While my plotlines are fictional, I do my best to incorporate a sense of realism into each one of them; that suggestion of ‘maybe that could happen in real life’.

Kristine Raymond – 22 October 2018

The Back Flap

Four couples.  Four seasons.  A lifetime of love.

Dogwoods in Springtime

Still in mourning three years after her husband’s death, Caroline Ballard’s solitary life in rural Kentucky is disrupted by a broken water line, of all things.  As if the lack of running water wasn’t bad enough, her immediate attraction to plumbing contractor Rick Spencer unearths emotions long thought buried.  Opening her heart to love for a second time, a malicious lie told by his ex-wife threatens to end the budding relationship before it begins.

Seashells in Summer

Having adopted her four-year-old daughter, Lily, at birth, Taylor Brightman is suspicious when former Marine Sergeant Grant Cutler appears on her Nantucket Island doorstep claiming to be the girl’s biological father.  Wary of his motives, his good looks and charming personality win her over, but can she trust that she won’t lose custody along with her heart?

Aspens in Autumn

Ramsey Fiorentino is having a bad day.  On the run for her life after witnessing a murder, she’s being pursued by none other than Bishop Hamilton, a private investigator hired by the person who committed the crime.  When he catches up to her and the truth comes out, they flee to the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona to hide, but it’s only a matter of time before their newfound romance is tested in the wake of a deadly confrontation.

Snowflakes in Winter

When New Hampshire State Trooper Alex Ballard becomes stranded during a blizzard in the middle of the night, he seeks refuge at a local bed and breakfast, surprised to discover the owner, Chloe Mancuso, is the sole occupant.  A passionate night spent in each other’s arms ignites feelings neither thought possible, but there’s someone else with his eye on Chloe and he’s not willing to share.

About the book

What is the book about?

Seasons of Love is a collection of four, seasonally-themed short stories of the romantic variety, each with its own happily ever after, and at least one character in each story has ties to a character in another.  Beginning in springtime in Kentucky, ending in the frosty months of winter in the mountains of New Hampshire, they’re stories of second chances and later-in-life love and learning to trust your heart.

On a personal note, I’ve either lived in or visited all of the locations in the book.  It was fun reliving some really great memories while writing.

When did you start writing the book?

Dogwoods in Springtime was written in the summer of 2017 for inclusion in a boxed set that was published for charity.  At the time of submission, only short stories or novellas were considered, so when the rights reverted back to me, rather than expanding the story to a full-length novel, I decided to create three more to fit the ‘seasons’ theme and compile them in one volume.

How long did it take you to write it?

Each story took a different amount of time.  The quickest was Snowflakes in Winter, which only took five days.  Once Alex and Chloe began talking to me, they wouldn’t let me stop writing until their story was finished.

Where did you get the idea from?

I’m not sure where any of my book ideas come from.  They just pop into my head and I go from there.  Sometimes a character develops first and I create a life for him or her; other times, it’s a location or snippet of a song or feeling that sparks the inspiration for a story.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I haven’t written a story yet where I haven’t struggled over one area or another.  For me, it’s part of the process of writing – letting the story form naturally in its own time rather than forcing it.  I’m happier with the finished product that way.

What came easily?

The dialogue between the characters, especially between Alex and Chloe.  They were a blast to write!  Taylor and Grant also have an interesting dynamic.  Awe, heck, all of the couples kept me entertained!  I love getting inside my characters’ heads and playing out on paper scenes between them.  It’s a lot of fun, and keeps the stories interesting.

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

Every story I write contains aspects of both myself and people I know, which I find adds authenticity to the characters.  Sometimes it’s a personal quirk, other times it might just be a name, but adding such details helps me to envision my characters as real people, and hopefully brings them alive to the readers, too.

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?

There isn’t a particular writing style that influences how I write; it’s more the desire to tell a satisfying story like those written by my favorite authors.  If I’ve learned anything, it’s how to craft plots that are enjoyable and engage readers, and develop personable characters who you’d love to have as your best friend.  For that, my humblest thanks go to PJ Tracy, Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Karen Robards, and Lavyrle Spencer.

Do you have a target reader?

Anyone who loves reading a great story! While my plotlines are fictional, I do my best to incorporate a sense of realism into each one of them; that suggestion of ‘maybe that could happen in real life’.

About Writing

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

My writing process is that I don’t have one.  Each book I’ve written has come about in a different way.  The only thing I can say is consistent is that I need quiet when I write.  No playlists running in the background or my favorite show flickering on the TV.  I get distracted easily…

SQUIRREL!

…and in order to concentrate I need to immerse myself completely in the story.

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

No, I don’t outline.  I have a general idea what’s going to happen and take it from there.  Sometimes, I’ll jot down a few specific points that I want to cover but even then there’s no guarantee they’ll end up in the final version.

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

I edit as I go, so my first draft is also my final draft.  The way my brain works I’m rarely able to skip ahead to another scene without completing the one I’m working on, which is why I sometimes spend hours attempting to craft the perfect sentence.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I’ve never submitted any of my books to an agent.  But if there are any out there who might be interested in my work, drop me a line.

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

I’d toyed with the idea of writing a book for decades but, quite honestly, never wanted to go through the hassle of finding a publisher.  When a friend of mine self-published her book, I decided to give it a try.  The rest is history.

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

I created it myself.  Actually, five covers – one for each individual story and one for the book itself, which is a combination of the four.  I love how each couple depicted perfectly matches my characters and the seasonal theme.

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

As with all of my books, my marketing plan consists of sharing my stories with readers by taking advantage of wonderful opportunities such as this one offered by The IndieView.  Your support and encouragement for my work is very much appreciated.  Thank you.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Don’t give up!  There will be times you’ll wonder if all of the aggravation is worth it.  Let me tell you from experience – it is.  That moment you receive a message or email from a reader telling you how much your story helped them through a difficult time in their life, or how they identified with one of your characters, or how your journey inspired them to take the first step on one of their own.  Yeah, it’s worth it!

About You

Where did you grow up?

A native of New England, I ended up in Kentucky by way of Flagstaff, Arizona (where I met and married my husband), taking the long way around to get to where I am now, as is true of many aspects of my life.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m happily married, the mom to a multitude of rescued furbabies, am an avid tea drinker (Earl Grey, preferably), binge-watch Netflix more often than I should, and have gathered more story ideas than I can ever hope to write.  If you’d like to learn more, please visit my website at www.kristineraymond.com.  I also invite you to follow me on Instagram, Book + Main, and Facebook.

What are you working on now?

After writing and publishing fourteen books – one non-fiction, one erotic drama, and twelve romance – I’ve set my sights on a new genre and am currently working on a mystery; cozy or otherwise, to be determined.  Look for it to be released later this year.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Seasons of Love from Amazon US or Amazon UK.