- Jun 28, 2023

Interview with Kimber Delaney, author of the A Soldier's Heart romance series

For my seventh (and final) installment in my romance author interview series, I’m finishing strong with Kimber Delaney! Kimber is the author of the A Soldier’s Heart series, and as you’ll learn, Kimber has some real-life personal experience to back up her writing about the military. Read on to find out how!

Tell us about yourself and your journey to becoming an author.

Well, I'm a childfree GenX nerd who has odd hobbies and an affinity for travel and peanut butter whiskey. I'm also an Army vet, and have lived in a few places. Currently, I live in Alabama (and this is the longest I've been in one place since I was 18. Not sure if this is a good thing or not). I have a husband and three rotten cats.

The journey was rough. I've wanted to write since I was a kid, but like a lot of us, life got in the way. Once I made the decision to write, I had to put it on hold again to finish my Master's thesis (English comp). Aaaaand then, I spent a few years getting in my own way before finally getting over my crap and publishing my first book, Wayward, in December 2021.

Why do you love to write and/or read in the romance genre?

I like the psychological aspect of the genre. Seeing characters grow and learn and get over their BS to find their person/people— being able to experience all of the emotions, the angst, fear, sadness, anger in a space where you know that things will end happily – well, that's probably the best thing about the genre. There's a lot of potential for reflection there, for people to realize that they have a lot more worth than the world might lead them to believe. And well, the steam and spice are nice, too.

What are your favorite romance tropes to read and/or write, and why?

Ooooh, tropes. I absolutely love the "just this once to get it out of our system" trope. You know it's never gonna work, but it's such a fun device to build the characters up until they have their little freak-out and lose control. That said, I've not written this one…yet. But I love to read it! I love a good fake dating, only one bed, second chances, and grumpy/sunshine as well.

What is the best writing advice that you have ever received, or that you yourself have to share?

Best writing advice – perfection is a matter of perception. Just get it done to the best of your ability. Stop getting in your own way.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that no one would ever guess!

Hmm. This one's difficult. I was trained to be a codebreaker in the Army. How's that?

What is the best book marketing advice you have ever received, or that you yourself have to share?

The best advice I've ever gotten about marketing is that what works for one person might not work for another. Experiment, but don't do all of it at once to see what works.

Who is your favorite character that you yourself have ever written, and why?

Right now, my favorites are the characters from my third book, Guarded. Charlie has been in all three books, and she meets her match in Tadhg. She's full of fire, and instead of backing down like she expects, Tadhg meets her energy and puts her off kilter. They have some fun communication.

Are there any other writers who have influenced your own writing, or whose books are comparable to your own?

It's funny, but most of the writers who've influenced me don't have books comparable to mine. For this first series, comps would be Jessica Scott and Rachel Grant (though hers are more Special Forces based).

Tell us about your latest work(s).

My current work is the start of a paranormal series. There's a trio (MMF), a mysterious club not everyone can see, and three weird sisters who run it. Still working on the pitch, but there are different Earths, and the club is the bridge between them.

Where can we connect with you and buy your books?

The easiest way to connect is through my Linktree (that site makes it so easy!). I love to hear from people! https://linktr.ee/KimberWrites