Kathleen helped transform the old blog into the dynamic new Romance Gems group blog with 23 bestselling authors contributing posts.
About Kathleen Lawless
Kathleen has garnered rave reviews for her books and numerous awards including Romantic Times K.I.S.S., a Scarlett Letter, and a Golden Quill.
She said her earliest memories are of wanting to be a writer. To create stories that would touch the lives of others who love to read the way she does.
"It’s amazing to see the changes in traditional publishing, including ebooks and the opportunities writers have to interact with their readers,” she said.
Kathleen enjoys pushing the boundaries of traditional romance into erotic romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction and stories for young adults.
She also knows about happy endings. “Can you believe I wrote A Hard Man to Love with a hero named Steele, years before I met my own hero named Steel? He’s far and away the most romantic man I’ve ever known.”Visit and Follow Kathleen Online: Website | Amazon | BookBub | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
How I Became a Writer
by Kathleen Lawless
I still remember the day my grandfather Lawless, who was babysitting me, said, “You read so many books, Kathleen. One day you’ll have to write you own.”
It was a pretty big ‘ah-hah’ moment for a little girl.
From that day forward I had a new affection for writing, and discovered the research department of our town’s library. As a teen, I spent nearly as much time there as at the mall.
And one fateful day, on a borrowed typewriter while my baby napped, inspired by Johanna Lindsey’s Captive Bride, I started writing a romance novel.
Fast forward the boring years of learning to write, collecting rejections, and being on a first-name basis with the postal clerk.
Encouragement from Cosmo One happy day Cosmopolitan magazine called with the news they were buying a slush pile article I had sent them. It wasn’t a book sale, but it was validation.
I worked harder. I joined RWA. I networked my butt off. I invited Jayne Ann Krentz for coffee when I was in Seattle. I scored an agent. I wracked up a shocking number of rejections.
I’m not sure if there’s any connection, but on the very day my husband and I decided to separate, my agent called with an offer from HarperCollins.
Newly-single, with three kids and no job or credit rating or even my own credit card, I used that first contract and book cover to secure a mortgage and hang onto the family home.
I sold five books to HarperCollins and Kensington in just over a year, but the income was unreliable.I went to work full time. I continued to write.
At long last Harlequin bought a book, at which point the editor promptly went on maternity leave.
The book became a doorstop in NYC. The line it was slated for closed. Two years later, with my editor again pregnant, I was forced to do extensive re-writes to shape it for another line. (Never again)
Older and wiser, I sold more books to Kensington’s Kate Duffy, and experimented with something far more steamy than traditional romance.
Kate hated it.Lucky for me, Micki Nuding at Pocket Books loved it.
It was the first of 6 erotic romances I wrote for Pocket, long before there was 50 shades of anything out there in booklandia.
Bella Andre joined our Erotic Romance team of authors.
Things Change
Alas, publishing was starting to have some transitional pains. I couldn’t sell another book. Bella was smart and pioneered the indie world.
It took me a lot longer to catch on. But I’m here now, having recently said farewell to the day job. Much has changed over the years, but a great story is still a great story, still guaranteed to find an audience of readers.
Callie's Honor by Kathleen LawlessFor Callie Lambert, widowhood is a damn sight better than being married ever was!
Men in her life have given her nothing but grief, and for once she finally gets to do things her way. Until a handsome stranger arrives on the scene. If it’s not bad enough he’s there, her life is further complicated when someone drops an infant at her door.
Not the drifter he pretends to be, Rafe Millar is a man with a mission, seeking revenge for his brother’s death. Callie’s ranch is the perfect location to carry out his plans and then he’ll be on his way.
Except something about Callie’s proud, defiant green eyes makes him care more than he wants to or should. Especially when her home goes up in flames and it’s his fault.
Everyone Rafe has ever loved has died. But can he leave Callie to the mercy of her unscrupulous neighbor? Not to mention there’s the baby to consider.
Reviews for Callie's Honor
“A tantalizing western adventure set in rural Oregon, 1868.” Rawhide and Lace
“This heart-warming Western adventure demonstrates convincingly that love is always a risk worth taking.” Romantic Times
Callie's Honor is a Free Kindle Unlimited Read or buy and keep forever.
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Your story is truly inspiring Kathleen and since I’ve been a fan of your writing for all the years you’ve been publishing, I’m glad you persevered!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bonnie. We're both very determined women.
DeleteHi Kathleen, your personal story proves writing is ever changing. So impressed with your perseverance. I'm sure you must love writing or otherwise you'd have left it. Congratulations for all your stories. What an Impressive range!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Nora. Playing with words and turning them into a story is my favorite thing.
DeleteI love your story--and your picture!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz. Writing is much easier for me than having a photo taken.
DeleteGreat intro and backstory. We writers are a gritty bunch and you've definitely proven that!
ReplyDeleteTakes one to know one, Nancy.
DeleteYour story makes me know that I just need to keep at it! And I love western romances!!
ReplyDeleteYou know that saying, you only fail when you stop trying, Kari. Why would we want to fail?
DeleteWhat a story and an inspiration! Can't wait to read your books!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathryn. I'm sure I took the long way nd the hard way, but I love where I am.
DeleteYou sound like a survivor. I admire that.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Definitely, Mary. Thanks for stopping by and reading about me.
DeleteThank you, Mary. I didn't always think so at the time, but it made me a stronger person.
DeleteThank you for sharing your story! I started reading when I was 4 and I would be lost without it. Everyone that knows me tells me to write my struggle into books and I hope to one day take that leap like you did.
ReplyDeleteMsredk at AOL dot com
Cindi, you'll know when that day comes and you'll never forget it.
DeleteI already like her for her surname! Wish I had a surname as cool as Lawless!! =)
ReplyDeleteUgh, forgot to put my contact info: adissidente [at] gmail [dot] com
DeleteSorry!
Thanks, Iris. My grandfather used to joke that some long-dead relative must have done something prety bad.
DeleteVery inspiring. I enjoyed reading thep ost.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Debby.
DeleteAll these years of knowing you and I had no idea you got your first deal on the day your marriage went south. No worries though because you needed that to happen to get the awesome man you have now! I’m glad you’ve continued to write and continue to find ways to reach your readers in this everchanging world!
ReplyDeleteshelleyabailey at telus dot net
Shelley, you say the nicest things.
DeleteThank you, readers, for leaving comments. Kathleen is a wonderful writer, and you'll really enjoy the new releases she has planned for this year.
ReplyDeleteJoan, you're pretty awesome yourself.
ReplyDelete