Spotlight Author: Kaylee Rose

1. What lead you to writing? Who or what inspired you?

When I was in sixth grade, I wrote a five paragraph short story on a piece of binder paper about a young girl finding her first love. It was called, Someday. That story always stuck with me and when I met my husband, I felt like that girl. We’ve been together for over thirty years now.

He’s a huge romantic and treats me like a princess and he’s the reason I believe happily ever after’s.

My inspiration for writing my current series, The Weight of the Badge, came from a class I attended with my husband about emotional survival for law enforcement and suicide prevention. As the wife of an officer, this subject hits close to home. First responder suicide rates are climbing each year which scares the crap out of me. I hope othersrecognize this problem in the first responder community and maybe have a little more understanding of the stress the individuals and their families face daily.

2. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

A great editor. Writing your story from the heart. Determination and will to be better. One of my favorite quotes: If what you did today looks big, you didn’t do enough today.

3. Describe your writing space.

I’ve recently had to relocate to a small corner of my family room. I was in my bedroom, but my husband‘s work schedule changed to night shift which means he sleeps during the day. So, right now, it is complete chaos. I had to purchase privacy panels to give me a semblance of privacy, but nobody respects it and constantly interrupts me. I started a tally for each person. My dog is currently winning the interrupt Kaylee while she writes game.

4. How do you deal with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

That’s a great question. The Weight of the Badge has chewed me up and spit me out. There are a few chapters in Family of Blue that I cried through while writing and editing. I won’t reread them because it hurts too much. Even when I mention those scenes in the other two books, I tear up.

To counter my reactions, I generally read a light, comedic romance. It doesn’t have to be a full–on rom-com. I look for something that will brighten my mood with fun banter and a HEA to melt my heart.

5. Tell us about your first published book? What was the journey like?

My first writing experience was more challenging than I ever imagined it would be.

Having a great story idea is easy. But, putting it in writing in a way that is interesting to the reader, getting the words to flow, and all the other parts of publishing a quality book is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my life.

The first move I made was hiring a developmental editor who is tough on me. That led to lots of tears from frustration. Not because I hated what she had to say, but because I’m used to excelling in the projects I take on.

Most days, I was so confused, and I didn’t even know what questions to ask. It took time for the relationship between my editor and me to smooth out. I needed to understand her. She needed to understand me. Nobody learns the same way and my brain is very different. Thank god my editor had faith in me. She is the reason I didn’t quit before publishing For the Love of Us.

6. Do you write listening to music? If so, what music inspired or accompanied this current book?

Sometimes. While writing Family of Blue, I listened to several songs. Rascal Flatts, Why, was the one I kept of repeat the most. I have my playlist on YouTube if you’d like to listen for yourself. https://tinyurl.com/KayleeFOBPlaylist

My series, The Weight of the Badge, was titled by my husband based on the George Strait song by the same name. It’s on my playlist as well.

7. How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?

Oh gosh. There are at least fifteen between my co-writes, a few secret projects, and the stories I’ve plotted out or started.

Unfortunately, I can’t share any of those yet, but I’ll be sure to contact Kris once I’m ready to make them public. The one I can let you know about is already on preorder. My co-write with Zane Michaelson.

Haunted: Every House Has Its Secrets…

Pre-order your copy now: https://geni.us/Hauntedzk

Goodreads TBR: https://tinyurl.com/hauntedGR
Blurb:
Come closer.
At the sound of her familiar voice, my heart thuds in my chest. She speaks as she always does, with words only I can hear, but as much as I try to convince myself otherwise, I know I’m not imagining it. She’s inside the crumbling shell, just waiting, biding her time. “No!”
Come closer, she repeats.
As desire overrides the urge to run, I realise I want to see her. “Stay away from me.”
I mean you no harm, Lucas.
“I don’t trust you, Mina.”

8. Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

The first author I ever contacted as a reader was Donna Michaels. She was looking for street team members and I emailed her. I’m still one of her Minions and I was fortunate to actually meet her a few years ago.

9. If you could ask one successful author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?

I’m not sure there is one, to be honest. I’m always looking for new ways to market my book, so I’d pick their brain about that.

I’ve learned that everyone’s writing process is unique. Finding what works for you takes time. Trial and error have been my method when it comes to setting up my personal writing process.

10. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

That one is easy… Disneyland and road trips with my husband.

About Kaylee Rose

Kaylee Rose is a mother, sports fan, and contemporary romance author looking to stretch her creative muscles and explore other genres as well.

Inspired by her husband’s career in law enforcement and her passion for the written word, Kaylee began to pen her novels as an escape from the rigors of everyday life. She admits teaching herself the craft of writing has been challenging but wonderful journey and is just the creative outlet she needs. Writing time is her time, and she protects the hard-won moments fiercely.

Kaylee’s series The Weight of the Badge was written after she attended required law enforcement classes with her husband. The seminars focused on the stress a first responder faces daily, how it affects their lives both on and off the job and the continually growing number of law enforcement suicides. With her books and experience married to a law enforcement officer, Kaylee found herself armed with the perfect platform to use her voice and subtly spread the statistics others may not know. Kaylee Rose is passionate about sharing sexy stories with an important message mixed in.

As a mom of four boys and with a competitive streak of her own, Kaylee spent over twenty years coaching youth sports. She loves playing softball, volleyball, and soccer to name a few. Currently obsessed with Kinder Joy chocolates and the little toys that come inside them, Kaylee refuses to share with anyone, even if they promise to do the dishes after she cooks.

Kaylee’s husband is her biggest supporter, believing in her even when she can not, and writing love stories comes naturally to her after falling in love with him at first sight. Her happy place is Disneyland with her family or going on a road trip or camping with her hubby.

Follow Kaylee Rose on www.authorkayleerose.com to stay up to date with her work.

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