
KIMBERLY KILLION, the designer…
TRD: What is Hot Damn Designs? And how are you affiliated with it?
KK: www.HotDamnDesigns.com is my graphic design company. I work almost exclusively with those involved in the Romance Community. At least that’s where I tend to stretch my networking legs. I do a lot of book cover designs for authors putting up their backlist, but I also build websites, and design bookmarks and business cards…I do it all really. ;)
TRD: You’ve recently launched a new website called www.HotDamnStock.com. What inspired you to create it?
KK: I’ve been designing for romance authors for many years now and the hardest part of any project was finding the right image. I spent hours upon hours searching stock sites, but the models on those sites just didn’t have the look I was searching for. I had mentioned to a friend in jest that I was just going to hire my own models, and she said, “I know a guy who could be a model…” The whole thing exploded from there. I got in touch with Angela Brewer of Todd Studios and the whole thing exploded from there.
Our first photo shoot was insane. We shot for 3 days, working 12-14 hour days. We had 17 amazing models to work with though, so that made it all worthwhile.
TRD: Can you tell us about a memorable moment that took place during the photo shoot?
KK: The most memorable moment—hands down—was when the snake handler got bit by a ten foot python. The snake’s jaws had to be pried open to get his hand out. And this happened AFTER the snake had posed with one of our models! Yikes!!!
TRD: What’s going on at HotDamn! right now?
KK: Today is the last day of our 12 day sale. All stock at www.HotDamnStock.com is 50% off!
Plus, we are giving away a camera to one lucky registered user, so get thee over to www.HotDamnStock.com and sign up!
KIMBERLY KILLION, the writer…
TRD: You are also a writer. When do you sleep?
KK: Sleep? What’s that?
TRD: You have three releases due out in 2011. Please tell us about those stories.KK: Yes…that’s right…3! It’s so exciting to be able to promote 3 stories at the same time.
His Magick Touch is a sensual novella set on the Isle of Barra in the 16th century Scotland. This story releases January 4th in paperback and ebook and will be part of the Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance. Read more about it here: http://kimberlykillion.com/hmtbooks.asp
Educating Aphrodite is a Victorian ménage a quatre novella set in London. This story releases January 5th in ebook from Ellora’s Cave. Read more about it here: http://kimberlykillion.com/eabooks.aspTaming a Highland Devil is an erotic Scottish novella. The cover alone should hook you on this story. It’s just stunning! This story releases February 9th in ebook from Ellora’s Cave. Read more about it here: http://kimberlykillion.com/tahdbooks.asp
Both of my erotic releases are finalists in one of RWA’s most prestigious contests, The Emily. I can hardly wait for these characters to meet the world!
TRD: What do you think is the key to a memorable romantic story?
KK: Angst! Lots and lots of sexual tension and a touch of creativity. If I can help it, my readers will rarely have to suffer through the boredom of a bedroom love scene. When I write a love scene I like to put my characters in “fun” places, like in a tree, or on a horse, or in a dressing chamber. What can I say, I get bored easily. But I think the most important rule is to always keep your characters thinking about why they shouldn’t be doing what they are doing. There must always be conflict, conflict, conflict!
TRD: Which character have you had the most fun creating? Why?
KK: Magus! Definitely Magnus. The hero in TAMING A HIGHLAND DEVIL is tortured and sexy and wicked. Oh, and let’s not forget he’s the laird, the prime, the alpha if you will…of course!
TRD: Where can readers find you?
KK: I’m online everywhere…
Website: http://www.kimberlykillion.com/
Blog: http://kimberlykillion.blogspot.com/
KK’s FB: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1255383307
HotDamn FB: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001625230186
Kimberly, thanks for giving us some insights into all your projects! You are definitely a busy, busy lady!!!
~ Buffie
Ilove Kimberlys books they rock great interview and post today!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Ladies I too have really loved Kimberly's books fantastic stories.
ReplyDeleteYou really are a busy Lady Kimberly congrats on the up coming releases
have Fun
Helen
SiNn, Kimberly does write some fabulous books, doesn't she? Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteHey there, Helen! So you are a Kimberly lover too, huh? Aren't her heroes just yummy?
ReplyDeleteKimberly, thanks for blogging with us today. I think I'm a busy woman . . . until I hear all the things you are doing!! I don't know how you keep it all straight. Looking forward to the new releases!
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on The Emily nominations!!
Good morning, ladies!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words! I can't wait to share my 3 new stories with the world.
My heroes and just simply delicious!!!
In fact, I am dedicating TAMING A HIGHLAND DEVIL to your housecarl.
Where is Gerry today anyway?
Thank you so much for having me on the blog. I have to work my "real" job today, but I'll sneak on as often as I can!
Oh goodie, I think the Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance is on the way! Gotta love instant gratification. I will just have to wait on the other two. :::Sigh:::
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Just checked, it is out for delivery right now! Must go watch for the UPS guy now.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! Hold up! I didn't realize the Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance was already available?!?!
ReplyDeleteSheesh! I live in a cave!
Well, Kimberly already knows I like her design work, and I can't wait to read her new releases! Great interview!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI just have to say you do design awesome bookmarks!! As soon as I get the jpeg for my June release, I'll be contacting you. And of course, your books are pretty darn awesome too :) I can't wait to read the next ones.
How many times have I searched for unique artwork? Great idea to begin your own stock photo site. Good luck with the new releases!
ReplyDeleteHi Kellie! *waving* Thanks for stopping by and for your praise on the my designs!
ReplyDeleteHey Christie! Just holla when you get that June release! Can't wait to see the cover!!!
Angela! The whole reason I started the stock site was because of my own frustration in finding images. It has nothing to do with rubbing baby oil on nekkid hawt guys. Nothing at all. *wink*
Hey, Kimberly! Your new books sound hot, hot, hot! :-) Since I've loved your other books, I know I'll love your new stories, too.
ReplyDeleteWhew! You give busy a whole new definition. I hope you have time to relax and savor the holidays.
Ganon! What up buttercup?!?!
ReplyDeleteBusy? Who me? Today I went to work (the actually secure paying job). Prior to work, I sent out my quarterly newsletter. Today is also the last day of our 50% off sale at www.HotDamnStock.com
I'm also on Model Mayhem casting models for our January shoot. (ok, that's not really all that hard. LOL)
I'm averaging 6 emails a minute! I've got two book covers pulled up and am working on them between emails from the 3,500+ people on my newsletter list. My kids are home on Christmas break which means they each have a friend over.
Ah-yi-yi!!!
Where's Gerry? I need a drink!
Better yet...I need a nap, and actually, I'll need Gerry for that as well. LOL
Dianna, try not to tackle the UPS guy when he shows up at your door!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteKelliejwin, thanks so much for stopping by today! I'm really looking forward to the new releases too. They sound absolutely sizzlin', but that's what you get when you read a KK book!
ReplyDeleteHey Christie! Good to see you!!
ReplyDeleteAngela, you have have to take a few minutes and browse through all the images on Hot Damn! Man, oh man, some of them make this girl flush! LOL!
ReplyDeleteIt has nothing to do with rubbing baby oil on nekkid hawt guys
ReplyDeleteNow, Kimberly, I hope you know that I would do just about anything to help a friend in need. I'm really good with baby oil *wink wink*
Hey Gannon! Doesn't it just make you tired reading all that Kimberly's doing?
ReplyDeleteI'm also on Model Mayhem casting models for our January shoot.
ReplyDeleteKimberly, I could spend HOURS on that site. Such good eye candy!!
*waving* Hey, Kimberly!! Welcome, welcome! I tried to log in earlier and had problems. It's always something. Congrats on your new releases and the success of Hot Damn!! I am so happy for you. You totally deserve it. Some of those covers are SUPER HAWT!!!
ReplyDeleteKimberly Killion said: It has nothing to do with rubbing baby oil on nekkid hawt guys. Nothing at all.
ReplyDeleteLOL!!!! Yeah, suuuuuure. *snort*
Buffie,
ReplyDeleteI'll add you to the list of people who have offered to be the "oil-rubber". LMAO
Kimberly, I discovered your books at the RWA National conference--those buttons were very effective! Then I learned about the design website and stock photos from a friend a few weeks ago. They/You are awesome! I even posted HotDamnDesigns and HotDamnStock on my blog as a Fun Find! Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeletex♥x
Noelle
Note to self: Order more buttons! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the link to the sites, Selestiele. I really appreciate that. I'm finding that networking is what is keeping me busy.
I MUST get back to writing though...!
Kimberly, You are one busy lady. You make me tired just reading all that you are into. By the sound of things, staying busy with something you enjoy is the key. Best of luck with both the design business and your writing. Things seem to be going well in both areas.
ReplyDeleteKimberly! Great to see you again! I'm going to have to look at the hot damn stock. *LOL* I'm so intrigued.... I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteLove the cover of Taming a Highland Devil! :) I haven't read any of your books, Kimberley but would love to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteOh, please do give them a try, Sara!
ReplyDeleteThanks for seeking me out.
Kim
Thanks for the sexy books (and covers!) and all the great information about romance books!
ReplyDeleteI really look forward to reading more of Kimberly's books, I just recently got introduced to them. Good luck and congrats on your writing!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Kimberly before but would love to!
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com
Hi Kimberly. I love your books especially the historical.
ReplyDeleteI love all your books - Educating Aphrodite was amazingly intense! I loved your story in The Mammoth Book - I actually ready the entire book in one day!
ReplyDeleteNew fan here...Awesome interview.Can't wait to read your books!!!
ReplyDeleteHUGS @ Kai and Melissa! So glad you enjoy my "work". :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read the new books but my god it's not the time I'm curious about I want to know where she gets all her energy?
ReplyDeleteI would love to read one of her books. Great interview.
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com
I just love the cover for "Educating Aphrodite" and I know that if the seniors in my volunteer reading group at the nursing home get a look at that cover, then ALL the women AND the men are going to want to sit in on reading sessions. LOL
ReplyDeleteDonna - aka "one6ylady(at)aol(dot)com"