An Interview with Coleen Kwan - Author of Real Men Don't Quit

Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.
 Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.

Where you can find Coleen:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Serial bachelor. Celebrity author. Her perfect forever?

When famous author Luke Maguire decides to write his next novel in the small town of Burronga, Australia, he's sure he can ignore the fiery redhead next door. Not only has he just been burned from a high-profile breakup, but he's never been one to set down roots. No, he'll finish his novel and leave Burronga. And soon.

Tyler Jones just wants to run her business with her best friend, Ally, and take care of her three-year-old daughter, Chloe. She's never needed help from anyone, especially not a man, and the brooding, rugged writer next door can't tempt her. Not in the least.

Only Tyler and Luke can't stay away from each other. So they set rules. No staying overnight, no future plans, no sappy good-byes when Luke inevitably quits town. But the chemistry between them is too strong to contain in a rulebook. Are Luke and Tyler ready to risk their lives of independence for something more?

Where to purchase:

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Today I’m lucky to have romance writer, Coleen Kwan, author of Entangled Publishing’s Real Men series, with me on the blog. Thank you for stopping by today.

Hi Kim. It’s great to be here.

You write Historical Romance with Steampunk elements and Contemporary Romances. What is it about those genres that appeal to you?

I like the contrast between the two genres. They’re very different, and that’s what feeds my imagination. I enjoy the sci-fi aspects of steampunk juxtaposed against a gritty, historical background. Steampunk characters and events can be over the top and even unrealistic. In contrast I like being grounded in my contemporary romances, and the conflicts the characters face are closer to the bone.

You recently released your second book from Entangled Publishing, Real Men Don’t Quit, the second book in the Real Men Series. How did you come up with the idea for this series, which by the way people love and immediately get drawn into?

I didn’t set out to write a series, but when I wrote the first book, a couple of secondary characters jumped out at me and fuelled my imagination. These women were very different from the heroine of my first book, and I started thinking about what their love lives were like. From there, I developed ideas for two further books. The ‘Real Men’ series title was an inspired gift from my editor.

Please tell me what you love about Luke and Tyler from Real Men Don’t Quit.

I love Tyler’s feistiness and sass. She does and says things I could never imagine myself doing. I love how she is devoted to her child and also adamant about retaining her independence. Her happiness doesn’t rely on meeting the right man; she takes control of her own happiness.

The best thing I love about Luke is his rapport with children and his relationship with his sisters. He’s strong, independent, determined, but deep inside he’s a real softie. He’s great with Tyler’s three year old daughter, and I loved writing the scenes when he’s interacting with her.

For me, Luke had me with way he was with Chloe. There’s just something about a guy taking care of and caring for kids. What’s your favorite part of a romance novel to read or write? (The beginning, the first meeting, first kiss, getting to know each other, first love scene, big fight, HEA or something else?)

My favorite part is the big fight where they tear each other apart and go their separate ways, each secretly missing the other. By this part of the book, I’m invested in the two characters, I know their backstories and what they fear the most, so seeing them part ways is very emotional, even though I know they’ll somehow get back together eventually. But the big fight has to be genuinely big. It can’t be some manufactured, trifle misunderstanding, it has to be a big deal!

The big fight scene between Luke and Tyler was very believable. In that moment I definitely wanted them to be together and I felt bad that they couldn’t see the other’s side. With that in mind....Are your books character driven or are you able to sit down and write, without the characters telling you they want something to be a certain way? If Real Men Don’t Quit was character driven, which character gave you the hardest time and why?

Definitely my books are character driven. Sometimes, when I’m having trouble with a scene, it’s because the characters are behaving ‘out of character’. In Real Men Don’t Quit the more difficult character to write was Luke because he had so many layers to peel back, plus he’s an introvert, so that makes it more difficult for him to express himself, even though he’s a writer.

How many books do you plan to have in the series?

There will be one more book in the series.

Pardon me while I wipe away some tears. What are you currently working on anything at the moment?

I’m editing the third Real Men book, plus mulling over a few ideas for a time travel novella.

~FUN QUESTIONS~

 

Kangaroo or Koala?

 

Koalas because they’re so cute and furry!

 

Alpha hero or Beta hero?

 

In reading I like both. In reality I prefer my beta heroes. (smiles)

 

Coffee or tea?

 

Definitely tea. I need my morning cup to kick start the creative juices.

 

Favorite food?

 

Potato bake, chocolate cake, pasta!

 

Best friends to lovers or Enemies to lovers?

 

I love reading an enemies to lovers romance but hate it when the characters just bicker.

 

Thank you again Coleen. It was a pleasure chatting with you.

 

Thanks for hosting me, Kim. Your questions were thought-provoking and fun to answer. I hope readers will enjoy Real Men Don’t Quit. Thanks once again!

You will DEFINITELY enjoy reading Real Men Don’t Quit. You can check out my review HERE.

Tour Wide Giveaway!

Coleen will be giving away 3 - $10 gift cards at the close of the tour. Gift cards will be good for Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Kobo (winner’s choice).

a Rafflecopter giveaway