Welcome, today we are talking with Kaya Quinsey! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, I think it’s important for readers to get a little insight on an author that they don’t necessarily get from your professional bio. You’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.
Can you share a little something about Kaya Quinsey that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?
Thank you so much, Tory, for having me on Coffee Time Romance. I am an avid reader and beach lover. You’d be hard-pressed to find me more relaxed than when I am taking a walk along a beach with my family. I am also a huge romantic at heart, and actually met my fiancé in a psychology of relationships class back in university.
What is your favorite:
- Animal – Cats, rabbits, donkeys… I’m afraid I can’t pick just one! I love animals.
- Food – Fresh raspberries, chocolate croissants, and oysters!
- Movie – One of my all-time favorites is My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
- TV show – Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown.
- Actor – Reese Witherspoon.
- Singer – Van Morrison and Marvin Gaye.
- Author – Peter Mayle, Madeleine Wickham, and Mary Kay Andrews are among my favorites.
What are your pet peeves?
Feeling rushed.
Who is your hero?
My twin sister!
Give us one thing on your bucket list.
Driving the Great Ocean Road in Australia, which I am looking forward to checking off of my list very shortly!
What would readers find surprising about you?
I am obsessed with pink grapefruit Perrier and I’m a twin.
If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?
My grandparents.
Any bad habits?
I could probably do without the one (or two) too many cups of coffee in the morning.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?
I’ll sum it up in a few words: rogue Ocean wave, blissfully unaware, and camera-ready.
Now that our readers know a little bit more about Kaya Quinsey, let’s get down to the business of your book, A Coastal Christmas, which is available in ebook, audio and paperback. How long did it take you from beginning to end before your novella was completely finished, and how did you decide on the topic and title?
Well, A Coastal Christmas was the product of a whole lot of inspiration, Christmas music playing on repeat, and endless cups of coffee. It all came together rather quickly in a flurry of typing. I wrote the whole book over the span of a few days, and didn’t do much else during that time. I had always wanted to write a Christmas story set in a coastal community. And when I thought of the title, I had that gut feeling. It just felt right to me, and everything else fell into place.
Please tell us a little bit about A Coastal Christmas.
Jessica Beaton has it all – the perfect job as the co-host of New York’s Number One morning show, a gorgeous Manhattan apartment, and Brett, her successful co-host, as her boyfriend. With Christmas around the corner, she has her sights set on one thing. A ring.
But when Brett almost proposes to her live and on air, before backing out at the last minute, Jessica is humiliated and heartbroken. She heads back home to Pebble Shores for the first time in years.
Upon arriving home, Jessica finds herself butting heads with the town’s new mayor, Dean Adams, who isn’t thrilled to have the spotlight shed on their coastal community. As Jessica has a chance to reconnect with her roots, she begins to question what she thought she had always wanted. And when Brett arrives to ask one very important question, Jessica has to choose between the life that she had always wanted and what is standing right in front of her.
What was your hardest challenge writing this book?
Honestly, wrapping up this book was really hard. I became very attached to the characters and the community of Pebble Shores. I could have happily gone on and on and on…
What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?
Opposites attract!
Any other works in progress?
The last few months have been really busy. In December 2018, my novella Paris Mends Broken Hearts was re-released, and my novella Valentine in Venice came out in January 2019. We are currently putting together a collection of these love stories, which will be available in February 2019.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
When I’m working on a book, I typically set a word-count for myself every day. Writing daily helps keep the momentum flowing.
Final words?
Thank you so much, Tory, for the chance to interview on Coffee Time Romance! It’s been a pleasure.
Website: http://www.kayaquinsey.com
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