writing appears to be edging out coffee for second place, unless it’s morning. In the morning, it’s coffee.
I haven’t a clue what’s going on around me when I’m writing. The house could be burning down, and I wouldn’t even notice. I’m counting on my husband to save the children and the dogs.
More than anything, I want my readers to FEEL something. I love it when you growl at my protagonist, when you hold your breath in anticipation, when your heart stumbles against your chest, and when you laugh until you cry. That’s what I strive for. I want to make you laugh so hard in the middle of the night that your husband thinks you’ve finally gone mad.
To date, I’ve written five romantic suspense novels in The Broken series, a children’s book entitled Brave Just Like Me, and a young adult fantasy novel entitled Saving Tir na nOg, which is the first book in The Chosen Ones series. You will find my children’s book and YA fantasy novel under my full name, Kimberly S. Ruff.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Saving Tir na nOg, a young adult fantasy novel steeped in Celtic Mythology. My youngest daughter inspired the book. She has been begging for a book about fairies for years now. I had very little interest in writing about fairies. Of course I was picturing Tinkerbell inside my head. But then, I realized I could introduce her to real faeries… to the very grown up, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying faeries, better known as the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Celtic deities born in Irish Mythology. Now, that was a topic I could get excited about. I’ve always been intrigued by the Sidhe. There is Irish blood coursing through my veins after all. And so… this novel was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing requires coffee, chocolate, my dogs’ steadfast companionship, and complete silence. I don’t want to listen to music, I definitely don’t want to hear the television, I don’t want to hear my kids arguing over who ate the last peach, and I don’t want to hear the lawn service blowing leaves around the neighborhood at insanely high decibels. I want to immerse myself in the story. Completely.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For romance, I’d say it’s an eclectic mix of Kristin Hannah, Nicholas Sparks, and Nora Roberts. For fantasy, it’s Deborah Harkness and J.K. Rowling.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m focused on Saving Tir na nOg. Once that book has been released, I’ll be turning my attention back to The Broken series. I plan to write a spin-off book for one of my favorite characters in that series, Shae. I hope to have that book completed by December.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
AMS ads through Amazon for day to day promotion. I stack book promotions for special book sales. Clearly, I think Awesome Gang is pretty awesome.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is re-writing. Edit may be a four letter word, but multiple editing runs will help transform a decent book into a fantastic read.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wait to release that first book. Make sure you have three books under your belt before you release the first.
What are you reading now?
I just started Natalie Wrye’s Bodyguard (Kisses and Crimes Book 1) last night.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A spin off novel for The Broken series. This will be Shae’s story. You won’t meet Shae until the end of book two (in Beautifully Broken). She is one of my favorite characters in this series.
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?
Deborah Harkness’s All Souls Trilogy and my Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
K.S. Ruff Website
K.S. Ruff Amazon Profile
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