Interview Kay Layton Sisk

by

Sherry Derr-Wille

1) When reading for pleasure what is your favorite genre?

I love the genre Regencies. Alas, both Zebra and Signet are shutting their lines, so I'll have to rely on used books.

2) After checking your books on Wings, I see you have written the older heroine on occasion. How old is the heroine in Phillipa’s Fiddler?

Phillipa is in her early 30s. I've written older heroines, but rarely younger.

3) What are the characteristics you like the most about your heroine?

She's resilient and loyal. Life has thrown her some curves, but she's knuckled under and fought back. She's willing to put in the hours and practice to be the best cellist her talent will allow.

4) Is your hero tall, dark and handsome or is he like someone you would really meet?

I'd like to think he's a "real" person. Sure, he's physically attractive, but that's secondary to his personality and musical talent. No matter that his family always thought he could have done better with himself than play bass in a rock band, he visits them and tries to help them financially, something they won't allow. There's a lot of pride going on in this book.

5) I know you have written many books for Wings. Which is your most favorite and why? (Don’t you just hate that question?)

Tough question because I really have two favorites, One Year Past Perfect and Lyla's Song. If I have to choose... Lyla. The hero, Eddie T, is so in need of redemption and when he sees someone worth redeeming himself for, he finds the inner courage to be something for her. And of course becomes the man he's always needed to be. Then, through the next five books (Phillipa is the fourth), we get to see if he can maintain his redemption.

6) Can you tell us a bit about the location of this story?

Although I like to set my books in Texas where I am, I put this one in Portland ME. We had visited our son shortly before this and it just seemed to be the ideal spot to find a fiddler.

7) If you could be stranded on a desert island with one of your heroes, which one would you pick and why?

Either Tib Wilson of Sara's Soul or Bo Bailey of Anya's Dream (Aug 06 release). They're both raised to be self-reliant and if there was anything to trap or catch for dinner, they could do it.

8.) When you write do you like solitude or do you have music going in the background?

Solitude. Much as I love music and write about musicians, I find it distracting when I write.

9) Do you work on more than one story at once?

Alas, I am not a story multi-tasker. I can write one and edit one, but not write two at once.

10.) This one is just for fun. What is your favorite thing to order when you go out for the evening?

Something I have trouble cooking myself. Good Mexican food or anything fried.