My confession:  I’ve known Kerry for ages, and when I say “ages” I mean further back than is polite to ask.  She was a brilliant writer and editor back in the day, so when I learned she had a new release out, I knew introductions were in order.  Kerry’s not just a writer,  she’s an artist you want to know.  As for her confessions, you’ll have to keep reading.

Kerry lives in North Carolina though she pretends she lives in NYC or Rome, depending on the day. She writes sfr and fantasy and loves editing—especially other writers’ stuff. She’s also a professional costumer and artist and teaches fiction writing classes at the college level. She’s an Associate Editor for Entangled Publishing. One day she’ll own a cave with electricity, Internet access, and a stream.

Without the cave, though, she’s doing pretty well. Her new release Senator, Mine, from Decadent Publishing comes out 6 April, under the name Kerry Adrienne.  Her first publication in the 1Night Stand matchmaking series, the story brings two unlikely lovers together across time.  Similarly, just before Summer Solstice, the second in her 1Ns shorts, All Mine, Kerry releases Druid, Mine.  This fall her first novel, Double Eclipse is due from MuseItUp Publishing.

According to Kerry, her love for writing sexy scifi was born of a general drive to write about human relationships.  “Sex is a part of how we interact on both the physical and emotional level,” she says, “so it was a natural progression.” As far as her style, what sets it apart is “humor and attention to setting detail.”

As a teacher of creative writing, Kerry says that she learns from her students, ongoing.  “Every single night I teach, I come away with something new and exciting. Whether it is a new perspective on POV, or a new take on how to people watch—the classes are always motivational and informative. Being around creative people is always enlightening.”

Her approach to teaching has a ‘no rules’ tactic.  “We don’t focus on grammar or format or anything. We work on freeing the creativity that everyone has inside. Then we work on setting up a plan to write a little each day so that writing becomes a habit.”

The woman has no spare time, I tell you.  I asked her about keeping up with her own writing, as well as editing for Entangled (as Kerry Vail).  “The jobs are complementary—each has truly strengthened the other. Being an editor made me appreciate how much work goes into editing a manuscript—and also made me know for a fact that the editor is not trying to find things wrong just to say “ha, ha”, but to really push you to make the work the very best it can be. ”

What does she look for in a manuscript?  Well, hopeful authors should know she has a major turn-off:  “A mass email that includes ‘Dear Editor,’ and/or a manuscript that isn’t what I acquire…  In other words, things that clearly show that the guidelines were not followed.”

She’s talented, classy, and eager to help others grow as writers–this much has not changed from our early years. When it comes to guilty pleasures, though, it’s anybody’s guess.  “Fabric, expensive art supplies, and cats. That is all I am fessing up to.” Keep up with this busy lady on:

• Facebook
• @KerryAdrienne
• Goodreads

From Senator, Mine…

Eleanor’s dream of a romantic tour of Italy shatters when her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her in Pompeii. Determined to enjoy the once in a lifetime vacation, she enlists the 1NS service. She continues her trip, stopping to buy a small golden signet in a mysterious antiquities shop in Rome. Darius, a hard-working Senator in Ancient Rome, is puzzled by the Sibyl’s words: You will not find love in your lifetime. Hoping to find a measure of happiness, he agrees to the Sibyl’s quest. In the olive grove, he spots Eleanor, a barbarian wearing his stolen senator’s ring. A night spent together may be just what they both need to break down the columns of time that stand between them.