Interview With Author Kerrie Biehl
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi readers! I’m Kerrie Biehl, a paranormal romance author from the Pacific Northwest. I love to write stories about strong, sassy heroines and smoking hot heroes. If you like, Death by Blood, you can also delve into more paranormal romances under my pen name, Serena Zane.
I’m lucky enough to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, surrounded by beautiful evergreens, with my husband Gary, our queen bee cat Bounce, and our big lap dog Strider. When I’m not writing, I’m also a member of a band called Twisted Knickers, and I’m a huge fan of crime dramas, and reading. I’m so excited to share my stories with you all!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shawna and Eric’s journey is full of unexpected twists and turns, and their chemistry is undeniable. As they work together to uncover the truth, Shawna and Eric must put their lives on the line and lean on each other for strength. As secrets are revealed and conflicts arise, the two realize that love is worth the risk. They must fight to protect their newfound love, as well as the people they care about.
The idea for Death by Blood came from a variety of influences, from my college studies to my love for strong heroes and independent heroines. I also take my frustrations from reality and put them in my books creating scenarios and obstacles for my characters to overcome. I wanted to create a character like Kate Beckett from Castle and show how she might handle a paranormal world. This is how Shawna, the narcotics detective in Death by Blood, came to life. I’m sure readers will love her as she solves the case while striving to keep her relationship with Eric alive. With plenty of action, drama, and suspense, Death by Blood is an exciting and passionate story that will keep you turning pages until the very end.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a passionate writer who loves to let the story take them where it will. I’ve come to realize that having strong characters and a loose story arc allows them to solve the plot in their own individual ways. In order to write my best work, I need a distraction-free zone. I always have a glass of red wine, preferably Menage a Trois Midnight, and some beef sticks or trail mix to snack on. And of course, I put on my noise-canceling headphones and turn up my Vampire Radio Station on Pandora to get in the zone.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many authors I’ve read and adore. The top three that come to mind are Christine Feehan, Jayne Castle (also known as Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick), and JR Ward. They inspire me with their dark paranormal romances with smoking hot characters that grow and evolve through their stories. Plus, the sexual tension is off the charts!
What are you working on now?
Working on my next book in the South Beach Series, Death by Fire, is nothing short of exciting. Jessica Houser, Shawna’s best friend and homicide detective, and Jose Lyro, a strong-willed shifter who she can’t seem to stay away from, are back for more! I’m also continuing the Delia Calhoun novella series under the pen name Serena Zane. This series is set in Thurston County in a future world where magic and the paranormal reign supreme. Tempt Me is the fifth novella in the series, and I’m ready to take on the challenge with a fun, snarky, and confident attitude!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have an extensive knowledge of marketing platforms. Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are my current accounts where I post frequently. My website is connected to my social media and drives people to purchase from Amazon. The KDP Select program has been the most profitable tool for me so far. I offer the first book in a series for free, encouraging readers to pick up the rest of the series.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is the key to unlocking your creativity and imagination, so don’t forget to make time for it! Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, it will help you build a habit and keep you motivated. And remember, it’s okay if not everyone likes your work. Write for yourself, and make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. Have fun and enjoy the process!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Years ago, I had the good fortune of attending a workshop for aspiring authors. Jayne Ann Krentz, the speaker, shared her advice on how to beat writer’s block and stay inspired. She suggested taking a break and trying something new, which is why she has so many different pen names. I was having trouble with this myself, having just finished my contemporary suspense romance series, The Jewel Series. I needed to figure out what to write next. She then suggested that I look to my own bookshelf for inspiration. What genre dominated my own reading material? I didn’t have to think too hard – paranormal romance books were everywhere! Taking her advice, I now have a plethora of fun, engaging ideas, and have been writing paranormal romance for over a decade.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently diving into the world of Annabelle Chase’s Midnight Empire series. This post-apocalyptic universe is full of fun and engaging adventures that will keep you hooked until the end. With three separate stories, each with its own hero and heroine, the series culminates in an epic finale that’ll leave you wanting more. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for you – you’ll have to read it to find out!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a ton of fun plans! I’m writing five books for the South Beach series, and I’m also producing lots of short novellas for the Delia Calhoun series. To engage with my readers, I’m heading out on a book tour in the Pac NW this summer – and I can’t wait to meet everyone!
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?
Oh, this one is easy. Dark Fire by Christine Feehan, Unbound by JR Ward, and The Hot Zone by Jayne Castle, aka Jayne Ann Krentz. They will keep me entertained and far from lonely.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kerrie Biehl’s Social Media Links