Other than the two main characters who were completely cooked up in my head (and maybe taken from my own quirky personality at times) my characters were all based on someone I knew at the time. Loosely based, but they can see themselves in there, I think. We used to call each other by our character names at the bank. I miss those days…ok maybe I just miss the people. 

Erica Lucke Dean – 20 May 2013

The Back Flap

Banker Katie James has a serious thing for romance novels. She’d almost rather settle for a fictional boyfriend than risk her heart on a flesh-and-blood man. Besides, the only real guy she’s remotely interested in is her rich, unattainable client, the mysterious Cooper Maxwell.

Looking less like the ultra-conservative man she knows and more like a drop-dead sexy character from one of her books, Cooper crashes Katie’s 29th birthday party. But one too many drinks lands Katie in uncharted territory… Cooper’s bedroom!

Drunk on love, Katie dives headfirst into the relationship only to discover that Cooper is keeping secrets… dangerous ones. As if things couldn’t get worse, her meddling mother makes a surprise visit, digging up a whole new set of problems.

Who would have guessed having an assassin for a boyfriend would be the least of her worries?

About the book

What is the book about?

To Katie With Love is a funny, sweet, romantic story about Katie James, a shy wealth management banker with an obsession with romance novels, and a crush on her seemingly unattainable client, Cooper Maxwell.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the story while I was working as a business banker for Bank of America several years ago. I was inspired by some interesting characters I worked with.

How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote the first chapter and tucked it away for about six months before the characters woke me up shouting at me to dig them out of the drawer. From that moment, it took me three months to write the first draft. And then the fun part started…the editing process.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was in this smoky bar doing karaoke one night, waiting for my turn to go up and sing, and I realized there weren’t any hot guys (other than my husband) in the crowd. I wrote chapter one on a bunch of napkins. But the characters didn’t begin to take shape until I was in my office at the bank interacting with clients. A lot of interesting, amusing things happen in a bank.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I think the biggest struggle came tying chapter one to the rest of the story. Then one day it just came together.

What came easily?

The dialogue came pretty easily. I love writing dialogue.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Other than the two main characters who were completely cooked up in my head (and maybe taken from my own quirky personality at times) my characters were all based on someone I knew at the time. Loosely based, but they can see themselves in there, I think. We used to call each other by our character names at the bank. I miss those days…ok maybe I just miss the people.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I think it’s vital for a writer to read. That’s truly where you learn the craft from reading others. It’s not that you model yourself after them, but I know I get inspired every time I read a book. It’s something about the magic you’re surrounded by when you read. It transports you someplace else, and for me, it makes me want to create a new world of my own. I love so many authors, from Jane Austen to Stephen King and just about everything in between. It all depends on the mood I’m in.

Do you have a target reader?

I think my target reader would be someone who likes a good romantic comedy. I wrote the book as if I was watching a movie play out in my head, and several of my beta readers have said they felt that when they read it. One even called Katie an American Bridget Jones.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I used to say I flew by the seat of my pants when I wrote. And maybe that’s still true to some degree, but nowadays, I like to have somewhat of a game plan going in. I’ll write up a plot for the book before I set out to write. But in the end, it just depends on the characters and how their story plays out for me.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Lately, I’ve been doing a little outlining. Not a formal outline or anything. It’s more of a rough idea of what happens first, where they go next, and where I want them to end up at the finish line.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I’m one of those crazy people who edits as I go. I’ve tried to force myself to just keep moving forward, but I guess I’m stubborn. I work each chapter to death before moving to the next.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I totally listen to music while writing. Often that’s what sets the tone for the scene I’m working on. For To Katie With Love, I listened to John Mayer, Michael Buble, and Josh Kelley has this amazing song, Hey Katie, that just makes the characters snap to attention.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did submit this book to agents early on, and probably too early on because it was before I’d done any real editing. I got some interest, but ultimately, I went with Red Adept Publishing because it was the best fit for me.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It’s very difficult to get published these days as an unknown author. Basically, the stars have to align, you have to mind the cycle of the moon and probably consult the tarot cards…but seriously, I wasn’t interested in self-publishing, but I was excited about the prospect of a small publisher. We needed each other. A small publisher needs good writers with great stories, and a new author needs someone willing to take a chance on them.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did it you do it yourself?

Red Adept Publishing uses Streetlight Graphics for their covers, and I think they do amazing work. I’m very pleased with how this cover turned out. It’s exactly as I envisioned it.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I like to wing it. At my core, I’m still a fly by the seat of your pants kinda girl. But I’m really trying to come up with a plan. Plans are good, right?

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town in Upstate New York, then moved to Pennsylvania my senior year of high school.

Where do you live now?            

I live in the mountains of North Georgia, but I still consider myself very much a northern girl.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I still sing karaoke once a week. I live on a farm with my husband, my giant dog, and an assortment of animals that have been known to try to eat me. But that’s another story for another day.

What are you working on now?

My next project is Suddenly Sorceress, a paranormal chick lit/romance. I’m very excited about it. After that, I have a few more stories screaming at me to let them out. As long as the voices keep talking to me, I’ll keep writing them down.

End of Interview:

You can find out more about Erica on her website. Or follow her on twitter.

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