May 14, 2008
Kathryn Shay Guest Blogs on the Appeal of Firemen
Written by Jaunty Guest in Jaunty Guests
Hello, Jaunty Quill Readers.
Since this is my first time here, I’d like to tell you a bit about myself and my work. My name is Kathryn Shay and I’ve written twenty-two books for Harlequin SuperRomance and ten for The Berkley Publishing Group. For most of my life I was a high school English teacher, and began publishing in 1995. I’ll tell you, having two full time jobs for ten years was tough. I also have a wonderful supportive husband (my college sweetheart) and two great kids, now grown, one a writer and one a teacher!
My current release is TAKING THE HEAT, part of the O’Neil series, but one reviewer just said not to worry, she hadn’t read the others (but will now!) and this book functions as a stand alone. It’s the story of widower Liam O’Neil who lost his wife three years ago to cancer and is ready to date again. He meets Sophie Tyler, rough and tumble female firefighter from New York City, and is attracted to her. But his sons are still suffering over the loss of their mother and Liam feels he can’t risk getting involved with someone in a dangerous profession. Too bad, though, because they can’t help themselves and sparks fly, emotionally, physically and on the line.
Why did I write this book? There were several reasons. First, Liam intrigued me. In the other storylines, he’s quiet, sensitive and hurting over the turn his life has taken. He also always does what’s best for his kids, too much so, his dynamic brothers think. It was fun exploring all those facets of Liam, in addition to a sense of humor I didn’t know he had, and, well, a very sexy side, which Sophie soon discovers. That was a big surprise to me and to her and makes for some humor as well as some sizzling sexual tension.
Another reason I wrote about these characters was to explore father/son relationships. The two O’Neil boys, seven year old Mikey and teenager Cleary, play a big part in the book as well as in Liam’s life. Reviewers are pointing to some very tender moments, funny occurrences and some sad things that might bring the reader to tears (I hope so!)
Last, I got to return to my favorite heroes, firefighters. As many of you know, I’ve done several firefighter stories for Harlequin and this is my fourth for Berkley. I researched the profession by spending several years, off and on, riding fire trucks and ambulances, eating in the firehouses, talking at length to the men and women who make up America’s Bravest and reading things like their training manuals on firefighting and EMS. I went to several working fires in places like a dormitory, a kitchen and a car. I rode along to calls for a stabbing, a flooded basement and a roof rescue. I also spent hours and hours at the fire academy training with the recruits, wearing their gear, handling the Jaws of Life and going through mazes blindfolded. I also had the terrifying experience of making my way in a smoke house, which is exactly what you think—a building set on fire so rookies can train. (Okay, a real firefighter was holding my hand the whole time, but still…)
What did I learn: firefighters are taciturn, until you get to know them; they’re affectionate, after they decide you’re okay; they’re funny in a black humor kind of way; they care about people, though not one of them will tell you he thinks he’s a hero. And, in my opinion, these people are a very special breed who put their lives on the line every single day. I love them for who they are and what they stand for. I think you’ll see this in the book, as well as get a look at their everyday lives and experience some heart-stopping action scenes.
I’d be glad to answer questions, give you more information or just listen to what you have to say. And I’ll pick one lucky winner from the comments for an autographed copy of TAKING THE HEAT.
Kathy Shay
4:56 am | Share This
Shana Says:
Hey, Kathy, thanks so much for blogging with us today! I’m a teacher and a writer, too, so I feel your pain–especially with grades due soon!
The book sounds great. I have some friends married to firefighters, and they’re a wonderful group of men.
RobynDeHart Says:
Thanks for joining us, Kathy. The book sounds fantastic! I mean who doesn’t like firefighters?
So can you tell us a little about your writing process?
Dorothy Says:
Welcome Kathy! Sorry to say I haven’t read any of your books, but I will be now! I’m with Robyn, who doesn’t like firefighters? BTW, who’s the one in the picture with you?
Stefanie D Says:
Hi Kathy!! Great blog!
I haven’t read any of your books yet, but they sound really awsome!
Do you know any real firefighters? And do they “teach” you stuff about firefighters you didn’t know?
Crystal B. Says:
Hi Kathryn. Taking the Heat sounds great. I have always had great respect for firefighters.
petite Says:
Your photo is lovely and this book is special. Yes, firefighters deserve accolades.
Fedora Says:
Hi, Kathy, Thanks for blogging today–I have a couple of your books on my TBR, and will have to add this one, too! I’m amazed at all that you’ve done to research for your book–are you planning more firefighter titles, or are you already researching a different line of work? And I love stories that include the main characters’ families–I’m looking forward to reading Taking the Heat!
kathryn shay Says:
Hi, Jaunty Quills readers. I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner today. I was at yoga class (doing headstands–way beyond my level) and finishing up other things for my Virtual Tour.
To answer some of you questions: the guy in the picture is Joe Giorgione, a real firefighter in my home town. In the research explained above in my blog, he helped me the most. I’ve known him more than ten years now. He’s as nice as he is cute!
Right now, I’m revising a book about an amnesia victim, and I had to do a ton of research on the condition. I did it mostly online and then I watched a whole slew of movies about amnesia. REGARDING HENRY is my favorite. I’m finishing up a story about an architect who designs a building, part of which falls. I interviewed a builder an engineer and architect for this one. I like to do primary research the best.
I’ll be glad to answer any more questions and will check back before I go out (again!) at four and after I return.
Kathy Shay
Teresa W. Says:
Glad to see you here today and I’m looking forward to this read! I’ve seen alot about it on various sites, sounds good.
Virginia H. Says:
How did you manage being a teacher and a writer at the same time along with raising a family. I always said I had two jobs just working full time in a factory and keeping up with the house and things at home. I also raised a son in the process I thougt that was tough. Also dear hubby wasn’t much help.
kathryn shay Says:
Virginia’s question: I don’t recommend what I did. I got up at 4a.m. to write most mornings, wrote on weekends and vacations and didn’t get much sleep. Looking back on it, I’m not sure how I did it. I do have a supportive DH and a lot of outside help. But still, I should have quit teaching when I went with two publishers. But I loved my teaching too much to do that. Now, though, I have lots of time to write.
Kathy Shay
RobynDeHart Says:
Oh, I loved that movie, Regarding Henry. Haven’t seen it in ages, but I thought it was one of Harrison Ford’s best performances.
Emily McKay Says:
Hi!
The book sounds great!
I recently got to meet a couple of paramedics and even got to ride in an ambulance myself–not as a patient or anything. Which was good, ’cause it was so bumpy I got a bit car sick.
I too think fire fighters are very sexy.
Stacie McClellan Says:
I love your books. ON THE LINE and NOTHING MORE TO LOSE especially are fantastic. Ian’s story was so touching. :heart:
I really like that your firefighters do so much volunteer work it’s a reminder that we can make a difference.
The part that I like the best is that I can follow up on what’s happening with people introduced in previous books. I really like the peeks at what they’re doing now.
Congrats on the new book!
kathryn shay Says:
Thanks for the kind words, Stella (a Super writer, right?), Emily and Robyn. I appreciate the support.
Kathy
Cindi Myers Says:
I’m amazed at your dedication, Kathryn. Whenever an author tells me they got up at 4 am to write, my eyes roll back in my head. I love the cover of this book, BTW - those male firefighters are sexy, but it’s great to see a woman in that role.
Cindi
Minna Says:
The book sounds great! :yes: