Kimberly Logan took time out of her busy schedule to share a little about herself.  Without waiting another moment let’s hear from Kimberly.

Hi Kimberly.  Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us.  It’s so nice to have you.
It’s nice to be here!

Let’s get started with the basic question…who is Kimberly Logan and how was it that you became an author of historical romances?
Well, I’ve always been an avid reader.  In fact, growing up I was pretty much the stereotypical bookworm.  Shy, quiet, and with my nose always buried in a book, I started out as a fan of mysteries, but graduated to romance at a very early age.  I believe I was in junior high when I stumbled on my mother’s copy of A Rose in Winter by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and read it from cover to cover in less than a week.  From that moment on, I was hooked.  And when I finally decided to tackle my very first manuscript, it only seemed like the obvious choice for me to write what I loved to read.

Kimberly, how long was it before your dream of becoming a published author became a reality?
I think I made the momentous decision to become a writer somewhere around second grade, so I suppose in a way it was a bit of a lifelong endeavor, lol!  But I started turning a serious eye toward publication in 1996 and made my first sale in January of 2004.  So about eight years altogether.

When creating your characters, how do you bring them to life?  Do you ever emulate them after people that you know?
I’ve borrowed a personality trait or two from friends and family members on occasion, but that’s very rare.  More often I tend to get ideas from characters in movies, in television shows, or in other books.  For example, Peter Quick—a secondary character in A Kiss in the Dark and the hero in A Kiss Before Dawn—was originally modeled after the Artful Dodger in the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist.

From start to finish, how long does it take you to write a book?
It varies.  I’ve been known to finish a book in 4 or 5 months.  Then there are the times when it takes me more like 8 to 9 months.  Usually it’s the latter.  I like to mull things over a lot, really turn the story over in my head before I put the words on paper.  Plus, it doesn’t help that I seem to possess some decided OCD tendencies, lol.  I guess I’m something of a perfectionist.

Sins of Midnight met with wonderful reviews.  Your next book, The Devil’s Temptation is sure to meet with the same.  What is it about this time period in London’s history that you find so fascinating?
To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure that I could point to just one thing about the Regency that intrigues me.  It’s a backdrop that lends itself to so many different plot possibilities.  I love to read and write about the glittering world of the ton and to explore the line that existed between that world and the grittier side of London.  And I love the fact that there seems to be enough handsome, titled gentlemen lurking about to populate a small country.  Sigh.  Ah, to live in Regency England.

The covers of your last two books are HOT!  Do you ever have a say on what goes on the cover of your books?
We’re definitely allowed to make suggestions, though it is ultimately the marketing and art departments’ decisions as to what goes on the cover.  So far, I’ve been really pleased with the results!  When I first heard the concept for Sins of Midnight, I was very unsure.  It sounded so different from the usual Avon cover and that made me nervous.  But I ended up loving it.  I’ve learned to trust Avon.  They usually seem to know what works cover-wise, and I have yet to be disappointed.

Kimberly, The Devil’s Temptation is your fourth historical romance.  What, if anything, are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on finishing up the last book in the Daventry Sisters trilogy, tentatively titled Her Wicked Guardian.  It is scheduled to hit shelves in April 2008.  After that, I have several ideas.  I would like to try tackling a new three-book series in which each book would be a variation on a favorite fairy tale.  It’s something very different for me, as it’s a bit of a departure from the suspense theme that I usually try to incorporate into my stories, and I’m excited about it.  I haven’t run the idea past my editor yet, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

When a reader or aspiring writer asks you for advice, what is the number one thing that you tell them?
Well, I can only speak for myself and what worked for me, of course.  But I would say that the number one thing would be to join a writers group.  There are any number of groups out there that can offer advice, encouragement, and even critiquing of your work.  The thing that made the most difference for me was joining Romance Writers of America.  Having that source of support and knowledge to turn to and to learn from has just been invaluable.  And keep reading.  The best way to find out what the publishers are looking for at any given moment is to read what they are publishing.

Kimberly, when you have time in your busy schedule to relax, what do you like to do?  Do you have any hobbies?
I’m a big Disney fan and I have a rather large collection of snow globes, figurines, etc. from their animated films.  I’m also a bit of a movie buff and a video game fiend, and I enjoy sacking out in front of the Playstation 2 with my niece and nephews.  And of course, I’m still a pretty avid reader.  I never want to forget that it was my love of reading that got me where I am today, and I try to devote at least an hour or two a day to reading books by other people.  Besides, it makes a nice change from reading my own writing all the time.  Wink-wink.

Do you have any favorite authors that you love to read? 
I have several authors that I enjoy, but I absolutely love Lisa Kleypas and Teresa Medeiros.  These ladies write the kinds of books that I could read and re-read over and over and never get tired of.  And Julie Garwood’s older historicals are favorites as well.

What is a typical day of writing like for you?  Do you have a schedule that you like to keep to?
I usually try to sit down at my computer by about 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning and work straight through until about 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening with maybe a few minutes here and there for a quick meal break.  Of course, when a deadline is closing in, my days usually run much longer than that.  And life does have a way of foiling the best-laid plans.  It works in my favor that I’m single and I don’t have to worry about getting the kids and the hubby fed or out the door to work or school or soccer practice, though I do have a yorkie who tends to get a little put out with his mummy when she forgets to let him out for a run.

Kimberly, how can your readers get in touch with you?  Do you have a blog?
I can be contacted through my website at www.kimberlylogan.net or by snail mail at PO Box 544, Floyds Knobs, IN 47119.  It’s always a thrill for me to hear from readers!  And yes, I do have a group blog with several other Avon authors called Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills.  We’re always glad to add a new member to the sisterhood, and we have a blast over there, so do check us out at www.jauntyquills.com

Thank you again for visiting with us.  Everyone at Joyfully Reviewed wish you nothing but the best with all of your future books.

Thank you!  And thanks for having me!