Interview with contemporary romance author C.C. Koen

Contemporary romance novel Unlikely Allies is the focus of today’s interview. Author C.C. Koen is in the hot seat to give us insight into her writing, why she enjoys writing romance, and she also has a giveaway.

During her virtual book tour, C.C. will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card (winner’s choice) to a randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

C.C. Koen writes contemporary romance with a twist. An avid reader who enjoys mystery and suspense, her stories will never be what you expect. Determined to find adventure in her dreams and life, she enjoys skydiving, sailing and any activity that challenges her. Teacher by day, romance writer at night produce an active imagination that comes to life in her writing.

Welcome C.C. Please tell us about your current release, Unlikely Allies.

What happens when a single mom’s four-year-old daughter falls in love with Mr. Right and she doesn’t? Maggie Tyson’s rule: no bad boys. Her incarcerated ex-husband broke her of that attraction. Determined to not make the same mistakes, she has a mile-long list of dos and don’ts. When her daughter, Cecily wanders away from her and right into Rick Stone’s office, Maggie knows he’s the exact type she’s been trying to avoid. Rick Stone’s rule: bed them don’t wed them. Voted America’s most eligible bachelor, Rick doesn’t have any problems getting women into his bed—except one. Two auburn beauties stumble into his life. Will he love or leave them?

What inspired you to write this book?
Unlikely Allies is my second novel. The story originated from a writing prompt posted in a critique group. I had no idea the prompt would turn into a novel. I’m so glad it did, because I absolutely love the premise of Unlikely Allies. There is nothing sweeter than a little girl who wraps a man around her finger.

Excerpt from Unlikely Allies:

“Cece, Cece, where are you?”

They both turned toward the door.

An adult version of the pint-sized girl appeared in the doorway. This variation, though, had hair on the cherry side of auburn with twists of milk chocolate streaming through the strands.  A messy ponytail slung high on top of her head, and thick, curly waves fell over her shoulder, instead of bright, reddish-orange pigtails like Cece’s.

“Cece, come here.” The woman’s stern tone communicated there better not be any arguments. Cece marched across the room. “My daughter shouldn’t have run off. I’m sorry if she disturbed you.”

A company logo and name written in gold script in a circular pattern above her left breast caught his attention: Westlake Security Services. His best friend, Matt, owned the firm adjacent to his office. She’d have to pass his suite to get there, yet he’d never seen her before. He inspected her uniform, a gray polo shirt and black slacks. An outfit he’d seen many times before, but it never looked that good on anyone else. The fabric, tucked in at her waist, had a cut that hugged her handful-sized breasts, and slim pants accentuated her curvy hips.

He lifted his gaze and found the woman ushering Cece out the door. “Wait.”

Cece turned, beaming a huge smile at him. “I would a told ya bye.” And just as fast, her little face morphed from happy to perturbed, aimed at her mother, and with her arms crossed, Cece shook her head.

Without missing a beat, and as smooth as his mother would have, the woman redirected Cece. “Say good night to Mr.…”

“Stone, Rick Stone.”

She set a hand on Cece’s shoulder, nudging her and casting a do-what-your-mother-says stare. “I have to get back to work. Say goodbye to Mr. Stone.”

“What’s your name?” He couldn’t let her get away that fast.

“Maggie.”

“Margareta Cassidy Tyson,” Cece shouted with emphasis, a pause between each distinction. “My mama works here.” She pointed toward the hall. “She plays on a phone and ʼputer. It got lotsa buttons.” She shook her head, pigtails flinging back and forth over one shoulder then the other, followed by an overdrawn sigh. “She don’t let me push ʼem. Don’t ya think I should get to push ʼem? He let me push his.” Cece looked up at her mother and shot her arm toward him, her shrugging shoulders communicating, “See, everybody can do it. No big deal.”

Rick chuckled and then stopped when Maggie spun around, hands set on her hips. He rubbed his palm along the back of his neck and shifted from one foot to the other as an uncomfortable silence engulfed the room. “Let me explain.”

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m currently working on Serenity, which is the sequel to my first novel, Intensity. It was impossible to resolve the story in just one book. The characters, Serena and Linc, have a lot to resolve in order to reach a HEA.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I became a writer by accident. My first novel, Intensity came to me as a fantasy while I was driving to work one day. Driving can be boring and my mind often wanders. I have to admit the original story was very different from the finished tale. I wrote an article about the experience at Savvy Authors titled, Take Your Time, but Hurry Up! A Newbie Author Selfie. 

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I teach during the day and write in the evening hours. I’m an emotional writer and have to be in the right mindset. Sometimes life events and stress prevents me from focusing, and other times, writing helps clear my head. I never know from day to day what will happen, so I go with the flow and write as often as my brain allows me.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I am often laying down when I write. I have back and shoulder issues, so sitting at a desk will only cause a great deal of pain. I generally have the TV on or music playing except when I am editing. When I revise, I read the chapter out loud and need complete silence then. I like to listen to the story and experience the flow.

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

I played school and liked to draw clothing a lot. I wanted to be a fashion designer or model, but that didn’t work out. In college I studied nursing for the first year and then switched to education. I’m so glad I did, because I enjoy the challenge of teaching. It keeps my brain and imagination very active.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I really enjoy reading suspense and mysteries. Therefore, there will always be some type of suspenseful event in my stories. I’d really like to write a suspense/thriller novel along the lines of Harlan Coben. I am fascinated by his stories and those of other suspense authors like Roxanne St. Claire. I enjoy the pace and the challenge of trying to figure out who done it. 

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+ | Blog | Pinterest 

Buy links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Apple | Goodreads

Thanks, C.C.!

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