Interview With Robin Kaye: By Linda Wisdom

Robin and I sat down for a chat about her new book Romeo Romeo and I thought I'd share with you what she had to say!

Your romance, Romeo, Romeo, is just released from Source Books. Can you tell us about it?

Independent businesswoman, Rosalie Ronaldi’s life would be perfect if she could just figure out how to keep her nosy, pushy, Italian family from trying to marry her off.

Nick Romeo, Brooklyn’s Donald Trump without the comb over, thinks independent women are an urban myth, until he meets Rosalie and realizes they’re no myth, just a pain in the ass. He’s finally met a woman who is looking for the same thing he is, a commitment free relationship and is shocked to discover that all he wants to do is take care of her... Before too long, he's moved in, cleaned her apartment, stocked her refrigerator, and adopted her dog.

How did you get started in writing?

I’ve been writing all my life, but it never occurred to me write toward publication even though I’ve had a hundred people tell me I should write a book. I thought they were nuts!
When I moved across country from Boise, Idaho to Maryland, eight years ago, for the first time in my life, I had a difficult time making friends. I had three small children on opposite schedules so it was impossible for me to even volunteer at the school.
I’ve always been a voracious reader and I was reading everything by Jane Austen (again). I was on line doing some research on Jane Austen and I discovered Jane Austen Fan Fiction and was amazed at the quality of writing I found there. I began writing my own contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice with a twist of Persuasion and it became very popular. One of my fellow writers, a professor at Cambridge, read it and told me I should publish it. As if it’s that easy.
She planted the seed, and after I finished that tome, I wrote Romeo, Romeo.

What is the most difficult part of the writing process for you, and why?

Probably plotting. I’ve always been a pantser and since I now have deadlines, I don’t have the time to write the book and see if it all works out in the end. I’m forcing myself to plot and it’s been a constant struggle. Following maps has always been hard for me even if I draw them myself.

Do you put a lot of yourself in your work?

I think so. I write what I know, I know Brooklyn, I know Italians, I know headstrong women of all ages. So in that respect I do. But I’m a true observer and I’ve watched a whole lot of people so my writing isn’t limited to New Yorkers or Italians.

If you could have one particular spot to be your dream writing space, what would it look like and where would it be?

It would be a little table on the deck of an 85-foot sailboat (designed by my friend Kevin Dibley) in the South Pacific.

What do you do for inspiration?

I don’t know. I’ve got one of those minds that never stops. I always have another story I’m just dying to write. My problem is that I get too inspired. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending how one looks at it, I have no control of it. I would love an on/off switch. I’d get a lot more sleep that way.

In 5 years, where do you see yourself? -In general and in your writing career.

I see myself doing pretty much the same thing I’m doing now just with more books to my name. I’ll be writing, spending time with my husband, taking care of my kids—one of whom should be in college by then. Yay! I really love my life as it is. The only thing I would change is to move back out west. I was much healthier there in the high-mountain desert.

If you could be one of your characters – Who would you be?

I want to grow up to be Aunt Rose. She’s a strong, determined woman who sees all and knows more than anyone thinks. She’s a hoot.

Can you tell us what you’re working on now, and what readers have to look forward to next?

I just finished the revisions for the second book of the Domestic Gods series, Too Hot To Handle. It comes out this spring or early summer. And I’m currently writing the third book. The working title is ‘The Making of a Domestic God’ but I’m told that will change. The third book should be out in the fall of ’09.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time? What’s that? I have three kids, one of whom is a home-schooled pre-professional ballerina. I drive an hour and a half each way to her dance school and I write while she dances. I’m down to driving four days a week (she stays with a host family on the weekends.) When I’m not driving I’m hanging out with my other two children and my husband. If I did have free time I’d weave and knit. I’m addicted to fiber. I often look longingly at my poor naked floor loom and promise myself that after this book I’ll put a project on it and weave for a little while at least...

Any advice for new/hope to be writers?

I can only say what helped me. I entered contests. I targeted agents, editors, and houses, and only entered the contests they were judging. I got several requests by doing that. Then I entered the Golden Heart and was lucky enough to sell to one of the final judges. I know I’m really lucky. The stars aligned for me and it worked out great. The other thing I’d suggest is going to conferences and meeting people. Put yourself out there. I’ve found myself talking to a total stranger and then realized she or he was an editor/agent/a writer I loved. Chitchatting has gotten me requests from editors, agents, and even got me a cover quote.
Thanks Robin and if you haven't picked up Romeo Romeo yet, do it now!

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