Everyone is afraid of something. That’s what my dad used to tell me. When I’d ask him what he was afraid of his response was “pillows”. My father has always has been a jokester. At the time I’d laugh, but now I realize his fear had been telling me what he was really afraid of. Maybe he didn’t want to frighten me. Or maybe he was afraid I’d see him as weak. I don’t know, but his words have always stuck with me and they were the inspiration for the setting of my debut book, Love by Number.A little backstory first…
I’m terrified of flying. I know the statistics show that it’s actually safer to fly than it is to drive a car. In my defense, I never said my fear was rational. I’ve never stepped foot on an airplane and if I have my way, I never will.
It’s been a dream of mine to go to Hawaii. There are a several problems with this though. Problem number one: I live in upstate NY. Nowhere near Hawaii—which means I’d have to fly there. Problem number two: I’m terrified of flying. Solution: drive as far as I can and then take a boat. Problem number three: my husband’s fear of big boats is more irrational than my fear of flying.
I don’t think I’m ever going to make it to Hawaii.
This is why I decided if I can’t get there in person, I’ll get there in my mind. Love by Number takes place on a fictitious private island resort in Hawaii—The Aurora Island Resort. The resort is contained on a small island just off the mainland. I’ve created an entire, self-sufficient world that I can visit anytime I want—without having to get on a plane! What could be better than that?
Love by Number is the first in The Aurora Island Resort series. Here’s a little teaser:
He was tall, well over six feet, with brown, wavy hair that just barely grazed his broad shoulders, and he had naturally tanned skin. Black pin-striped Dolce and Gabbana slacks hugged his hips. A black silk tie hung down the front of his white button-up shirt that was pulled taut across his muscular chest. There was no denying the stir I felt south of my waist. He was a gorgeous man—a man who belonged in a place like this. And I knew that there was no way he could be the new accountant. Accountants didn’t look like that. Accountants were weak looking, geeky, and wore glasses. Didn’t they?
Deep brown eyes stared at me intently as a self-assured smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth. I hated smirking men. But what I hated even more was that he looked damn sexy doing it. Confidence, arrogance, and the hint of being a smooth operator oozed from his pores. He reminded me too much of Mark. I disliked him immediately.
“Are you Ashleigh Malone?” he asked.
I cleared my throat. “Yes, and you are?”
“Ryan Blake,” he said, stepping farther into my office.
I stood, and an involuntary grimace contorted my face as I shook his hand. An accountant with rough, calloused hands? I couldn’t help but wonder what he did in his free time to make his hands so rough.
What’s your biggest fear? Has it inspired you to do anything crazy?
To read more or to purchase Love by Number, follow this link: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/lovebynumber.htm
You can learn more about Kara and what she’s working on, visit her website at: http://www.karaleighmiller.com/. You can also follow her on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/KaraLeighMiller.
Hi Kara, a very nice blog! I had to laugh at your dad’s quip that he was afraid of pillows. I have to admit I can understand your husband’s fear of boats, because I’m afraid of water. Not to wash in, lol, but any kind of deep water. I can’t swim so going to the beach or the ocean holds no thrill for me. I don’t even like swimming pools! If I ever took a boat trip, I’d be clutching a life preserver the whole time!
Hi, Nona! Thanks for stopping by =) To this day my dad is a jokester–which is one of the reason I love him so much.
My husband and I have this same argument over and over again. I tell him that if a plane goes down we’re screwed. That’s it. Say goodbye. But if a boat sinks we have a fighting chance. His response: “Titanic. Enough said.”
Great interview! I admire your honesty and your fresh style. I know all about not wanting to fly. I’m not fond of cruise ships either, I probably won’t see Hawaii either.
Thanks, Pam! Well, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of my book and “visit” Hawaii that way =)