Tule Author Q&A: Kaylie Newell was inspired by her mom’s cookbook!

Kaylie Newell stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the second book in her Cole Brothers series, Montana Rancher’s Kiss!

Where did you get the inspiration for Montana Rancher’s Kiss?

I actually got the inspiration for this story from my mom (and her cookbook)! My heroine can’t cook, but ends up teaching herself from her mother’s favorite cookbook. When I told my mom I was writing this story, she gave me her Better Homes and Gardens cookbook that she’s had for about fifty years.  It’s falling apart, you literally can’t open it anymore without some of the pages coming out, but it’s now one of my most cherished gifts.  It’s sitting on our kitchen counter right beside the squirrel cookie jar I had as a kid.  Every time I look at it, I think of her.  

What has been your favorite part about writing stories set in Marietta?

As Marietta readers will probably agree, this town holds a special place in our hearts.  The characters feel like friends and family, and the town is somewhere we feel like we can step inside and get cozy.  Writing stories here is like coming home for me.  As an author, you can’t get better than that!

This is a heartwarming second chance romance. What drew you to this trope? What’s your favorite trope to write?

When I began working on this book, my seventeen-year-old daughter was going through her very first breakup.  Her heart was crushed, she was so in love.  I started thinking about how she would feel later on in life, if she and this boy ever came back together as adults.  How they would change, the things they would regret. Would there still be love there?  These questions grew until Daisy and Brooks took shape in my mind and heart.  I do think second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes.  I love giving my characters another shot at true happiness. As for my daughter, that breakup taught her a lot.  She’s grown so much, and I’m so proud of her.  Daisy mirrors a lot of that arc. 

Are your characters set before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go? What did that development process look like for Montana Rancher’s Kiss?

I know generally what they will be struggling with throughout the story, but their personalities definitely evolve as I write.  That’s the fun part.  You never really know where they’re going to take you.  Sometimes you just have to go along for the ride!

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading the most wonderful book by Elizabeth Thompson.  It’s called Lost in Paris, and it goes back and forth between 1920’s Paris, and Paris today.  A mother/daughter story that’s hard to put down.  Definitely recommend. 

About the Author

For Kaylie Newell, storytelling is in the blood. Growing up the daughter of two writers, she knew eventually she’d want to follow in their footsteps. She’s now the proud author of over a dozen books, including the RITA® finalists, Christmas at The Graff and Tanner’s Promise.

Kaylie lives in Southern Oregon with her husband, two daughters, a blind Doberman, and two indifferent cats.

Visit Kaylie at http://www.facebook.com/kaylienewell