TRC: WARM FUZZIES can be funny, hysterical, poignant and thought provoking. A blog where you put into words your daily thoughts. What was your decision to focus much of your blogging on ‘your thoughts’?

 

KR: Thank you!

When I first started blogging in 2008, it was a promotional tool and a marketing decision. But that didn’t last. I couldn’t keep marketing my books day in and day out. I was boring myself. Plus, I came off like a walking commercial.

I sat down and asked myself what I wanted to achieve with a blog. Why blog? Why blog every day, for heaven’s sake?

I wanted to develop a community, but what kind of community? Writers? No. There are plenty of writing/agent/industry blogs out there. Maybe I could attract my readers to a blog.

I came up with an idea of who my readers were. I have a list of ten traits that most of them possess. Not surprisingly, I possess the same ten traits.

Then I asked myself what I had that no one else could offer. Let’s face it, people only have so much time every day. Well, me, in a word. I could give my readers the real Karen Ranney, and to do that, I had to be authentic. No posturing, no hiding, no pretending to be someone I’m not.

Let me tell you, the journey of revealing myself has been a trip, and sometimes a painful one. I pretty much let it all hang out. When I’m wrong, I admit it. When I’m perfect, I crow. When I crack myself up, I celebrate it.

I talk about everything, from why we wear garter belts on the outside of panties to commercials I just don’t get. We share viewpoints on every topic in the world except two: politics and religion aren’t allowed. I wanted a safe zone at Warm Fuzzies!, a place where people can be themselves and be celebrated for that.

The result, I’m proud to say, is a divergent community of people I’ve grown very fond of and who have become friends.

 

TRC: The Highland Lord series of novels is currently on hiatus. Many authors continue to publish numerous books in their popular series, some numbering into the 20s and 30s. Will you, at some point, continue this series of books featuring the MacRae family? If not, what is your reason behind ending the series?

 

KR: I personally believe that five books should be the limit in any series. That’s as a reader and a writer. Of course, there are other series that have gone way beyond that. Some I still like. Most, however, I think have outlived their expiration date.

 

TRC: You continue to write many of your novels and series, focusing in the Highlands and Scotland. Have you ever been to Scotland?

 

KR: I’ve been there a few times. The longest was about a month when I drove around the country. I’ve never been as terrified or lost in my life.

 

TRC: A Scottish Love…one of your most recent publications. Tell us something about this book.

 

KR: Here’s the blurb:

Shona Imrie should have agreed to Gordon MacDermond’s proposal of marriage seven years ago—before he went off to war and returned a national hero—but the proud Scottish lass would accept no man’s charity. The dashing soldier would never truly share her love and the passion that left her weak and breathless — or so she believed—so instead she gave herself to another. Now she faces disgrace, poverty, and a life spent alone for her steadfast refusal to follow her heart.

Honored with a baronetcy for his courage under fire, Gordon has everything he could ever want—except for the one thing he most fervently desires: the headstrong beauty he foolishly let slip through his fingers. Conquering Shona’s stubborn pride, however, will prove his most difficult battle—though it is the one for which he is most willing to risk his life, his heart, and his soul.

What’s different about A Scottish Love is the heroine. Shona is stubborn, filled with pride, and has paid a price for her character flaws.

Frankly, I love flawed characters, because I haven’t met a perfect person yet.

TRC:  A Scandalous Scot will be released June 2012. You recently released the cover picture (and inside cover?) It is a very beautiful cover. Were you involved in the selection of this cover?

 

KR: No, I just furnished information about the characters and locale, and the wonderful Art Department came up with it. Isn’t it absolutely gorgeous? I love it, and the cover for the next book, The Lass Wore Black.

TRC: Will you tell us a little about A Scandalous Scot?

 

KR: Take two people, from two totally different backgrounds, force them together in a difficult situation, and see what happens – that’s what happens in A Scandalous Scot.

The earl is recovering from a decision that quite possibly has ruined his life. The maid is hiding as well. Neither is equipped for the attraction to the other. When the earl offers marriage, it’s the very worst thing that can happen.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

 

KR: I’m finishing up one Scottish historical, and an erotic/romantic novella coming out in April, 2012.

 

TRC: Have you considered going back to journalism? Motivational speaking?

 

KR: No, I love writing. It completes me. (Okay, tongue in cheek, there .)

TRC: Do you have any regrets?

 

KR: Who doesn’t? I don’t think you can be human and not have some regrets, but long ago, I decided that I wanted to regret those things I did and not those things I didn’t do.

BOXERS, BRIEFS or COMMANDO:  Me or him?