Kelly Eileen Hake received her first writing contract at the tender age of seventeen and arranged to wait three months until she was able to legally sign it. Since that first contract a decade ago, she’s fulfilled twenty contracts ranging from short stories to novels. In her spare time, she’s attained her BA in English Literature and Composition, earned her credential to teach English in secondary schools, and went on to complete her MA in Writing Popular Fiction.
Writing for Barbour combines two of Kelly’s great loves—history and reading. A CBA bestselling author and member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she’s been privileged to earn numerous Heartsong Presents Reader’s Choice Awards and is known for her witty, heartwarming historical romances.
A newlywed, she and her gourmet-chef husband live in Southern California with their golden lab mix, Midas!
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Savanna: Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Kelly! Congratulations, first of all, on your newest release, Trails and Targets, and the beginning of a new series, Dangerous Darlyns. I can’t wait to read them and I love the names, by the way! 😉
Did you have a favorite scene to write from Trails and Targets? Without giving too much away, can you tell us a little bit about it?
Kelly:Â There was some fun with the proposal scene, but my favorite is probably toward the very end of the novel, where the Darlyns and I held an incredibly unconventional, action-packed job interview!
Savanna:Â Of all the heroic cowboys you’ve written, is there a particular one that has a special place in your heart? And if so, can you tell us why?
Kelly: While I typically write Westerns, it occurs to me that most of my heroes aren’t cowboys! My heroes come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, but I will say that I think that the ‘most unusual occupation’ award has to go to the hero of Trails & Targets, who roams the prairie as a buffalo bone-picker.
And the hero who holds my heart is usually the most recent one I wrote, so right now the bone-picker wins!
Greyson Wilder is a wounded man walking, which I originally envisioned as giving him a somewhat gothic, Mr. Rochester-esque sort of brooding.
Funny how what I envision is so rarely what winds up on the page. Yes, Grey is battling regrets and past failures, but he’s got a sharp sense of humor and a deep appreciation for irony. Grey can’t help but put a premium on justice and personal honor. His deep determination not to get involved dries up every time he sees someone in need–and, more importantly, every time he so much as glimpses Beatrix Darlyn!
Savanna: Awww, I can’t wait to read more about him! 😉 It’s obvious to see you love history. If you had to pick just one historical figure from the past, who would you enjoy meeting in person and why?
Kelly: Hm. The majority of historical figures were men whose eras and worldviews would complicate–if not outright prevent– intellectual conversation with a female. So while there is an entire army of people I’d love to chat with, for the sake of not wasting the opportunity, I would be more likely to chose a woman.
Then I would probably go ahead and narrow it down to a woman who lived in the 19th century, as it is my very favorite, and would be most useful to my work!
It also seems to me that I shouldn’t select someone whose views marched too closely in step with mine. Where is the fun in that?
So going by these criteria, the 19th century woman I would love to meet would have to be:Â Victoria Woodhull.
She and her sister enjoyed great popularity as mediums. They traveled extensively, and she so impressed Cornelius Vanderbilt that he bankrolled her in establishing the first female-run stock brokerage company. She married more than once, and in 1870 started her own weekly publication to express her ideas about social reform. She advocated suffrage, birth control, and social equality. The journal was the first to publish an English translation of Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto. In 1872, she became the first woman to run for US presidency. Later, she married again and moved to England, where she continued to write and publish.
I cannot support all of her beliefs or endeavors, but I can only applaud her for the depth of her convictions and her passion in pursuing them well past the avenues available to women of her time. She had intellect, charisma, a wide variety of interests, and such marvelous moxy!
Savanna: Wow! That’s fascinating. I’d never heard of her before. Thanks for sharing!
On your website it says your newlywed hubby is a gourmet-chef. What is your favorite dish he makes?
Kelly:  Anything except what he calls ‘killer beans.’ These are a lethal concoction involving bacon, corned beef hash, baked beans, and cheese. He INSISTS that the combination of fat, carbs, and protein makes it ‘brain food.’ I insist that it’s lethal and I think The Flash might envy my husband’s metabolism–it’s just that fast!
Savanna: 😀 You’ve written many novels and novella collections. Which is easier for you to write and why?
Kelly: I began with novellas, working up to category length novels and reaching full-length novels of 80k words, then full-length novels of 100k words. So for a very long time I would have said that novellas were easier for me. In many ways, they still are. Of necessity, they are simpler works.
However, it seems as though the pattern is holding. My characters and plotlines are increasingly complex, and I find it more and more difficult to be brief! Plots & Pans and Trails & Targets were both much longer works, which had to be edited down to fit the printing template!
Savanna:Â You received your first writing contract when you were 17. That’s amazing, by the way! Do you have any advice for other young writers just starting out?
Kelly:  Have fun! Ignore anyone who is rude enough to treat you as a novelty or a dilettante. We are all blessed with personal passions and purpose. Explore yourself and your calling. Surprise yourself and everyone else as you discover what you have to say to the world–and revel in the freedom and creativity of your craft, so you can say it in the best possible way!
Savanna:Â It’s been so fun to have you here, Kelly! I’ve been reading your books for years and I’m so excited to have you as our guest this week! Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?Â
Kelly:Â Trails & Targets is the first of the Dangerous Darlyns series, so Ariel and Cassia are enjoying their own adventures and romances!
Savanna:Â Can’t wait for their stories. Many blessings on your writing, Kelly!
Readers, be sure to check out Kelly’s books and connect with her on the following sites:
http://www.authorkellyeileenhake.com/
GIVEAWAY!!
Kelly has graciously offered to give away 3 signed copies of TRAILS & TARGETS!
–Leave your name and email in the comments below. (You MUST include your email to be qualified)
GET EXTRA ENTRIES:
(Be sure to tell me in the comments below)
–Subscribe to The Engrafted Word by Email
-Like my Author Page on Facebook
-Follow me on Twitter
-Share this Giveaway on Social Media
Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends November 12, 2014.
Winners will be notified by email.
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Would love to be entered for a copy! What a fun looking book!
For extra, I Like your page on Facebook as “Nicole Laurén”!
Thanks!
pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom
Awesome, Nicole! Hope you get to read “Trails & Targets” soon! 😉 I agree, it looks like a really fun story. You’ll receive an extra entry as well. Good luck in the giveaway.
Would love a copy, sounds like an entertaining read!
I’m a subscriber and Facebook follower.
Pandamanda02(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for joining us, Amanda! You’ll receive 3 entries in the drawing. Good luck and happy reading!
Hey Savanna! Wonderful interview with Kelly. I am looking forward to reading TRAILS & TARGETS! 🙂
psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi Caryl! Thanks, as always, for stopping in. 🙂 Hope you get to read Kelly’s book soon too.
Enjoyed the interview. Thanks for the chance to get a copy of your new book! I shared this on Facebook. I subscribe, like you in Facebook and follow on twitter.
Thanks everyone! I hope you have as much fun reading as I had creating these characters 🙂
So glad you could join us, Kelly! We’re thrilled to have you here. Thanks for the awesome giveaway too! 🙂
Glad to hear it, Nancy. Good luck in the giveaway with your 5 entries. I sure appreciate all your help in spreading the word. 😉 Have a great week!
Thanks for a great interview.
I subscribe to The Engrafted Word
I have liked Savanna Kaiser author page on fb
I follow you on Twitter
I have shared the giveaway
https://mobile.twitter.com/cps1950/status/529872588801974274
Connie
cps1950 at gmail dot com
We are not the author of our story. We are the characters.
Great to see you, Connie! Thanks for following. You’ll receive 5 entries in the giveaway. 😉 P.S. I like the quote you shared too. Thanks!
Great interview! Count me in on this one!
mauback55 at gmail dot com
You’re in, Melanie! 😉 Good luck in the giveaway and happy reading!
thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel…I’m a subscriber, too 🙂
Great, Karen! Glad you stopped in. You’ll receive an extra entry in the drawing. Good luck!
I would love to read this book,thank you for the giveaway!
I am a subscriber
i like your Author page
shared on facebook lindaromer7505
email isisthe12th@gmail.com
And I hope you get to read it, Linda! 😉 Thanks for commenting and sharing the interview. You’ll receive 4 entries in the drawing. Good luck to ya!
Would love to get started on your latest book! Always happy to read your books.
Thanks,
Susan Wayne
Waynedwop6@att.net
Aren’t Kelly’s stories fun, Susan? 🙂 I can’t wait to read her latest. Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!
I am a Subscriber, I follow on FB and I shared the giveaway one FB(username Sierra Faith)
Thanks for the giveaway! Trails and Targets looks really good!
sierrafaith327(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Sierra! Thanks for always stopping in. Good luck in the giveaway! Here’s hoping for a win, right? 😉 You’ll receive 4 entries.
Another great interview with a new-to-me author! Kelly, your book sounds amazing, who doesn’t love a good western? I think if I was to meet a historical woman figure it would be Annie Oakley (spelling?). She defied all odds & was a bit of a tomboy like me, lol! I am also think its amazing that you had your first writing contract when you were 17. I am sure you have learned a whole lot since then. Congratulations on 20 contracts, must be an amazing feeling! Keep up the God-given talent you have 🙂 Thank you Savanna for another great author & Kelly for taking time out of your busy life to share your story & a bit about your life. Your husband sounds amazing & can come cook for me anytime…lol!! I would love to be entered in to win “Trails & Targets”.
I already subscribe to the Engrafted Word via email
I already like the author’s page
I have shared on Facebook
Blessing to you & yours!
teamob4 {at} gmail {dot} com
Thank you, Trixi, for taking the time to write us such a kind note. I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview and I’m thrilled to introduce Kelly to you. I’ve loved her books for years and I’m sure you’ll like them too. 🙂
Annie Oakley would certainly have been an interesting person to meet! Great pick!
Good luck in the giveaway. You’ll receive 4 entries in this drawing. Many blessings to you and yours as well.
What an interesting interview, Kelly and Savanna! I have enjoyed several of your books, Kelly. I especially appreciate your advice to young authors…my 16yo daughter is ALWAYS writing and desires to be a published author one day. Thank you for the interview, giveaway, and the chance to win!
Blessings!
Kelly Y
(I am a subscriber, a fan on FB, and pinned to pinterest.)
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing, Kelly! I’m so glad to hear you’re a fan of Kelly’s and that your daughter is an aspiring author too. That’s wonderful! 🙂 I hope her journey to publication is a blessed one.
You’ll receive 4 entries in this drawing. Good luck and have a great weekend!
Sounds like a Darlyn of a book.
I’m a subscriber & follow on FB 🙂
dkstevensne AT outlook DOTCOM
😀 Hi Deanna! Thanks for stopping in! You’ll receive 3 entries in the giveaway. Good luck and happy reading!
I love Kelly’s books, they are always fun and with great characters.
I’m a subscriber.
I follow via Twitter.
I Tweeted.
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
I totally agree, Merry! 🙂 We’re glad you stopped in. You’ll receive 4 entries as well. Good luck to ya!
Hi Savanna, I subscribed, I follow on Twitter, I tweeted and I shared. cheri.oggy@gmail.com
Awesome, Cheri! You’ll receive 5 entries. Thanks and good luck! 😉
Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to read the book!
I have subscribed to your blog and followed on FB, and also I shared the giveaway on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/549579960751931131/
professionalbookworm418 (at) gmail (dot) com
Thank you, Heather! You’ll receive 4 entries in the drawing. Happy reading!
The books of Kelly’s that I’ve read. ..I’ve loved!
I’ve likrd your Facebook!
I’m following you on twitter!
And I would love to read this book!
Wonderful, Melody! You’ll love this one too, I’m sure of it. 😉 You’ll receive 3 entries in the giveaway. Thanks for following the blog!
I’ve enjoyed so many of Kelly’s books. Can’t wait for a chance to read her latest ones as well. 🙂
Shared this on google+ for extra 🙂
booksbybarnes[at]gmail[dot]com
Great, Crystal. So glad you could join us! You’ll receive an extra entry for sharing the interview. Good luck in the giveaway!
I am a big fan of both Kelly Eileen Hake and her mom Cathy Marie Hake, I have not seen anything new from either of them. I am looking forward to the next Dangerous Darlyns series. Can you tell when to expect more great writing from both Cathy and Kelly? Thank you for your time
Hi Reta! Thanks for visiting my blog. I’m with you… I’m big fans of them both as well. I don’t know when their next stories will be releasing, but you might contact Kelly through her website: http://authorkellyeileenhake.com/ and ask her. Let me know if you find out. I love their books! 🙂
I love your books Kelly, something I feel a Christian women can read. I just can’t get enough of them and my teenage granddaughter loves them too.
Aren’t her books fun, Barb? I’ve enjoyed every one of hers I’ve picked up. Thanks for stopping by!
Looks like a great book! Follow on fb and subscribed! Aszha.ayers@gmail.com