Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Karyna Da Rosa. Thanks for being here today Karyna, welcome to FAR!

To start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born a bookaholic, reading every genre and every time period from a very early age. I can’t recall exactly when I started writing; it’s as if it was always a part of me. I just knew I had to give life to these characters that would take up residence in my head from time to time. I’m also a history buff, so historical romances were always at the top of my list. But I was hooked on historical westerns after reading Johanna Lindsey's Brave the Wild Wind in grammar school (I know, not necessarily appropriate reading material at that age). After that, I was on the hunt for more westerns and read just about every author in the genre at the time (Lindsey, Linda Howard, Bertice Small, Victoria Bylin, Rosanne Bittner, and countless others). As the years passed, it became more difficult to find new historical westerns, so I figured it was time to start writing my own. Dry Moon, my debut novel was released this April by The Wild Rose Press and Tempted Fate was just released this month. These are just the beginning of a long line of WIP I’m working on.

Tempted Fate, the third book in The Wild Rose Press’ Legacy of the Celtic Brooch series, just released this month. Can you tell us more about this book and series?

The authors of The Legacy of the Celtic Brooch series were handpicked by the editors at The Wild Rose Press and asked to write a tale using an heirloom Celtic brooch as the one constant in each story. Beginning in March, 2007 and ending in early 2008, the stories follow this brooch on its mystical journey from Regency England to modern times. Every author was asked to put her own spin on the brooch's appearance. I was honored to be invited to participate in this series. Tempted Fate was the 3rd book, taking place in the Old West. In my story, the brooch is a precious heirloom for an orphan, Emma Sarris. When her brother gambles and loses her brooch in a poker game to a mysterious, handsome stranger, she’ll do anything to get it back. The story is about love, and forgiveness and finding who we really are, and what really matters in our lives.

What was the most challenging part of writing The Legacy Of The Celtic Brooch series? The most rewarding?

The most challenging was the time constraint. The deadline was tight, especially since Dry Moon was just going to galleys at that time. Of course, the most rewarding was getting the story done. That’s always the rewarding part for me.

Where would you say that you get your most creative ideas?

Well the fact that I’m a history buff helps a lot. I find so many wonderful ideas through my research. History is filled with rich, colorful characters and stories.

Many writers occasionally hit a roadblock in their work. What do you do to avoid them, or, alternatively, to break through them?

It’s so hard to get motivated sometimes. I sometimes feel as if I’m the biggest procrastinator on the planet. But whenever I have a deadline right around the corner, I automatically go into “drill sergeant” mode. I’ve gone up to three sleepless nights meeting a deadline. Everyone’s different, but that seems to work for me.

Your book, Dry Moon was just released in April. Can you tell us about it?

Dry Moon is about a strong, independent woman who owns and runs an irrigation company in the West. She works hard, dresses like a man and does a man’s job on a daily basis. She owns the water rights to all of the neighboring ranches, and this of course, brings her more than her fair share of trouble from the other ranchers. She can take care of herself and truly believes a woman doesn’t need a man to complete her until the day a sexy, and very dangerous drifter comes to her ranch and turns her world upside down…lol. Dry Moon is filled with adventure, intrigue, and of course, oodles of hot, steamy passion.

What is the hardest part of bringing out a book? Surviving the editor? The last chapter?

I wouldn’t necessarily say surviving the editor because I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful one. However, the edits are definitely the most difficult. Just when you think you’re finished with your book, it’s time for the edits…aggghh! Lol.

Is it hard for you to balance your life as a writer? How do you manage it?

Yes, it can be very difficult, especially when you also have a career aside from writing, like I do. But it’s all about effective time management. You have to set aside some time to write, even if it’s just a couple of hours at night.

I learned from your website that your also working on an Erotica series. Can you give us a sneek peek at it?

Ah yes, my Erotica series. It takes place in 19th century Cuba on a sugar plantation. I can’t say too much about it right now, since it’s undergoing some revisions. But I’ll have updates posted on my web site.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I want to thank you for having me here. I’m honored to be interviewed by Fallen Angel Reviews. It’s one of my favorite sites.

Aww, thank you Karyna and thanks for taking time to speak with me today!


Interviewed by: Tammy