Hi Shannon, welcome to UTC! Thanks for taking the time and talking to us and our readers.
Thank you so much for inviting me!
Who is Shannon Stacey? Tell us five interesting things about yourself that you feel readers wouldn’t know about you.
1) Being a Virgo and the oldest child, I have a tendency to be a little bossy. Okay, a lot bossy.
We are super excited about getting more Kowalski boys! In the coming months, you have three more books coming out (Mitch – September, Ryan – October and Josh – November). Can you tell us a bit about each hero and what it is about them that made you want to tell their stories?
Ryan and Josh’s stories have actually been rescheduled for November and January, but I’m glad people are excited about getting more Kowalski boys because I’ve loved writing them. I thought Sean, the Kowalski cousin (YOURS TO KEEP) would be the last, but his brothers and sister really took hold in my mind while I was writing that book, especially when Mitch made an appearance. Mitch was a bit of a ladies man and I wanted to see him fall him love. Ryan’s a little less easy going than his brothers and cousins, and I wanted to explore how he felt about a woman from his past. And Josh grabbed me the hardest. He’s a bit like George Bailey—reluctantly staying behind to hold down the fort—and, just when he might get to leave Whitford and explore the world, love slaps him upside the head.
ALL HE EVER NEEDED is Mitch’s story. Mitch is an easy-going guy, someone who doesn’t take relationships too easily. But I think he falls hard in his book. What was it like writing about Mitch? What major obstacles did you have while writing this book? How did you overcome it?
Writing Mitch was a bit of a challenge because there’s a very fine line between ladies man and dirtbag and I definitely wanted to stay on the right side of that line. But he’s really a good guy at heart, so as long as I stayed true to his character, I was fine. And watching him come to the realization he wanted to spend the rest of his life with one woman was a lot of fun!
Ryan’s book is nicely set up in ALL HE EVER NEEDED. What can readers expect in his upcoming book?
Ryan doesn’t go home to Whitford very often and, when he does, he stays close to the family’s lodge. He’d rather not run into the woman he’d, years before, asked to leave town with him only to be told no. But now he has to do some work on the Northern Star Lodge, which means an extended stay in his hometown, and there’s no way to avoid running into Lauren Carpenter.
How would you describe Josh in a few words?
Cranky in ALL HE EVER NEEDED, but once some of the weight’s being shared by his brothers, we get to see the youngest Kowalski relax…until he realizes the girl who’s always been “one of the guys” is really anything but.
These books are going to be a digital release through Carina Press. What is the best thing about being a Carina press author?
The very best thing about being a Carina Press author is my editor, Angela James. The entire Carina team is wicked awesome and working with them has been an amazing experience. And my covers. They give me gorgeous covers!
Do you have a writing schedule? If so, how many hours and how many words and/or pages do you try to accomplish in a day?
I’ve had a pretty chaotic 2012 on a personal level, which has wreaked havoc on my schedule. But now that things are settling and the boys are back in school, I hope to settle into a routine of doing a workout or the treadmill at 7:30 and then working until the boys get home at 2:45. Then I’m usually half-working, half-watching-TV in the evenings until close to bedtime. I don’t really have a set goal. Some days the words fly by and others I have to fight for every sentence.
Did you ever expect the kind of success that the Kowalski family has brought you?
I can honestly say no because I never expected “the Kowalski family” series at all. They’re like the Spanish Inquisition that way. I wrote most of EXCLUSIVELY YOURS just for my own enjoyment. I was writing the story I wanted to read, but I didn’t expect to publish it. Who would want a romance with mud and Deet jokes and a camera-crazy kid? But I loved it and I’d been thinking there had to be other readers who’d enjoy it and then Carina Press was announced and I thought…why not?
If you could collaborate with another author, who would you pick and why?
I don’t think I could collaborate with another writer, though now that I’ve said that, I’m sure an opportunity I can’t refuse will arise. If I had to choose, I’d pick Jaci Burton because 1) she knows me well enough to not be scared away by my many idiosyncrasies as she’s been shaking her head at them for years and 2) she writes a lot faster than I do, so by the time I’d plotted out a scene, she’d be all “Oh, I turned the book in last week”.
What book do you wish you had written?
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, because then I could buy the northern half of New Hampshire and have thousands of miles of private ATV trails. I’d also have one of every Coach bag. Okay, not really. I often say I wish I’d written Meljean Brook’s IRON SEAS steampunk series. Such rich worldbuilding and brilliant craft. I have to read her books at least twice because the first time I’m just blown away by her writing.
If you had to pick a Kowalski guy to date, who would you pick and why? What would you do?
It probably wouldn’t be Joe, because he’s a writer. I’m not sure if you know this, but writers aren’t really easy people to live with. I’d wouldn’t mind dating Josh. We’d go to a Patriots football game and then make out on the tailgate of his truck in the parking lot. Sean’s probably the most like my husband, though, so I might gravitate toward him. Who can choose?
Mitch Kowalski lives out of a suitcase—and he likes it that way. Traveling for work has the added bonus of scaring off women who would otherwise try to tie him down. But when he’s called home to help with running the family lodge, he’s intrigued by the new girl in town and her insistence that she doesn’t need a man—for anything. If there’s one thing Mitch can’t resist, it’s a challenge, especially a beautiful one.
Looking for Home
After a nomadic childhood, Paige Sullivan is finally putting down roots. Determined to stand on her own two feet, she lives by the motto men are a luxury, not a necessity. But when Mr. Tall, Dark and Hot pulls up a stool in her diner and offers her six weeks of naughty fun with a built-in expiration date, she’s tempted to indulge.
Mitch won’t stay put for a woman, and Paige won’t chase after a man—they’re the perfect match for a no-strings fling. Until they realize the amazing sex has become anything but casual…
Great post. I am also a talker to other drivers, especially when they are fustrating. I especially hate when people turn and do not use their turn signals. Sometimes I think my kids think that I am crazy. Just found a couple of books of yours this summer and fell in love with your writing. Definately a must read for me. Thanks for the great giveaway.
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So excited about this release and the ones to come. LOVE the Kowlowskis. Now I’m going to have a reading fest of doom!
I love this series – so much fun! I was knocked out of the 5th grade spelling bee with accidentally, so now I never get it wrong!
Oh goodie! I’m not the only one who talks to other drivers. My girls constantly tell me that the driver can’t hear me, but I do so anyway.
I added the book to my ‘must buy’ shelf when I found it on Goodreads. I love this series and I’m looking forward to this and other books!
Thanks for the opportunity to participate!
Oh goodie! I’m not the only one who talks to other drivers. My girls constantly tell me that the driver can’t hear me, but I do so anyway.
I added the book to my ‘must buy’ shelf when I found it on Goodreads. I love this series and I’m looking forward to this and other books!
Thanks for the opportunity to participate!
Congratulations on the new release to Shannon! I’m so excited there will be more Kowalski books! Thanks for the giveaway!
Congrats on the new release. Can’t wait!
Congrats on the new release. This book, this series, sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the great interview. I also talk to other drivers, about not using their turn signals, going too fast or slow, etc.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Congratulations on the new release!!!
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Congratulations on the new release!!!
[email protected]
Congratulations on the new release!!!
[email protected]
Congratulations on the new release!!!
[email protected]
Great interview! I love the Kowalski series and can’t wait to read the rest!!!!
Missy
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I’m really glad I don’t have to choose just one Kowalski!
Thanks for a great post and congrats to Stacey on the new release!!! I just got the first two books in this series and I can’t wait to start reading!!!
I just love your interviews, Shannon. I love your tweets too, but I think I have told you that a few times. You would be so fun to hang out with. Congrats on the release! Love your Kowalski’s. 🙂
Great interview loved it! Congrats on the release!
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Such a great series – I’m really excited that there are more great stories to tell with these boys. Such fun to read, too!
Happy release day! Looking forward to more of the Kowalskis!
I loved your first three Kowlowski books, can’t wait for the next three!
I can’t wait to read the next Kowlowski book…I have loved them all, would love to win…thanks
Read the first book and I really enjoyed it! I’ll catch up soon. Thanks for the giveaway.
I can’t believe Mitch’s book is finally out! And I can’t believe that we’re getting more Kowalski stories! Eep! I am so very very excited by this. I’ve been waiting for Mitch’s book for quite some time now.
This is a new to me author, looking forward to checking her out, Carin
I found your books by accident Shannon (amazon recommends I think) and have plucked them up and read them as soon as they came out. Already downloaded Mitch’s story to start in the next day or two. Can’t wait to read the Josh and Ryan’s!
Looking forward to Mitch’s book and another fabulous Kowalski story! And btw, Shannon, we don’t say “bossy”…rather, we “like to manage others” 🙂
Excited for a new Kowalski book! I am adding to my the top of my TBR pile! Thanks!
Happy Release Day, Shannon.
I’m so looking forward to this book. I discovered her books at the library and had to read them all.
I talk to other drivers to…mainly to tell them what idiots they are, lol. I had not heard of these books before so Ihave not read any of these books yet but they do sound good. I will have to check them out.
Happy Release day!!!
I am always talking to other drivers or yelling at them.
happy release day!
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Sigh, spelling bees were the bane of my existence–and let me tell ya, it’s worse if you win, because your teachers expect you to compete and win every year after that. (You should see the PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE musical–it really gets the whole situation right.) Congratulations on the release!
vitajex(at)aol(Dot)com
I have the need to read ,read, read. Good luck with the book. DebP
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So glad to hear there are more Kowalski books! Hope you’re enjoying your release day! Thanks for the giveaway.
Looks like I’ve found another book series to add to my TBR!!!
Great interview. This series sounds really good. Thanks for the giveaway.
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I LOVE your books! They are so entertaining, I always read them way too quick and then they are over! So glad there are 3 more!!
I wish I wrote The Iron Seas series too! I love your books so thanks for writing them so well! I can’t wait for more!
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
Great interview…love the sound of this series-congrats on the new release Shannon!
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Looking forward to reading this series.
I know what you mean about wishing I had written Meljean Brooks’ books. But the author I totally jones for is Jacqueline Carey. Actually history and geography mixed with fantasy! I love the Kowalski series. jepebATverizonDOTnet
Congratulations on your new release! I have read an excerpt and, oh boy, it was STEAMY!!!
minadecaro at hotmail dot com
Great interview. I have heard so many fantastic things about this series.
I look forward to any new Shannon Stacey book – thank you thank you bringing us another Kowalski story
Great interview…
I definitely LOVE the Kowlowskis and I can’t wait to read this book. Pre-ordered and downloaded into my ereader today.
ALL HE EVER NEEDED looks wonderful. I talk out loud all the time. So, you don’t like coconut?
Nice post. Looks like it’ll be a fun read.
Your series sounds like it would be right up my alley. Can’t wait to give it a read. 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway.
I have not read your books yet but have added them to my wish list! Thanks for sharing. Great interview!
Great interview ladies,
I’ve loved this series and can’t wait to read book 4.
I LOVE the Kowalskis!! Congrats on the new release and I am so looking forward to reading All He Ever Needed!
Oh and you definitely not the only person who talks to the other drivers…it drives my kids crazy.
Congrats again and thanks for the great contest!
I talk to other drivers ALL THE TIME! Sometimes I do scream at them…curse them…and every once in a while, flip them off. Yeah, I have a bit of road rage. *grin* But I do say nice stuff, too! Like, “Wow, that’s a cool bumper sticker. Where I can get one without stealing yours?” Of course, they never answer me. Le sigh.
Wow, I haven’t read this series yet but this book makes me want to read the others and then this one. Great interview. Thanks!
Great interview! I’m looking forward to starting this series.
I talk to other drivers as well, usually to let them know how annoying they are!
Love Shannon’s book!
Woot! So very excited to see there’s a new Shannon story! Thanks for the fun post!
love her books!!! Great interview
Thanks for the HOP!
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Shannon’s books feel like part of your family. When I started reading romance novels (a Long, Long time ago) they were pure fantasy. This is reality with a kick of adventure and sex appeal. Love them all.
Great interview sounds great have to add to my reading list! Thank you for the great giveaway!
tishajean@ charter.net
Stacey, congrats on the new release and thanks for the great post! And yep, I also talk to other drivers, oh and to trafic lights. :p
I hate it when people hurry to turn their car in front of yours, while there’s no car to been seen behind you. Just wait 5 seconds…
Great post. I loved reading her snappy answers- I, too, wished I had written 50 Shades of Gray so that I could buy half a state.
It’s great to see that there are more Kowolskis coming out.
I really enjoyed Exclusively Yours & haven’t had a chance to read the others yet. I was cracking up when you brought up talking to drivers. I do it all the time, except I curse with the windows closed. Really, why doesn’t anyone know how to drive except me?