Author L.K. Campbell Discusses her Book, A Different Tune

L.K. Campbell is a kind woman with an amazing talent for writing. During my interview with her, I was intrigued to find out more about her. Campbell has published four novels, including her latest novel, A Different Tune. Her writing will pull you into a whole new world of romance, heartbreak, and the troubled times of war.

What is your latest book about?

A Different Tune is set during the summer of 1945, when former paratrooper Scott Riley returns home from war. He has one aim-to meet the girl of his dreams. Cassie Wright, a talented pianist, has been his pen pal, as well as his light at the end of the tunnel through most of his war experience. Scott goes to her hometown on the Gulf Coast of Florida with marriage on his mind; only to find that she has other plans for her future. Cassie has been accepted to a prestigious music conservatory in Jacksonville.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since I was a child. I would make up stories about our family dogs. I became serious about writing when I took my first creative writing class in Junior High School. I had a wonderful teacher, Debbie Swain, who brought out the potential in all of her students.

What made you want to write A Different Tune?

I wrote this book as a tribute to my parents' generation; the World War II Era. There aren't many books of that genre being published, and it encouraged me to fill that void.

Do you currently have anything new in the works?

I am, however, it is not the same genre as A Different Tune or my other books. It is a contemporary romantic suspense. I really haven't been inspired to write another World War 2-era romance and the genre hasn't hit mainstream yet. I love romantic comedy so I can see myself going in that direction for future books.

Who are some of your major influences?

First, my parents who gave me a great love for reading very early in my life. I had terrific teachers, too many to name. I was also influenced by great women writers of the 20th century such as, Taylor Caldwell, Belva Plain, and Victoria Holt.

What is it about these 20th century women writers that influence you?

Holt, for instance, wrote gothic romances in the late 1970s, and I think that is why I was first drawn to the romance genre. Belva Plain wrote wonderful family sagas like Homecoming. Both of these authors had the ability to create believable and memorable characters. That influenced me to put the same emphasis into my writing. I want to create characters that readers remember long after the have read "The End".

Self-published is a lot of hard work, especially getting your name and book known to the world. How did you overcome this obstacle?

Belief in myself and my writing. There is a wonderful writer's group, Romance Divas, which I am a member of. It encourages me to continue my work and have faith that in time, I will overcome it all. It isn't easy, but in the end it is well worth it.

Have you ever wanted to "give up" and not complete a piece?

Every writer gets to that point with every piece they write. Some walk away from it for a time, and then come back to it. I hate to leave things unfinished, so I usually complete everything that I start. Even if I don't submit it, I still complete it. I learn with every story that I write.

What is your advice to aspiring authors and those who are just starting out?

Be prepared for disappointment and rejection. Believe in yourself, and no matter what anyone tells you, keep writing and submitting. If you are turned down by a publisher, that is OK, move on to the next. See what you can do differently with your work and learn from your mistakes. It is an ongoing learning process. It will take time and plenty of effort. All of the hard work you put into it will pay off in the end.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

For the people who have read my books, I'd like to say thank you-especially to those of you who have taken the time to give me great feedback. For the reviewers, thank you for being so kind to me. And for those of you who have not read my books, you can download free two-chapter previews of each one of them from my website. Give them a try, you may find a new favorite.

Even if I don't write another World War II-era historical, I would love to see this genre become popular. We are losing that generation at the rate of about 2,000 per day. I don't want them to be forgotten.

For more information on L.K. Campbell and her other novels, visit http://lk.lkcampbell.com/