Interview with Cover Model, Padme Kane by Kimmie Easley

I have recently had the great fortune of working with a new cover model. Padme Kane is the gorgeous beauty on the cover of Tasting Texas.

The first time I saw this pic, I knew without a doubt she was the face of Beth, a stunning natural beauty. What I didn't expect was that Padme is a master at changing up her look and is also the face of Hope from Tasting New York! Check out the cover for the second novella in The Tasting Series.

Maybe you can see why I'm beyond excited to have the opportunity to interview the super talented model and friend. So let's get started!

KE: First, tell us a little about yourself.....

PK: I am an Aquarius, Scorpio rising, Capricorn moon! I am a model, wanna-be writer, and an upcoming full-time cosmetology and business student.  I’m a strange person in general, loyal friend, and a lover of laughter! 

KE: What are your goals as a model? How do you see yourself progress in the field?  

PK: My goal as a model is to simply have fun.  I hope to grace many covers of many books and hopefully other media as well, but my main objective is to always take good, creative photos that people enjoy looking at and that represent their work well. 

KE: Ok, let's face it, you're hot. What do you do to stay in shape? What does being fit look like for you?  

PK: You are awesome, thank you!  I participate in martial arts and I practice yoga.  I really enjoy making traditionally unhealthy dishes healthy.  You don’t have to sacrifice flavor when eating healthy.  Something else that may sound like more like an annoyance but I have made it a habit, is that I park at the very back of every parking lot I visit.  Raining or not.  I enjoy the extra exercise and more people need to learn to breathe and walk in the rain.  Being fit?  Being fit looks like you are healthy and comfortable with your body. 

KE: What are your likes and dislikes? Yes, sounds a little Hustler/Playboy, but I love this question!  

PK: Hmmm.  I am such an opinionated person so I don’t know where to begin.  I like food, music to an insane extreme, dancing, good people, and anything where I can move my body ;-)  Dislikes?  Inconsiderate drivers, Spam (the “food”), insincerity, disloyalty.

KE: We know that you take a hot photo and have made your debut on the cover of an erotic romance novella. What are your limitations? Where would you draw the line? 

PK: A FANTASTIC novella that I cannot wait to finish reading, btw!  J  I am very comfortable with my body and consider modeling artistic, to a certain extent.  My limitations are unknown at this point.  I think, I will know when I reach them.  If something makes me uncomfortable or it doesn’t feel right to me, then I will know. 

KE: Oh! Oh! Oh! That's MY little novella, Tasting Texas. Still on cloud nine! Ok, moving on. Do you do your own hair and make-up? What would be your number one beauty tip? 

PK: I have a fantastic hair stylist, Rachel Lily Campbell, but I style my own hair and do my make-up for my shoots.  It is a creative outlet for me to create certain looks that go with each outfit or theme.  It is truly enjoyable for me.  My number one beauty tip would be to keep those cheeks rosy.  If I only could wear one piece of make-up, it would be blush.  A light rosy glow keeps you looking radiant. 

KE: What are your other aspirations?  

PK: To put the inner workings of my devious mind on paper and hope people enjoy them.  To become a writer and photographer as well as a model.  I would love to do hair, make-up, and wardrobe for a model and then take their pictures.  I aspire to travel one day and find beauty everywhere.  Perhaps to create my own personal Zen.  J

KE: Who do you look to for inspiration?  

PK: Hmmm.  I don’t really look up to anybody, as odd as that may sound.  I do get inspired from time to time, by friends, political figures, children, and by music.  Sometimes, just having somebody believe in you, can inspire you.  I hope I have inspired others as well. 

KE: Let's play.... If you could grace the cover of one famous author who would it be?  

PK: Oh, Kimmie!  This is tough.  I can’t choose one!  Poe, Ray Bradbury, Anne Rice, Vladimir Nobokov. 

KE: Where can we find more about you and check out your portfolio? 

PK: I am in the process of building my website (keep an eye out) and am also preparing for a scheduled shoot to build my portfolio. 

You can find more of me and my photos on Facebook here ---> Padme on FB and on Twitter here --->  Padme on Twitter 

KE: Who would play you in a movie bio pic about your rise to stardom (yeah, we're assuming that happens)? 

PK: Hmmm, Liv Tyler-Empire Records era

KE: Padme, thank you so much for spending time with me and answering my quirky questions. Any parting words? 

PK: Thank you for having me!  I truly enjoy chatting with you.  Stay true to yourself people and remember your worth.  Never slouch.  Walk with a purpose.  J

I truly enjoyed my chat with Padme and am excited about our upcoming projects. There are a lot of great things in store for us both! Keep up with us for the latest! 

Kimmie on Facebook

Kimmie on Twitter

Kimmie's Website: Kimmie Easley

Kimmie on Goodreads

Kimmie on Amazon

Tasting Texas by Kimmie Easley

Y’all! Tasting Texas is now LIVE! 

I am beyond excited about this steamy little novella, the first in the series. It’s always fun to write about Texas. The state (my state) is full of history, tradition, and culture.

One of my favorite places to visit is the Fort Worth Stockyards. My family and I never grow tired of the authentic Texas vibe. There’s something for everyone, and the fact that you can purchase salt water taffy by the pound is just icing on the cake, or the hips….

My family never grows tired of the rodeo, museum, and train rides. The food is to die for, and there’s always some form of entertainment to keep you on your toes.

While researching for Tasting Texas I also came across The Ashton Hotel. I’ve driven by the building more than once, but was became intrigued as I dug further into the history of the hotel. The two buildings that make up The Ashton Hotel are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed and built using a unique Italianate style, with wrought-iron balconies, decorative brick patterning, and cast stone. Even today, it remains the only building of this style in Fort Worth.

              

It is now on my bucket list to stay in the Presidential Suite and to eat at the Six 10 Grille!

Another little piece of Texas that I used in my novella was Plum Lake. I’ve had the pleasure of attending a girls’ writing weekend at Plum Lake, nestled right outside of Canton, TX. It’s a rustic style cabin with all of the essentials (other than internet, which proved to be a positive), and even a HOT TUB! My girlfriends and I enjoyed late night chatter by the fireplace with a bottle of wine and yummy snacks.

You can’t throw a rock in Texas without hitting something to do or see. It’s a great place to visit, and an even greater place to live!

If you like short, steamy reads please check out Tasting Texas. It’s the first in The Tasting Series with Tasting New York nipping at its heels!

Tasting Texas on Goodreads: Tasting Texas

Author Interview: Gemma Dufranse

Author Interview with Gemma Dufranse

K: I am thrilled to interview self-published erotic romance author, Gemma Dufranse. Welcome, Gemma!

G: Thanks for having me, Kimmie. You’re my very first interview! And what better place than Smart Girls Read Romance!

K: Sweet! A newbie! Let’s jump right in, good with you?

G: That’s how I like to work. Let’s do it!

K: Yes, so I’ve heard *grins*! It’s kind of a cliché, but what inspired you to write your first book?

G: I’ve always wanted to write. Storytelling is my passion, but it wasn’t until last year that I decided to buckle down and get out my first novella: Tinsel, Tidings, and Temptations. I think being surrounded by fellow writers giving it their all inspired me to jump in with both feet.

K: It’s funny how we thrive on the motivation of others. Do you have a specific writing style?

G: I write steamy stories. I like to be uninhibited and write whatever flows. I don’t like to let others hinder my writing style by what they might think.

K: Do you think that’s rare in authors today?

G: Unfortunately, I think it weighs on authors greatly what others might think, whether it’s their friends, family, or readers. I know it weighs on me. When I say I don’t like to let it hinder me, doesn’t mean I’m immune. I just struggle to write through the scrutiny.

K: Agreed, on all accounts. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

G: Authenticity. I’ve read some erotica where I sit back and go, there’s no way that would really happen! I never want that to happen to me as an author. Some things might be hard to believe, but not impossible.

K: I’ve read a few of those also, and not just in the erotic genre. That’s a challenge we should all be facing in our writing. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

G: Spellcheck is flawed.

K: *snort* Short and to the point! What book are you reading now?

G: I’m reading My Confession by DeLaine Roberts. I am so in love with the passion she has for her characters. My Confession on Amazon

K: You and DeLaine have another connection as well, right?

G: Yes, she’s also my cover designer. I can’t say enough positive things about working with her on Tinsel, Tidings, and Temptations. And the feedback I’ve gotten on the cover is priceless.

K: It is most definitely a hot cover. What are your current projects?

G: Oh, there’s so much going on! This year is going to be a big one. I’m looking to release a few novellas this year in various box sets with some amazing ladies; Abbie St Claire, Geri Foster, Vatonia Boone, DeLaine Roberts, and of course, yourself. The particular project we’ll be working on together is going to be ground breaking. 

*Links to the above authors*

DeLaine Roberts       

Abbie St Claire           

Geri Foster

Vatonia Boone

Kimmie Easley

K: Yes, I’ve never been a part of anything like it and it’s going to be good! That brings me to another question. Have you ever hated something you wrote?

G: Pretty much everything up until last year.

K: I guess we won’t be seeing any of your early stuff. Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

G: The people I surround myself with in the writing world. There are many talented men and women out there looking to give back to new authors like myself. Some I may never even meet in person, social media is very instrumental in the literary world. I’ve been very fortunate to make some amazing lifelong friends.

K: I’ve experienced the same thing. It’s a whole new world! Do you have any advice for other writers?

G: Go for it! Don’t wait. Don’t let others hold you back. Don’t write to the market. Don’t lose yourself.

K: Words to live by. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

G: I can’t thank you enough. Every kind word, every constructive criticism, every review, there aren’t enough words to say how much you are appreciated. Read on, loves! Xoxo

K: Thank you so much for joining us, Gemma. It’s been a real honor, and we’re looking forward to great stuff in 2014.

G: Thank you for having me. I’m a little awestruck! I’ll never forget my first interview!

Buy Tinsel, Tidings, and Temptations: on Amazon on Barnes and Noble

Gemma Dufranse: on Twitter

Gemma Dufranse: on Facebook

Gemma Dufranse: on Goodreads

Author Bio: Erotica writer, completing my 'Tramps' series. My novella Tinsel, Tidings, and Temptations is available in Kindle and Nook! I also like the color red. Louisiana