Interview with contemporary romance author Bernadette Marie

My special guest today is contemporary romance author Bernadette Marie. The feature is her newest book in her Keller Family Series, Home Run.

Bernadette will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. To be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and leave comments there, too.

Bio:

Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series, The Keller Family, has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011, along with her other series and single title books. The married mother of five sons promises Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it, because she lives it.

When not writing, Bernadette Marie is shuffling her sons to their many events—mostly hockey—and enjoying the beautiful views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains from her front step. She is also an accomplished martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.

A chronic entrepreneur, Bernadette Marie opened her own publishing house in 2011, 5 Prince Publishing, so that she could publish the books she liked to write and help make the dreams of other aspiring authors come true too.

Welcome, Bernadette. Please tell us about your current release.

Home Run is the 7^th book in the Keller series and follows Christian Keller, the middle son of Carlos and Madeline (book 2). A tragic accident tears apart Christian’s career as a baseball player and his relationship with his fiancée Victoria Lincoln. However, the Keller family always rallies around their own and this is no different. When Christian pulls himself back together with the help of his family he then takes on the challenge of winning back Victoria’s heart.

What inspired you to write this book?

I had Christian’s story in my head before even finished the first four books. It was a matter of waiting. As for the story inspiration, I don’t even know where that really came from. I am blessed to have these great storylines just come to me.

Excerpt:

As they stepped onto the dance floor the music changed, slowed, and the lights dimmed more. Christian wrapped his arm around Tori’s waist and pulled her as close as he possibly could to him. She rested her hand on his shoulder and clasped her hand into his other.

           

They’d never danced well, but they were a pair with their limping and their scars. Still, they swayed together and he managed to get her even closer, until they were cheek to cheek.

           

“Did you pay the DJ to play this?” She said softly in his ear.

           

He finally listened to the song. Unchained Melody played and the verse, “Are you still mine? I need your love,” rang in his ears.

           

“That would be giving me too much credit.”

           

He’d noticed that her hand was no longer on his shoulder, but instead her arm was draped behind his neck. He pulled their clasped hands in closer until they were rested between them.

           

How was it that in a matter of minutes he had her pressed so close to him, swaying to a song that was so close to ending.

           

It was a sign, right? She had to miss him as desperately as he missed her. There was no other reason to be able to hold her so close.

           

One song melted into another slow dance and she stayed in his arms. In a bold move, he slid his hand from hers and laced it around her waist forcing her to take her other arm around his neck too. Now they were completely pressed together. Their cheeks rested against each other’s and he was sure he could feel her fingertips massaging the nape of his neck.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am working on the Three Mrs. Monroes which will be a trilogy launched this summer. And I am also finishing up book 8 in the Keller Family series The Acceptance.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Though I have written since I was 12, I only said the words “I’m a writer” starting in 2007. That was the year I penned 12 books and started seeking publication.

Do you write full-time? I do write full time, and publish.

If so, what's your work day like?  I write in short stints of time. I write for 10-20 minutes, then do some office work, and then back at it. When my family is home I will then write for hours while they watch TV (as I do not) and I have a laptop.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I think again it would be that I write in short bursts. I can, since I have 5 kids, also write anywhere, anytime, under any conditions. I’m great under pressure to get things done. I can also write a book in less than 2 months.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

My original wants were to be a teacher, a beautician, and a singer. Well I went to college to teach—not for me. But I did teach karate, so I count that. I am an award winning nail care professional and hair stylist. Check. And I have sang at weddings—but if you read my books you’ll find I’d probably love to be a country singer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Ways to connect with me and learn more about my writing include:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | 5 Prince Books

Thanks, Bernadette!