Interview with MaryAnn Kempher Author of Mocha, Moonlight, and Murder

“The prospect of seeing him so often filled Katherine with both dread and excitement - dread, because she wasn’t sure she even liked him, and excitement because his baritone voice made her unwilling heart flutter, and his mahogany eyes made her blush. He’s right, though, she thought, if I’m serious about getting a good grade, this project will need a lot of attention.”

-- From Mocha, Moonlight and Murder by MaryAnn Kempher

Book Description:

One night, 28-year-old, Katherine O’Brian, decides to walk to an all-night diner. The only problem? It’s midnight, but Katherine

And now, she’s in trouble. She outran the man that night, and while she has no idea who he is, he knows who she is. And he wants her dead.

As if attempts on her life weren’t stressful enough, Katherine has gone back to college. She’s determined to finally finish her degree, but her lab partner is driving her crazy. He’s hot, but annoying. And she’s not sure which she wants more—a night of mad, passionate sex or a new lab partner. It varies from day to day.

Will Katherine give in to her lust for her partner or will she give in to her desire to throttle him? If she’s in the ground before graduation, it won’t matter.

Not your typical romance, not your typical mystery.

lives in Reno Nevada, a city that never sleeps; she can clearly see the diner’s lights in the distance. It’s no big deal, until she passes someone’s garage where a man is loading a dead body into the trunk of his car.

What is it that drew you to writing romance?

MaryAnn: My first book is considered romantic suspense, but it’s more accurate to describe it as a romantic comedy with a mystery sub-plot. What drew me to the romance aspect was writing the dialogue between the two main characters; sarcastic, flirty, and friendly. I don’t have a lot of sex in my books which is why books two through seven are mysteries vs romances.

Can you tell us a little about the main characters?

MaryAnn:

Katherine O’Brian and Scott Mitchell are both in their late twenties. Until now, they’ve both put off finishing college, so that’s where they meet. They’re both in the last class they need for their degree. Scott moved down from Carson City after a break up. Katherine’s circumstances are similar; she moved back to Reno after her marriage ended and because she needs to pack up her childhood home after her father’s recent death. They’re both guarded, so resolve to keep romance off the table.

They say all books of fiction have at least one pivotal point where the reader just can’t put the book down. Can you tell give us one of the pivotal points in your book?

MaryAnn: I imagine that place is different for each reader. Pivotal points? When Katherine sees a killer disposing of his victim, or maybe when she and Scott meet for the first time.

Can you explain to us why it was important for you to write your story?

MaryAnn: At first, it was important because I wanted to finish what I’d started. Now, it’s important because I love to write and once I start a book, I’m hooked.

What are you working on now?

Since my seventh book was just published in January 2020, I’m taking a break from writing. Once my break is over, I’ll be starting a new series with two beloved characters from the first seven books, sort of a spin-off.

MaryAnn:

Final question: do you have any advice for the yet-to-be-published writers?

My advice would depend on which route they go: traditional or self-publishing. In either case, it’s important to have realistic expectations. With whichever route, there are no guarantees. 

Ensure your book is professionally edited and proofread. Ensure it has a professional looking cover. Promote as much as you can afford and then cross your fingers. There really is an element of luck in this business.

Author's Website & Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.mkempher.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryAnnKempher/