Sunday, July 11, 2010

Firestorm Interview


Today we're welcoming Kitty McGuire, the heroine of Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley, released in July 2010 Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I'm a Los Angeles firefighter who grew up in the little town of Pine Lake in the California Sierra Mountains. I loved my job and my fast-paced life in L.A.

A few months ago, a firestorm destroyed the new ski resort and hotel in Pine Lake and almost burned down the town. Several people died, and my father, the fire Chief, was also killed. It was heartbreaking for me because we hadn't parted on the best of terms.

Then a few weeks ago, I got an anonymous phone call that the sheriff and new fire chief were trying to blame the fire on my father. Can you believe it? I had to go back to Pine Lake to prove my father innocent of arson and murder.


2. So, during the book you met Luke Tanner. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

My first impression was that he was dolt who'd erroneously concluded my dad was a criminal. Of course, I hadn't met him at the point. When we did meet, his strength impressed me most—especially since he'd tackled me to the ground. But once we'd had a chance to talk, I realized there was intelligence in his eyes and some of what he said made sense—even if he was totally wrong.

Subtle doesn't always work on me, so I think the first hint I was in love came with an explosion - a building explosion, that is. I'm used to the dangers of the job and know the risks, but when I thought I'd lost Luke in that fire, the intensity of my feelings for him shook me.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?

I give 100% to my job. I love what I do. I also have some training in arson investigation and would like to go into that as a career. I'm also fairly stubborn - I don't give up. I see that as a strength ... but not everyone else does.


I can be impatient. I tend to jump into situations, trusting my intuition, without analyzing first. This has gotten me into trouble numerous times. Just ask Luke.


4. What scares you?

Spiders! I can run into a burning building, but have a spider fall in my hair, I freak.

Also needing people scares me. My mother walked out on me when I was young, and my father raised me to be strong and independent. It's easier having a dangerous job without having personal strings attached, but it can also be lonely.


5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My hair—it tends to get out control and make me look like a kid. Oh…seriously? To be more trusting and open to relationships.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

I believe in God, but I don't think He's involved in our everyday lives. I also don't see the importance of church. I'd had a few bad experiences with so-called Christians when I was a kid.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

I learned I can let God into my everyday life and He'll always be there to pick up the pieces, even during the difficult times. I also learned how wonderful having a church family can be, particularly if you don't have a family of your own.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Sometimes our faith has to be tested —-like fire tests and purifies gold—before we can reap the rewards.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

A huge hunk of coconut layer cake -- flaky on the outside, but solid and substantial all the same.

Wow, this sounds great! Thank you Kelly Ann for sharing Kitty with us today.

8 comments:

Dana Mentink said...

She sounds like a person that woudl be fun to meet. Flaky on the outside but solid and substantial? Great!

Unknown said...

This book sounds so good! I like the following quotes the best!
"his strength impressed me most—especially since he'd tackled me to the ground."
&
"Subtle doesn't always work on me, so I think the first hint I was in love came with an explosion - a building explosion, that is."

I can't wait to read this book!
Kim

Pamela Tracy said...

Kim,
That is a great quote. I didn't even notice it the first time. Glad you pointed it out.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Terri and Craftie Ladies for having Kitty on your blog. She was a fun character to create a story around. And thanks everyone for the great comments.

Kelly Ann

jjw5794 said...

Hey, what a real good interview. Fun!! No coconut cake, though. Blagh!! Too flaky and I only like coconut in a pina colada!!

Melanie Dickerson said...

Oh, Kelly!!! I can't wait to read your book!!! So exciting! It sounds so great.

Cee Dunsheath said...

Great post, Kelly ... oh, I mean, Kitty! Feel like I've known you for years ;-)

Cee~

April Erwin said...

Just finished Kitty's story today. LOVED it. Luke is so hot. :)Especially at the town festival. What is it about a guy dressed head to toe in black?