I love being part of the writing community and connecting with other authors–those published and those yet-to-be. I learn something from every encounter, each friendship made. And I always enjoy discovering new-to-me authors. So here on my blog I’ll be chatting with other authors from time-to-time, introducing you to writers who might be new to you, too. This week, I’m chatting with Kelsey Browning–a member of one of my absolute favorite websites for romance writers, Romance University, and a fellow member of the Contemporary Romance Café.
Welcome, Kelsey! Tell us a little about you, where you’re from, and what you write. 
Reese, thanks so much for having me on your blog today! About me…hmm…I’m a Virgo, which means I’m obsessed with organization but rarely get it completely right. I never travel without several packages of peanut butter crackers. And the longest flight I’ve ever taken was around 17 hours. I’m originally from Texas, but have lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles. Now I’m back in the South in Georgia. I write sexy, contemporary romance set primarily in Texas. I also write Southern cozy suspense. (With plans to venture into more romance sub-genres within the next year or so. J)
Your debut–Personal Assets–came out this summer. Tell us a little about the story and what prompted you to write it.
Personal Assets is a hot contemporary romance between a man looking for the respect of his hometown and the woman who’s willing to shock everyone in Shelbyville to help women reclaim their sexuality. Needless to say, Cameron and Allie don’t always see eye-to-eye. But eventually, they end up mouth-to-mouth and mouth-to-…well, use your imagination.
The Granny Series–which you’re co-authoring with Nancy Naigle just launched on November 5th. What is the premise of the series, and how did it come about?
The best way to describe the “mature” protagonists in this series is: Just like Dirty Harry…only over 50, female, and from the South. It’s a series about granny-aged women righting wrongs done against them or their loved ones. And believe me, these gals are wilier than you might think.
The first book is In For a Penny, where Lillian Summer Fairview goes up the river for Social Security fraud and her friends track down the funeral director who double-crossed her. The series idea came from a conversation Nancy and I had at the Romantic Times conference in 2012. I told her about my mom’s (hypothetical) threat to take a hit out on a former family member. We laughed over the idea of my mom wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, but in the morning, Nancy said, “I think we should write that series.” And so we did!
What are the perks and challenges of writing with a partner?
Perks – I love plotting with a partner. We snack and laugh and tax our brains. Then we do it all over again. Also, it’s amazing to open up the book file in the morning and find that a little elf has added words to the manuscript.
Challenges – probably just the time it takes to coordinate both the writing and the outreach for the series. But that challenge is nothing compared with how fun it is to write together. In fact, we often can’t remember who wrote which words. I love that seamlessness.
What’s on the horizon next for you, and for the Granny Series?
Next for me is the release of another sexy contemporary romance, Running the Red Light, the second in my Texas Nights series from Carina Press on January 6, 2014. The third and fourth books in that series will also release in 2014—tentatively scheduled for July and November. After I’m finished with writing the last Texas Nights book, I’ll either work on another contemporary romance series I have in the works or a novella series. I haven’t decided yet. Nancy and I will also work on the second The Granny Series book, which may include the introduction of a new granny! Thanks again for hosting me, Reese!
About In for a Penny
Honey, these are not your momma’s grannies…
When Lillian Summer Fairview’s husband up and dies on her, it leaves the last living member of the most prestigious family in Summer Shoals, Georgia, in a hot mess. While Lil was busy being a proper Southern lady, Harlan squandered dang near the whole family fortune on lottery tickets. To keep her financial skeletons in the closet and give him a decent burial, Lil made a deal that has now landed her in prison.
Desperate to keep her troubles a secret and the family estate from falling down while she pays her debt to society, Lil entrusts Summer Haven’s care to her best friend, Maggie, who recruits two more over-fifty ladies to live at Summer Haven and help keep it afloat.
But when Maggie discovers that Lil’s restitution is ten times the amount she “borrowed” from the federal government, she’s convinced Lil has taken the fall for someone else’s crime. And these gals will use every trick in their little-old-lady bags to prove it.
Where to Buy Links
Where to Buy Personal Assets
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBook | Carina Press | Audible
Where to Pre-order Running the Red Light
About Kelsey Browning
Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories and Southern cozy suspense. Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series. For info on her upcoming single title releases, drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.
Reese –
I just wanted to pop in and say thanks so much for having me on your blog today. I love visiting your site because it’s so clean and crisp! Also – can’t wait for your newest book to release. Lucky me, maybe I’ll have time to read it over the holidays ;-).
Kels
It was a pleasure getting to know more about you and the Granny series, Kels! Thanks so much for your kind words about the site and my December release!
Reese, love your support of authors. Thanks for introducing Kelsey to us. She is definitely a new-to-me author.
Kelsey, I wish you much success on your novels.
Demetria –
Any friend of Reese’s is a friend of mine. 🙂 Thanks so much for your success wishes – much appreciated!
Kelsey