Author Q&A: Kim Daniels, AKA Kendra Clark
Author: Mary Varble
Original Publication Date in Love Notes: May 2006

MV: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

KD: I don’t think I had an “a-ha” moment where I woke up one day and wanted to be a writer. I’m also not one of those writers that’s been writing since the embryonic stage either ;). I’ve always had an appreciation for the written word and my first love was poetry. My writing stemmed from my love of reading. At twelve, I remember sneaking my mom’s Harlequins to school and reading them—especially during math class. So I’ve had a love of romance from an early age. However, when my husband got called to Homeland Security in 2004, I decided to tell the stories I’d been imagining. I’ve been writing them ever since.

MV: What genre do you write?

KD: I write Paranormal Romance and Erotic Romance, which also happens to be paranormal. I just can’t seem to veer from the larger than life heroes and powerful heroines. It’s much more fun to write to me than the ordinary.

MV: How spicy is "spicy with a lot of sass"?

KD: Just that, spicy enough to singe your hair, not enough to leave a bad taste in your mouth. I write the stories of the characters how spicy they get depend on each character. Most of the time I avoid the controversial.

MV: Okay, tell us just how excited you are now that Triskelion is an RWA recognized publisher?

KD: VERY! Kristi and Gail have been working so hard toward this goal and I’m excited for them. The unique thing about Triskelion is they can give authors more creative freedom since they are new and growing. I really think the reader is responding and RWA status is proof of that. I’m proud to be able to apply for PAN status and will get to wear my pink ribbon to my first Nationals! It’s all very exciting.

MV: Is your family supportive of your writing?

KD: At first it was a change for them because I had a shift in time management in order to accomplish what I wanted as far as word counts and such. But they realize that mommy is writing and working now and are very proud of me. I’m more than blessed to have them.

MV: How do you balance your writing with your other responsibilities? Day job/family, etc.

KD: Now that isn’t always easy, but it works itself out. The great thing about my day job is I get summers off, so I get a lot accomplished during summers and breaks. I write several pages on the weekends as well. The key is to listen to your body. If it’s tired, let it rest, if it can go a few more rounds, push, push, push. The important thing is to set attainable goals and stick with them and work at a steady pace.

MV: Tell us about your day job.

KD: I'm a special education teacher for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at a local school where I live. I've been teaching for five years and love special needs children. I teach Language Arts, Mathematics and enrichment to Gifted Students. It's overwhelming at times because I teach for a poor school system which is under-facultied due to budget issues, but that just means the children need me even more. I'm truly blessed to have the opportunity to be with these children each day.

MV: Who are some of your favorite authors whether romance or other genres?

KD: I adore the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park. She’s such a cute character and always getting into mischief. I enjoy Mediator Series by Meg Cabot, most anything by Judy Blume, J.R. Tolkien, or Sherrilyn Kenyon. Miranda Lee, Michelle Celmer, and Maggie Shayne are some of my favorites as well.

I’m sure I could think of ten or twelve more if I tried hard enough. Mostly, I love an engaging story with carefully crafted characters.

MV: Please tell the members a bit about your newest release.

KD: My newest release is Kiss Me Sweetly. I wrote it last summer during my off time, and it's one of my favorites I've written.

Here's a little blurb from Kiss Me Sweetly:

Sometimes the most powerful forces are the opposing ones.

Shape shifter Nina Manaro wants her independence. Born the youngest and only sister of seven overbearing brothers, it's been something she's struggled to gain for years. Especially since they're the biggest, baddest werewolves in all of Raven's Falls. But when she reaches the age of twenty-one, she decides to take control of her own destiny and leave the pack to seek refuge in her grandfather's abandoned cabin. When she discovers a sexy someone's already there, someone that can help her with her little problem, will she be able to keep the independence she so desperately seeks?

Vampire Lucien Portuer wants to be left alone. Wrongfully accused of murder, he suffers an attack from an entire wolf pack which left him for dead. He's injured, pissed, and downright sick of his existence and forced to seek shelter before the sunrise. But when an unexpected visitor enters the abandoned cabin Lucien's inhabiting on the eve of the biggest blizzard Raven's Falls has ever seen, will he be able to resist temptation when he learns just who this mystery visitor is and what she wants from him?

MV: What one last thing do you want your MCRW members to know?

KD: I slurp down Diet Dr. Peppers as if they were good for me. I enjoy talking—sometimes too much and I’m very proud to be a part of MCRW. You guys are a wonderful resource for new and established authors. Everyone has been so friendly and welcomed me as a new member with open arms. Thanks MCRW!

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For more about Kim and her projects, visit her web site at: www.kendraclarkhome.com

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