Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a romance book author and ghostwriter of more than twenty years, who enjoys writing sweet romance books series.
These novels are mostly set in a little Kentish village, featuring tight-knit communities, a playboy earl with a scandalous reputation and a hardworking heroine who not only brings the hero to his knees but must stand up for herself to seize the happy-ever-after she deserves.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Spring Romance with the Earl was inspired by reading a lot of Jane Austen and wanting to create a fun and modern regency story with the kind of wonderful chemistry that sparks between a brooding aristocrat and a rather flawed but inspiring heroine.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits are pretty much 9 to 5. However one habit I have is playing video games like Nintendo’s Animal Crossing before I write.
I wish I could justify this by saying it really helps with my creativity. But the truth is that if I don’t play Animal Crossing first, I forget to play it at all, then my favourite character Kiki (a cat) will get in a strop for not getting her that vegetarian shirt that she’s been asking for, pack up her things and take off.
However, fishing for virtual carp and watering my e-tulips does seem to clear my mind before writing, but your results and catch of the day may vary.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy light-hearted romance books that are a little bit escapist, emotional and funny at times, usually including a slightly arrogant alpha male with a clever female main character who can melt his heart.
I also love a hero and heroine who are wonderfully flawed yet balance out each other, so that there is at least some room for growth as they earn their happy ever after. These kind of stories tend to stay with me the longest and it’s probably why I’m just a wee bit obsessed with Jane Austen.
What are you working on now?
I’m starting to write A Summer Romance with the Earl, the latest in the An Earl for all Seasons series, which will feature beleaguered copywriter Jess Smith as she juggles her career with village commitments while being wooed by the notorious Lord Burness.
I’m hoping the book will be a great read for those who like a holiday summer romance, opening the door to a whole series of sweet and exciting romance books for readers to sink their teeth into.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, the best method I’ve found for promoting my books is through sites like awesomegang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to read as much advice as possible from authors you wish to emulate, then create your own writers’ toolkit with what works for you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As above, pick the writing advice that works best for you. If it doesn’t don’t beat yourself up.
Writers like to add a lot of mystique to our jobs (see below paragraph), because writing about sitting on your bottom while you poke keys on a keyboard is about as fascinating as it sounds.
What are you reading now?
The Count of Monte Cristo, because I normally ban myself from reading romance fiction when I’m about to write a novel. I made that mistake once and was lured away from my own story by another author with a bag of sweet subplots. I ended up with a horrific romance chimera which I had to hunt down and take out with a blunderbuss.
Moral of the story: Someone else’s plot might be a perfect fit for their romance story, but might stick out like Zaphod Beeblebrox’s second head in yours.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish writing A Summer Romance with the Earl and to complete the An Earl for All Seasons 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?
Daniel Craig, Regé-Jean Page, Chris Ev-. Oh you asked what ‘books’ I would bring. *Sigh*
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas because I really skimped on reading during the Christmas holidays, thanks to watching such festive gems as the entire new Bond Series, Die Hard and Terry Pratchett’s the Abominable Snow Baby.
Grinny by Nicholas Fisk because it was my first real sci-fi book as a child and it cured me of a debilitating My Little Pony obsession. Also I find it utterly magical to revisit books that I found thrilling when I were a mere sproglet. I mean, you remember me…don’t you?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, because I have yet to read a regency romance that surpasses this yet, but if you know of one please message me via my website as I am very open to recommendations!
Also, there is only one Darcy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kate Harriet Website
Kate Harriet Amazon Profile
Kate Harriet’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account