Writerspace: Please tell us more about yourself.

Kimberly: I was born and raised in Mariposa, CA. I wrote my first book when I was 15 (and then quickly threw it away once I realized just how it bad it really was) and proceeded to focus on my dream of becoming an actress. Fast forward to college, where I met my husband-to-be in a film class. I meandered through a playwriting class and journalism courses and then before I knew it, I was married with two children. When my second son was 1-years-old, I finished my second novel, a young adult tale with strong romantic overtones. Fast forward again, I became a reporter to pay the bills when my creative writing was still floundering in Amateur-ville and wrote two more novels, this time each were romances targeting Harlequin. I was rejected three times. The fourth time was the charm. Today, I have three children, two boys and a girl. I'm still married to my college sweetie and I'm still working as a reporter in a small weekly newspaper (can't quit the day job just yet!).

Writerspace: Could you share a little about your journey to becoming a published author? Do you remember the day you got the Call? What were you doing and how did you feel once you found out?

Kimberly: I can't remember a time when I wasn't writing. I've always been a writer, even before I knew it. I used to write elaborate histories for each of my dolls and stuffed animals; I used to pen very bad poetry; and I used to dream of publishing a book someday.  Oh boy! Of course, I remember The Call! It's still etched on my brain and will remain so until I die. It was the most fabulous day of my life (aside from the birth of my children, of course). It was early in the morning in March and I was just heading to a staff meeting. I was holding my 6-month-old daughter (my office is pretty kid-friendly on certain days) when my cell phone rang. I didn't recognize the number so I was about to let it go to voice mail but at the last minute decided to answer. It was Johanna Raisanen from Harlequin Superromance and she wanted to buy my book! I screamed, almost dropped my daughter (thank goodness, a coworker swooped in to save the day) and started crying. It was the most amazing moment. The rest is a bit of a blur as I was too dazed to actually remember what words were being said. Thankfully, Johanna agreed to call back later in the day when my feet were back on the ground. It was really surreal, actually. I couldn't actually believe that I had sold my book. It was such an unreal feeling, one I'd dreamt about forever but I'd gotten to the point where I wasn't sure I was ever going to sell. In fact, two nights before I got the call, I had written in my journal that I was absolutely positive that another rejection was coming my way. Thankfully, I was wrong.

Writerspace: What is the premise of your debut release, THE TRUTH ABOUT FAMILY, from Harlequin Superromance?

Kimberly: My first book is about a woman who is forced to return home after running away when she was 18. A car accident claims the aunt who raised her and her father (whom she hates) is in critical condition. When she returns home to make arrangements for the funeral, she meets the police detective investigating the accident. He reveals that someone may have deliberately caused the wreck. As the investigation continues, she learns there is much about her own family that she never knew. Ultimately, it's a love story but it's no easy journey to get there for the two characters. I think it's more true to life. Nothing worth having comes easy, as they say. So, by the end, I think the readers will really root for the main characters.

Writerspace: How did you come up with the idea for THE TRUTH ABOUT FAMILY?

Kimberly: Hmm...well, as with most of my ideas I start with the heroine. I see her first. Then I just figure out her backstory. Once I know who she is, the rest just falls together. With this novel, I pictured a woman who is broken and shattered on the inside but polished and professional on the outside. This contradiction drew me.

Writerspace: Do you have a writing routine?

Kimberly: I wish I had a routine but since I still work a full-time job, I grab my writing time whenever I can. Sometimes I write on my lunch hour, early morning, or late at night.

Writerspace: Would you call yourself a plotter or a pantser?

Kimberly: Oh, most definitely a pantser. I cringe when I have to write a synopsis but I've found, even as I hate them, a certain amount of plotting is actually quite useful.

Writerspace: What are your thoughts on critique groups and/or writing partners? Do you have a critique partner?

Kimberly: I think critique groups are great. I've had nothing but good experiences with my own. My critique partner is my youngest sister. She's honest and I respect her opinion.

Writerspace: What satisfies you about writing category romance?

Kimberly: I love that you can get a great, satisfying story without investing too much of your time. They are fantastic quick reads that you can take with you in the car, ready to read the moment you have idle time (doctor's office, school yard, etc) and honestly, some of the best writing is found in shorter formats.

Writerspace: What can readers look forward to from you in the coming months?

Kimberly: My second book comes out in July 2007, it's part of a trilogy featuring three sisters and it's also being released by Harlequin Superromance.

Writerspace: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Kimberly: I love to read! Snuggling up with a great book and a hot cup of tea is my favorite way to spend an idle day. With three kids, days like that are few and far between so I also like to take the kids to a movie or go out to dinner with my husband. I also dabble in photography and enjoy taking the camera out to catch some shots.

Writerspace: How may readers contact you?

Kimberly: Readers may contact me via email, author@kimberlyvanmeter.com or through snail mail, Kimberly Van Meter, PO Box 2210, Oakdale, CA 95361