Kate Flora: I’m excited to have a story in this collection. Here’s the cover and an interview the editor did. Actually, she gave a list of about 30 questions, said answer five, and I, in a hurry, missed that and answered all of them. Not all the answers are below.

The Big Book of Romance anthology is getting ready to launch! Thirteen established romance authors show us a tantalising glimpse into their book worlds with some compelling and enchanting short stories.

Today we interview one of those authors of contemporary romance – Kate Flora. Her story in the anthology is a lovely tale of a second chance at love.

Who are your favorite fictional couple and why?
Lord Peter Whimsey and Harriet Vane. Why? Because she’s such a strong, clever woman and he respects that.

What’s the craziest thing you have googled in the name of research?
Too many to list. In my most recently published book, Those Who Choose Evil, I was looking for a rare plant that might be a clue to where some captive children were being held.

What authors influenced your writing?
For my first book, Chosen for Death, I gave my protagonist, Thea Kozak, “literary godparents.” They were Sara Paretsky and Dick Francis. Earlier influences were the iconic romantic suspense writers Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, and Mary Stewart.

If you could go anywhere for your next holiday, where would it be and why?
I fantasize about taking a trip on the Royal Scotsman. The train looks so amazing. But I will never be able to afford it.

What is the next project?
Next project, once I finish the series mystery I’m writing currently, is a romance involving a widowed librarian and the wandering neighborhood cat who connects people. She is Emily and he is Mister Rogers. So Emily and Mister Rogers. I can’t wait to see what happens.

Do you belong to any groups that you find helpful?
I am a former international president of Sisters in Crime, the mystery writing organization founded to give greater visibility to women’s work. So I’m a great advocate for Sisters in Crime. I also belong to Mystery Writers of America, also a great organization. I run a blog called Maine Crime Writers, so I have my blogmates to turn to when I need advice or a beta reader.

What’s the scariest thing you have ever done, and did it end up in a story?
Two possible candidates. First, in order to make a character’s arrest feel authentic, I asked my local chief to arrest me. It was only when I was sitting in a cell that I realized I hadn’t asked him what happened next. It absolutely is in a domestic thriller called Teach Her a Lesson, the story of a young, dedicated teacher who becomes the obsession of a disturbed teen. He says they had an affair. They didn’t, but no one will believe her.
The other? Working on a true crime set up in New Brunswick, Canada, I had to drive a four-wheeler deep into the forest to visit the spot where the victim’s body was found.
Thanks Kate! Check out more of Kate’s writing
www.kateclarkflora.com