Karen, first I'd like to say Thank You for taking time out from your busy schedule to chat with me. I truly appreciate it! I've been a fan for years and this is such a wonderful experience to be able to sit and chat with you!!

Who is Karen Marie Moning? What can you tell us about her?

I'm a private person. I don't just like time alone-I need it. I'm not much for crowds; preferring one-on-one conversation or small gatherings. I recently fell in love with a wonderful man (who graciously assists me with steamy research for my novels (smile) and married him. A few months ago I moved to the mountains of northeast Georgia. I have a cat named Moonshadow. I'm a really slow writer. I love telling stories.

I noticed that you have a Bachelor's Degree in Society and Law. Why and how did you make the transition to romance author?

The BA in Society and Law was originally a major in Criminology but just prior to graduation the department changed the name of the degree. I always wanted to write (and was just short of a major in English as well) but felt I needed more life experience and a saleable degree, hence the S&L field of study. It looked moderately better than a Creative Writing major. I don't think I ever made a "transition" to writing, because I always wrote. But one day I said, "Okay, I'm ready to try this professionally. I'm going to give it my best shot."

Was it an easy transition?

Yes and no. I was blessed in so many ways when I decided to chase the dream of writing but, as with any other venture one undertakes, there are highs and lows. I think the definitive response to that is if I lost everything tomorrow, I'd beg, borrow or steal pen and paper to do it all over again.

Have you had the opportunity to draw on your knowledge and education for use in your books?

Certainly. Gabby from The Immortal Highlander filed Intercompany Arbitration for a law firm, as did I at one point. I think it's inevitable that something of the writer-frequently the most essential parts-spill over into the writing. No matter how we try to hide it. (smile)

Is there someone that you can credit with you deciding to take the career path that you did?

My mother, for instilling in me a deep love of books and reading, for teaching me the joy of imagination.

Where do you get your ideas?

Everywhere. In the wind on my bare skin. In a sexy man. In the dark when I'm afraid of what probably isn't but might be. In a movie that ends badly and should have ended another way. In a book that leaves me wanting more.

I'm especially intrigued with the Druid lore and the historical detail in your books. What can you tell us about that?

I have always been intrigued by Celtic myths-and that some of them might not be myths. What began as research to sate my personal curiosity turned into a "hmm…what if a woman got sent back in time to save a Druid line from extinction?" (What girl wouldn't enjoy being cast back into the arms of a man like Drustan? (smile)) And while I was writing that story, Dageus turned that scorchingly hot, dark hungry look on me, daring me to delve deeper into Druidry, deeper into Druid mythos.

How much research goes into one of your novels?

Hopefully enough research goes into my books that they're representative of the period I'm writing about. That's challenging when writing about periods that are centuries, even millennia ago. A few decades can mean significant differences in dress, inventions, language, and I attempt to be accurate as is possible. That said, there are times when I take artistic license and make a deliberate choice to use an anachronism to best serve the story.

What is your favorite part of writing a novel?

The beginning. All the possibles still extend before me.

What is your least favorite part?

All the damn possibles. I get tangled up in them.

You've written six Highlander novels. Did you have any idea when you wrote The Highlander's Touch that the series would end up being so very popular?

I don't think anyone who becomes successful expects it. You dream and hope and pray that your writing is good and your stories will be appreciated, but when it happens, it's still unexpected.

Your Highlander books always leave me wanting more! *g* Are you planning more in The Highlander series?

Thank you! Yes. The end of Spell gives many hints about the direction the series will be going. I plan between three and six more Highlander/Fae tales.

Can you give us any peeks into your work (s) in progress?

Spell of the Highlander is my next release and my website was just updated last night with an excerpt. As for the WIP, I am currently trying to choose between two projects so can't say much more right now.

With all the awards and recognition from your first five books, what drives you to stay focused in your writing?

To get an award in my industry, from the people who know books the best, the people who know every book written each year, is truly amazing. And frightening. It makes me try harder so I can continue to deserve the praise. But what really keeps me focused on writing a story is that my book may be the first story someone out there reads-not just by me, but period-and I hope that person is fulfilled enough to want to read for the rest of their life.

You are a very busy and private person. What is your ideal "quiet time" away from the office?

My ideal "quiet time" sometimes isn't quiet at all; I love to drive my car much too up winding mountain roads, listening to Godsmack. I also love taking Moonshadow out in the back yard to watch the hummingbirds or pounce grasshoppers. Usually that's pretty quiet.

How can your fans get in touch with you?

I can be contacted through my website www.karenmoning.com, at karen@karenmoning.com.

Once again, I'd like to Thank You for this opportunity. I know our readers will be very intrigued.

Pam, thanks for inviting me to participate at ARR!

All best~
Karen