Thursday Treats... Fighting for Honor. With Kacey Hammell and her hero

Please welcome Kacey to Thursday Treats

She's got a brilliant new book out

and she's giving us some fantastic facts and an intriguing 'need to read more'  excerpt.

Over to you Kacey

What inspired you to write your first book?

My husband. I’d reviewed/critiqued other author’s books for so long, he encouraged me to try my own. And about eight months later, my first one was complete. And it’s been a crazy, crazy ride ever since.

What are your current projects?

I have a large folder of ideas, about 11 outlines of stories I must write. If only it was as quick and painless as sitting and typing them all out. But it’s a process so I roll with the Muse.

I just finished the sequel to Guarding Midnight (Canadian Muscle #1), and revisions to a previously published short story that I added a lot of words to.  I’m waiting to hear about the submission of the sequel to Guarding Midnight from the publisher, and will be submitting the short story to a publisher soon as well.

What was the hardest part in writing your book(s)?

The first to third chapter. Starting every story is the hardest and biggest struggle for me. LOL Sometimes I will start scenes in the middle of the book, straight to the end, then go back and do the first few chapters. It think it’s the “set up”, the meeting of the characters, the buildup that I struggle with. I just want to jump into the good stuff! LOL

Generally, how long does it take you to complete a book from idea to handing it over to your publisher?

Depends on the story/characters. But probably two months.

Do you ever use someone in your life as a sounding board for ideas or are you a lone wolf?

Absolutely. IMO it takes a village to publish a book. And it starts with me, moves through critiques, beta readers, proofers, editors, etc. I never submit a book unless 2-3 other authors have read it first.

Did you learn anything while writing your book(s)?

Every book teaches me something. Sometimes it’s emotion, and empathy. Sometimes it’s how to phrase things better, dive deeper into the characters, and to challenge myself with plots that aren’t always smooth and easy. I don’t think anyone is every too old to learn, and writers should learn something with each story they write – about writing or themselves as an individual.

Do you have any advice for new authors looking to make their own literary statement?

Write. Write. Write. Never give up. Read many books from the genre you write in. Write. Write. Write. Never give up. Don’t stress over promotions/marketing – the best promo is always the next story released. And the one after that. And the one after that. Just write. Write. Write. And never give up.

When you were little, did you ever think you'd be a published author? What did you want to be when you were a child?

Nope. Never thought about it. I wanted to be a stay at home mom and run a daycare from my home, like my mom did when I was growing up. I did entertain the idea for a little while to be a teacher, but I liked the idea of being a stay at home mom much better.

Fighting for Honor

Okanogan Valley Pride, Book 1

Kacey Hammell

Paranormal / Erotic /Romance / Shifters

ISBN: 978-1-77233-468-5

Length: 11.6k / 40 pages

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

All Romance eBooks Bestseller & a Staff Pick!!

There's only one rightful Alpha, and he's back to claim his pride and his mate…

As the rightful Alpha of a unique pride of panthers, originally founded by his father, Dominic Stone followed his inherent solitary path to find peace and grieve the untimely demise of his dad. Five years later, he returns home ready to take his place, settle old debts and claim the one woman he’s always wanted as his.

Purchase links:

My Book Page (links updated as book goes live)
Evernight Publishing
Amazon Stores
aRe
Bookstrand
Smashwords
B&N (Nook)
iTunes

Reviews:

Fighting for Honor may be a first for Kacey Hammell in a new genre, but within the pages, Kacey's delectable story telling is on full display…a quick read that will leave you on the edge of your seat…Whether or not you’re a fan of shifter book won't matter, because you'll be too engrossed in this riveting story.” 5 Stars from Liz, Goodreads

Excerpt © Kacey Hammell, 2015

Dominic closed the front door of his old cabin quietly behind him. The urge to run crowded him, tormenting him to let loose and give into the call of the wildness of being home. He needed some time to himself before he met up with his contact in an hour.

He was confident in the fact that he could bring down his cousin and those on his side and repair the damage to the pride before anything further was lost.

Shedding his sweats and t-shirt, he slipped out of his sandals and let the change overtake him.

His muscles stretched and elongated, pulling his flesh taut and realigning his physique. On all fours, he lifted his nose to the air and darted his eyes across his surroundings. He’d always been grateful for his Panther ancestry. His vision alone was something he coveted. With silver eyes, he had the ability to see through the darkness in the dead of night, as if he held a lantern. His father told him many times that having that unique color was something only the most powerful of panthers possessed.

Taking off at a run, he re-familiarized himself with his favorite trail leading to the waterfall where he’d spent much of his childhood. The serenity and secluded area had always called to him, drawing him in and giving him the best place possible to contemplate his future.

If there was any one place in the valley he’d missed the most, it was the falls, and the memories there.

His awkward first kiss.

With Honor.

Clumsily losing his virginity.

With Honor.

Crying over the death of his father.

With Honor holding him.

Darting faster and harder, his paws barely touching the ground, he pushed away the memories. He’d missed so much over the last five years. And she was at the top of his list.

How she’d fallen into his cousin’s hands… well, he had himself to blame.

Stopping at the clearing, breathing hard, he trotted to the edge of the falls and stuck his snout in. Replenishing himself with the cold water, his ears twitched as he listened for anyone nearby.

Gulping down a last swallow, he strode to a clear spot in the cool grass, lay flat on his belly and let the quiet of the night draw him into its solitude. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t returned just for this. Too many years had flown by.

A twig snapped to his left, capturing his attention. Tilting his head, he bided his time before letting the intruder know he was there. He was lucky his black fur would cloak him. He blended well and had destroyed many enemies years ago with patience and fortitude once he was ready to pounce.

Hidden by the tree above him, his heart picked up speed as the most beautiful creature in the world made her way to the same falls he’d just quenched his thirst at.

She made his mouth water and the animal inside him took notice.

Avid Reader. Romance Author. Redhead…

Canadian-born author Kacey Hammell is definitely a book-a-holic. A romance reader from a young age, she fell in love with happily ever afters.  These days, as a multi- published erotic romance author, she enjoys adding a lot of heat, sass, and emotion to the many genres she writes.

Mom of three, Kacey lives her own happily ever after with her perfect hero in Ontario, Canada.

Connect with Kacey…

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