Interview with Kimberly Readnour, author of Second Chance Hero

by grant

in Author Interviews, News, Romance

26 Oct 2017

What can you tell us about your new release, Second Chance Hero?

Second Chance Hero was the easiest book for me to write, mostly because of my love for baseball and passion for romance. I wanted to write in the genre I love to read, so I started plotting out the story. It didn’t hurt that my favorite team was having one heck of a year and let’s say I was inspired.

Second Chance Hero is all about redemption. Zach and Lacey dated in college, but their relationship came with an expiration date—graduation. Signed with a major baseball team, Zach knew failing wasn’t an option, and he had to concentrate on his career. Five years later, they meet at a post-game press conference. One look at Lacey is all it takes for Zach to realize he made the biggest mistake of his life. Now, he wants her back. The only thing is, Lacey wants nothing to do with him. But here’s the catch, Zach ALWAYS gets what he wants. Will he this time?

What or who inspired you to become an author?

When my daughter was a teenager, I would read the books she brought home. I have always enjoyed reading young adult books and shared the same interest as my daughter. One particular book, she never finished because she did not like the content. Curious, I started reading it and was shocked at the content myself. I remember telling my daughter that I would write her better stories. I had no idea I would develop this passion for writing. Of course, once I finished the trilogy for her, I switched to writing the genre I love to read—romance.

Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

Anyone who knows me at all will know I love the romance genre. So when they look at my bookshelf, they may be surprised to see my secret stash of Stephen King books. Especially the book It. My fear of clowns would make people question why the book is anywhere near my residence. But in my high school days, I read quite a few of his novels. Everyone needs to have a good, scary novel to freak them out.

Who is your favorite couple from literature?

I’m going to pull from recent years and go with Jackie and Lucas from Tammara Webber’s Breakable. I loved their connection right from the beginning. Sigh, just thinking about them makes me smile.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Plotting a story is one of my favorite things about writing. I love to be able to start with an idea and watch it unfold into a full-fledged story. Character development, along with world-building, has to be my favorite things to do.

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

I know I should pick someone who can give me great insight, but I would LOVE to meet John Cusack. He is actually who I pictured as the detective in my young adult trilogy. My crush began when I watched Sixteen Candles. His role was minor, but he was so cute. Plus, he is a Cub’s fan! Double win!

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

What scene in Second Chance Hero was your favorite to write?

There were many scenes I loved writing in Second Chance Hero, but the opening scene was my most favorite. Lacey had to cover Zach’s post-game press conference, and she really didn’t want to be there. After all, it was the first time in five years for her to see him. A lot of conflicting emotions swirled through her, which I found exciting to write. I love conveying the characters emotions, and hopefully, the reader can experience some of their turmoil as well.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

About fifteen years ago, I was at the bookstore looking for stocking stuffers for my children. On a bookmark, a shortened quote, “Never, never, never quit” from Winston Churchill stood out to me. Needless to say, each child received that bookmark, and I have repeatedly reminded them of his words. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t live by that motto myself.