Thank you again to all of you for waiting for Survival's release! And keep an eye on my blog for news of a review contest that I will be having soon. (SO be sure to write a review after reading Survival!)

Happy reading!!

Tell us about the typical process for you once you get an idea in your head. How long does it all take for you?

Once I get an idea in my head, I mull it over for a bit before I make any notes. Some ideas are fast and fleeting; they never make it onto a file in my computer. Some hit me like a ton of bricks, which doesn't take too much mulling. Once an idea has firmly seeded in my mind, I make some notes and file it away in my computer. Then I allow the story to ferment―as long as I'm not working on another novel at the time. As soon as I'm free to start a new novel, the idea sprouts and blossoms beyond my control and it takes anywhere from 3-6 months for me to write it and edit it.

You’re giving your readers a romance after four thrillers—are you switching genres?

Yes and no. I'm taking a detour into the land of romance, but I'm not leaving behind my suspense thrillers. Cherish will work on sensual romantic journeys with a hint of suspense, while Cheryl will continue to plot terrifying thrillers and kill people off. It's the best of both worlds.

Do you feel that Lancelot’s Lady will draw an all-new type of reader, and do you think it contains enough suspense to keep your current readers hanging on?

Yes. Lancelot's Lady will draw romance lovers who enjoy steamier scenes than what you'll find in my previous novels. My existing readers will enjoy the addition of a suspenseful plot and a truly slimy character―Winston Chambers, the blackmailing, sadistic PI who wants Rhianna for his own. Anyone who enjoys a good love story with a mix of passion and danger will find my new novel very appealing.

Where did you get the idea for Lancelot’s Lady? Is there a specific source you get all your ideas from?

I had the idea back in 2002. There's no specific source for my ideas. They just hit me with what I call a "mind burst". It's like a thousand novel plot ideas assaulting your mind at once. Basically Lancelot's Lady started with a "mind burst of: What would happen if a gal was stranded on a private island with a handsome recluse who isn't happy to find her there? What if they had no way off the island for a certain length of time? What is they both had dark secrets in their pasts, whether they knew about them or not? What if they're connected in ways they never knew? What if an evil man wants to find her and hurt her? What if...?

Is your main character, Rhianna McLeod based on anyone? Are any of the characters?

No. These characters are all figments of my imagination. My very warped imagination.

What do you say to readers that might claim you’re fuelling stereotypes by casting a typically “beautiful woman” and “handsome man” as your main characters?

Well, I could have had an ugly woman and a wimpy looking man, but it just doesn't do much for the fantasy, does it? After all, that's why women read romance―for the escape into fantasy. Yes, Rhianna is beautiful, but she doesn't make a good first impression with Jonathan. Neither does Jonathan with Rhianna. And while these character may be physically "beautiful", they have deep emotional flaws. And both of them have a hard time staying clean.

How did you come up with the beautiful descriptions of the island in Lancelot’s Lady?

Again, my imagination to some extent. I imagined the pool with the waterfall years ago and the image has never left my mind. As for the island itself, that wasn't hard. I lived in Bermuda for three years when I was a teen. I've been back twice. I still recall my first impressions, especially when stepping off the plane and onto the tarmac. The intense heat, the scented air, the immediate wave of humidity. Wow! Researching the Bahamas, I discovered there are many similarities.

What do you feel makes Lancelot’s Lady stand out from other romantic suspense novels?

I think the contemporary location mixed with the element of danger helps to make Lancelot's Lady stand out. But most of all, it's the characters and their story. Rhianna, Jonathan, JT, Misty―and even Winston Chambers―makes Lancelot's Lady a worthwhile read.

A question now for your die-hard fans: What one thing would they be surprised to know about you?

Aren't I an open book by now? Hmmm...well, not everyone is aware that I have written two children's picture books―The Elfling Princess (4-7 yrs) and My Imaginary Friend (3-6 yrs). I also did the artwork for both. At this time, they are unpublished, but I do hope one day to publish them. The Elfling Princess is my favourite.

What advice would you have for would-be romance authors?

Research the sex scenes! Okay, I typed that with a smile on my face. Seriously, some research may be necessary, but really the key is to focus on the journey of the romance and to throw in twists and turns along the way. In the end, your characters must show emotional growth and readers must care about the male and female protagonists.

You’ve had a busy last few months, most recently with the eBook release of Skeletons in the Closet and now Lancelot’s Lady. What is next for you?

I'm happy to announce that I'm working on a new print edition of Whale Song. It'll be coming out in paperback before Christmas, if all goes well. I'm very excited about this as Whale Song has been out of print the past 2 years and it's my most popular novel to date. In the new year, I'll be working on a new thriller, Submerged. I've already started it and I can't wait until it's my sole focus. 2011 promises to be a great year; I'll have more news for you then.

What else would you like readers to know about Lancelot’s Lady, or any of your other books?

Whale Song recently received this review from Eclipse actress Jodelle Ferland, who plays Bree Tanner in the movie. "I read Whale Song and loved it." Though Whale Song has had a lot of film interest, negotiations with one film producer have not yet resulted in a deal and I am pursuing other film producers and opportunities.

Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories is a collection of my favourite short stories. I've been working on this collection for many years, and I have to say, I'm very pleased. And I absolutely love the cover!

Though some may wonder if it's a historical romance because of the title, Lancelot's Lady is a contemporary romantic suspense, set in modern times and beautiful, hot locations. There is a subtle reference to Lancelot from Arthurian times and I think you'll enjoy the connection.

Lancelot's Lady ~ A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

Lancelot's Lady is available in ebook edition at KoboBooks, Amazon's Kindle Store, Smashwords and other ebook retailers. Help me celebrate by picking up a copy today and "Cherish the romance..."

You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com and http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com. Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes.

What do you think makes a good romance novel?

Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. Plus you'll be entered to win a Kobo ereader. Winners will be announced after October 10th.

I have had these characters living in my brain for so long, I almost feel like I’m cheating on them to be planning my next novel. And to be planning a novel other than Sacrifice or Survival is completely daunting. It’s funny how the safety of familiarity keeps us from expanding our horizons.

The challenge of not falling back into recognizable narrative that was commonplace in The Last Forever will be exciting as well. I get to plunge into a completely new world, with new characters, new settings and totally new tone.

I am thoroughly stoked. And still pretty scared.

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at www.kellykomm.com to keep pace with me as I finish The Last Forever and begin my new novel.

It's at Indigo South Edmonton Common from 1-4.

Come say hi, maybe pick up a copy of Sacrifice and wish me luck on editing Survival!

Hope to see you there!

I can't believe it's been that long since I updated the news page! Unfortunately, it was due to medical reasons that I haven't. I had a very difficult pregnancy with my daughter and was even using a cane it the last months.

Despite a hard few months and a nightmarish delivery, we were blessed with a beautiful little girl we named Ella Fae Karryl Komm.

And despite now being a busy mom of two, I've nearly completed Survival and am beginning editing!! Hooray!!

Also, I've got a signing coming up in a couple of weeks: Saturday, June 13th from 1-4 pm at Indigo in South Edmonton Common. Come say hi!!