PLEASE MAKE WELCOME THE CHARMING AND TALENTED KRISTI AHLERS

Kristi and I both have worked for Romantic Times Book Reviews and now as published authors, we also have a connection. Kristi is awesome and such a wonderful and unique person. So pull up a chair, and let's see what she has to say, shall we?

Have you always wanted to be a writer? If so, why? 

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. When I was younger, growing up, I’d re-write the stories endings to the books I’d read that I thought hadn’t produced the right amount of “drama.” J I was all about being caught up in the fantasy of the story and would tweak things to my satisfaction.

 

How do you come up with the characters you do? 

To be honest they come to me fully formed and yammering at me. I’ve yet to set out and craft a character purposely. I prefer it when they come to me, their background all ready sorted and my knowing exactly who they are and why. Makes it easier to tell their story and for me makes the character seem a little more realistic. 

Do you plot out your books or fly by the seat of your pants? 

Up until my recent full on suspense, I was a pantser for sure. I knew how the story started, how it ended and what the big dramatic challenge would be. I’ve only recently started storyboarding and that’s been an immense help in keeping all the story elements sorted out and clear for me. I’ve also used this method for my latest project that is a three book series set pre WWI. 

Has any one person influenced your writing career? 

Heather Graham and Patricia Grasso and Brenda Joyce have all three influenced me in one-way or another. They have all been super supportive and Brenda even gave me a cover quote for my historical romance Gabrielle.
 

Do you have a favorite genre to write and to read? 

I’ll read just about anything. Love the classics like Les Miserable. I read it every year, such an amazing collection of dynamic characters. I’m also very partial to romance and the happy ending. As for my writing life, I try to write every day, even if it’s just a few hundred words. I get my chores done, so I don’t feel guilty…lol…and then I sit down with my coffee or tea and dive in for a few hours. I love writing historic fiction/romance the most. Although I find writing suspense to be a challenge from the other stories I’ve written in the past. 

At one time you were a Romantic Times Book reviewer, what did you find to be the hardest part of that job?

 Honestly, being given a book I wouldn’t have naturally gravitated to. At the same time it did open my mind to different stories and genres. I also HATED not liking a book. I know what goes into the writing and heart and effort it takes to start and finish a book. This is why I always made sure I found something positive to say even as I gave a low rating.

 If you could live in any time and any place, when and where would it be?

 I love the Edwardian era, or Downton Abbey time frame, in England. I’ve always wanted to write a series during this time period but have constantly been told no one would read it. Well I’m working on something now so we shall see.  There is something about this time period that just calls to me.
 

What is coming next for you an author? 

I’m currently finishing Her Highlander’s Kiss, which is book 3 in my Clan Ross series. After that I’m working on a three book series set prior to the outbreak of WWI. Three strong women, facing life’s impossible choices during a wartime situation. I’ve had an incredibly great time researching the series and I’m really excited to start writing it.

 Do you have any sage advice for aspiring authors? 

DON’T GIVE UP! If telling a story is your passion, something you want to do, don’t let anyone get in your way, make it happen. Only person standing in your way is you.

 

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers? 

THANK YOU SO MUCH! If it wasn’t for my readers, I wouldn’t be doing this. I love hearing how much they love my characters and my stories. I’m so glad I’ve been able to touch lives and give a little downtime to a stranger through my own fantasies.D