Interview and Giveaway: Kimberly Hunter
Today, On Top Down Under would like to welcome a blog favourite, Kimberly Hunter. Thanks for stopping by for our 2nd year blog-versary, Kimberly. It’s great to have you back at On Top Down Under.
**GIVEWAY NOW OVER. CONGRATULATIONS TO LISA G AND DENISE.**
Kazza: Since we last spoke you have had books come out to much success. One that 
springs to mind is Rescued by Love – review here. I think you have touched quite a few people with the story of two men who find love with a backdrop of the sadness of losing someone you love in war. There is also Jake, the German Shepherd. Rescued by Love is very timely, can you tell us the kind of response the book has invoked in some readers? Messages you may have received?
Kimberly: Oh, goodness. So many have contacted me about that book. I’ve been surprised at the response actually. But I think the most has been the emotion some of the scenes have brought out. The Arlington scene especially. Nearly every reader has told me they teared up or had a good ugly cry while reading it. Then, there was the review I received from a reader –
“This book really hit me hard. My uncle was in Vietnam and fought. My family and I just buried him in Fort Snelling Cemetery in March of this year. He passes from a heart problem but just reading of the military funeral’s brought it all back. Had me in tears. Never had a book that hit me like this. I loved it. May read it again when its not so hard but I really really loved it.”
This is the kind of response an author lives for. And with all seriousness, one I thought never to have. It’s also humbling in a way cause the emotion that’s being brought out for some of these readers is so deep and private, you know? And you certainly never expect to hear about it. It’s a gift, really. One that I’ll definitely treasure through the years.
Kazza: Since then there has been Secrets & Truths – review here – which I feel is a bit of a deviation in the types of books you have written recently. Where did the idea behind Secrets & Truths come from?
Kimberly: Yeah, a big deviation. LOL! The idea actually came from a med and fever induced dream back in February of this year. I came down with one of the worst cases of the Flu I’ve ever experienced. I was laid out for nearly two weeks. During that time, my fever raged and the meds kept me pretty out of it. Dreams are a natural by-product I suppose. Though who knew I’d dream about Caleb and Jett? And those were their names in my dream too. No worries on having to come up with them. 😉 After I recovered, the dream just wouldn’t let go. Three months later, Secrets & Truths was written. It’s my longest book to date.
Kazza: You are certainly not new to publishing books. How long have you been writing Can you also tell readers what genres you write in and why? The number of books you have released?
Kimberly: Not new, no. 😉 I started when my son was around two. (He’s 23 now.) So all told, about 20 years on and off. Can’t get much writing done with a two year old. I’ve been pubbed about eight of that though. My books range from paranormal M/F to contemporary ménage (MMF) to contemporary, paranormal, and sci-fi M/M. I tend to write more of the M/M cause it’s more satisfying for me. Nothing like bringing two men together. 😉 At present, I have 13 books. I’m working on plenty more.
Kazza: I know I have mentioned this in my reviews before, but I’ll say it again, you have a down-home feel to your writing. I enjoy it but I’ll ask you, what draws you to that style of writing?
Kimberly: Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. And it not like I set out to put that feeling in my works. I think it’s just a natural combination of my upbringing and the different regions where I was raised. My family was pretty close while growing up. After my dad passed, it kind of went to hell in a hand basket. Could be I’m projecting onto my characters, who knows. But giving my characters the love and family they deserve just does it for me, you know? It probably always will.
Kazza: I believe you will be going to GRL this year. That has to be very exciting. Tell us about your feelings on going to GRL and what it means to you as an author to be part of it. Will you have books with you and how can readers touch base with you at GRL?
Kimberly: I’m equal parts excited and nervous about going. Excited cause I’ve wanted to go for a few years now. All my fave authors go, so it will be a fan girl moment for me. Nervous cause this will be my first GRL. I’ve been lucky to have met a couple of the authors attending, but I’m still relatively new to the genre despite the 
13 books I have under my belt so far. The majority of these authors and fans won’t have any clue who I am or what kind of M/M romances I write. So yeah, a little nervous about putting myself out there. Of course, getting here means a lot too. I’ve worked very hard at my craft and the quality of it shows in the great reviews I’ve received. But getting to this level, attending this con, it’s like I’ve finally arrived. Sky’s the limit now. 😉 And yeah, I’ll be signing. Unfortunately, there was a snag with selling books this year, so even though I’ll be signing, the few I have will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. You can bring your own too. I’ll be more than happy to sign them. Though if you have to order them, better hurry. GRL is a couple weeks away. I had put out the word about the few copies I had left, but didn’t have a response. I’ll also have plenty of swag to give out and sign as well. And if you see a short red head with glasses looking lost, that will probably be me. Just come on up and introduce yourself. Talking with the fans is what I like best about these cons. Love to hear from them.
(The picture above to the left now gives you an idea of who to look for at GRL. )
Kazza: I also know you are very artsy and crafty. You have plenty of merchandise you make yourself. Can you tell us what you make and where people can get it from?
Kimberly: I get the craft gene from my mom. Being a seamstress, she made everything for us kids while growing up. And well, I’m not exactly well off. I can’t afford the expensive promo stuff. But I can make some that looks really close. 😉 I’ll be bringing plenty to GRL. That is, I’ll have glass paperweights and magnets, blinged out bookmarks, paper magnets, key chains, and something new this year; tote bags with the covers on them. After GRL, those will be available for purchase on my blog.
Kazza: Last but not least, are there any works in progress for Kimberly Hunter and anything readers should be on the look-out for by you?
Kimberly: Oh, honey, the mind never stops. LOL! So yeah, there are plenty of WIP’s. A couple that are super-secret too. I’ll put the word out on those when I’m done. 😉
Kimberly: And thank you ladies for having me here again. It’s always a pleasure.
Hugs!!
Kimberly Hunter
Thank you to Kimberly Hunter for joining us today. Two of the books we discussed in the interview are up for grabs in e-book format – Rescued by Love and Secrets & Truths. All you need to do is leave a comment in the comments section below for a chance to win one of these e-books. The draw closes on the 6th at midnight US Eastern Time. And don’t forget to say look for the lovely Kimberly at GRL and say hello.
** Note: If you receive a spam message when commenting, don’t worry, we will see your comment and make sure you are entered.
Search Our Site
Weekly Deals
Books of the Month
BLOG EVENT
Featured Books
Coming Soon
A big thank you to Kimberly Hunter for taking part in our blog-versary and the giveaway. Yay!!
A huge welcome to Kimberly! Thank you for being part of our 2 year anniversary celebration. What a great interview and giveaway.
Like I would pass up being a part of this celebration. You two approached an unknown author and helped boost her confidence in this crazy biz. I’ll forever be grateful, guys. You need blog spots filled, call me anytime.
Hmmm….that pic doesn’t show too much cleavage does it? LOL!
Hugs!
Kimberly Hunter
I’m laughing here… sex sells, Kimberly! No, not too much cleavage you look fantastic so I snuck this pic of you. Now people know exactly who to look for.
Thanks for being a part of the 2 year celebrations it’s great to have you here 🙂
Great interview. Loved Secrets and Truths, and have recommended it often. Have fun at GRL
Hey, Denise!! And thanks! Word of mouth is sometimes better than online promo. 😉 I appreciate it.
Hugs!
Kimberly
Excited to meet you at GRL. Great article
YAY!! Another GRL attendee. You’ll have to find me at the signing on Thursday. I’ll have a bag of swag waiting for you. Just remind me of the comment here. My mind will probably be mush by then. LOL! Can’t wait to meet you!
Hugs!
Kimberly
They sound intense but very touching!
So touching I cried writing most of the Arlington scene. LOL! And Secrets has a few moments, though not nearly as emotional. I wanted to write something a little more light hearted after Rescued. And thanks for commenting, hon!
Hugs!
Kimberly
I loved Rescued by Love but haven’t read Secrets and Truths. Really enjoyed the interview!
If you loved Rescued, you’ll really enjoy Secrets. Snarky soldier meets uptight Alpha Prime wolf shifter. I had a blast writing this book. LOL! I also lowered the price so it’s a little easier on the wallet. 😉
Hugs!
Kimberly
Oh Kimberly, to use Kazza’s words you sound so down to earth and humble for such an accomplished person. All the best for GRL wish I could flit to be there. Lol. I’m going to check out your books, they sound right up my alley. I love what you said about giving your characters the ‘love and family they deserve’. That’s the beauty of being the writer I guess.
Looking forward to reading more from you.
Thank you so much, Judy! What a nice thing to say. *blushes* I guess it’s my upbringing. I think southern and poor is a natural combination. But it taught me to take nothing for granted. To be grateful for what you have and strive for what you don’t. Being an author has always been the golden ring for me. But I never would have made it this far without readers and fans such as yourself. It’s you guys that push me to continue in this crazy biz.
Hugs!
Kimberly
these books sound great!
please count me in
Thank you to everyone who took part. Congratulations to Denise and Lisa G.
Congrats Denise and Lisa G.!