Autumn in the Vineyard greetings

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons in wine country and I couldn't resist sharing this scoop with you!

Marina Adair is another author who writes romance set in wine country. She's a doll, one of my favorite authors, and a friend who's been very supportive of my writing career.

Marina sold her book, Autumn in the Vineyard to the Hallmark Channel and the movie airs tomorrow night, Saturday October 7!

The story is set in St. Helena just a few miles from where I'm writing this blog. I think you'll a kick out of watching it.

Here's the youtube preview: [Autumn in the Vineyard ]

I loved her book and can't wait to see how they make it into a movie!

Here are a few of my Autumn in the vineyards photos:
 

Peek-a-boo

Look at the colors!

The sky is cobalt blue this time of year!

I love reading romance set in wine country so much, I wrote my own story. It's called Just a Kiss. It's set in Sonoma and Napa and many scenes take place in the fall. Read the blurb on Amazon here. 

Let me know what you're reading or watching. I love hearing from readers. Happy fall y'all!

Until next time, Kate

Here's where to find me: 

www.katekisset.com

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Author's Dear John Letter to a Boring Character

 

THE NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT INNOCENT CHARACTERS I HAVEN'T CREATED YET.

Dear John,

    I really didn't think it would come to this. Quite frankly I'm surprised. Over countless hours together, and thousands of words, I've given you more than enough time to resolve your issues and yet, you continue to disappoint me. 

You've had a tough time recently. I realize you are still grieving over the loss of your parents.  I agree, the horrific head-on collision they were in on Route 29 in Napa, wasn't fair, and I know you are traumatized because I wrote you to be that way.  But, here's the deal John, you're boring. YOU, my friend, are the lead in every scene I want to skip over. 

Now, I know,  you're going to say that this is all my fault and on some level, I agree with you. However, I've worked with many characters before, and none of them have led me to the dead ends you have John. 

Usually, after five thousand new words, and a little more development,  they get back on track, but not you.
 
I'm very well aware of how much you were looking forward to a relationship with Jane. You were planning on that feisty, gorgeous creature to finally heal your heart. It's not going to happen.
John, I'm sorry to say Jane doesn't want you and neither do I. 

I've already packed your suitcase. If you hurry, you can catch the afternoon flight from San Francisco to New York.
Please know, I'll save some of your words. There might still be a happy ending for you yet, with someone else.  

Warm regards,
               Kate 

If you are looking for non-boring characters who find love in 

 California wine country :-) or want to find out more about me,  please visit my website:  www.katekisset.com

 Just a Kiss Book #1 Single Girls Wine Club is available here.

A Walk in the Vineyards~ Love Story Inspiration

A Walk in the Vineyards~ Love Story Inspiration

I can't believe it's already fall. I have a batch of photos from summer I still haven't shared with you.  So, before the rains come, I'll call this blog a re-cap and share some of the photos that inspired me over the summer. :-)

Because I spend so much time sitting at the computer writing, I do my best to get off my buns and walk everyday. It's not a surprise that the more I walk, the more inspired I become. 

Although I don't have a professional camera, I thought you'd enjoy a collage of some of the photos I've taken on my walks in Sonoma and Napa Valley. I have thousands of photos like these stored on my phone. Might as well share them...:-)

Most of the photos were taken in downtown Sonoma, near the Sonoma Plaza.  My book series, The Single Girls Wine Club, takes place here and all of the photos help give life to the scenes I'm often "writing" in my head as I walk. 

* Top left: Sunflowers at St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in Kenwood.

*Top middle: Poppies and wildflowers on E. Spain Street in Sonoma.

*Top right: Roses near the Napa Waterfront.

*Middle left and right: More wine country wildflowers growing along the bike path running through Sonoma.

*Middle-midde: That's me waving behind my roses. They're a very basic climbing rose I planted several years ago. I don't remember the variety, but they took off three years after I planted them.  
 
 *Bottom right is a grapevine we have growing in our back yard.  I love how expressive they are! 

*Bottom middle is actually a wall in a boutique on Hayes Street in San Francisco.  I think they call them "air" plants. They're growing in the wall! Couldn't resist the heart shape design.

*Bottom left (my favorite) is wild grapevine that obviously fell in love with a rose. 

I have exciting news to share with you soon. I'm releasing my first holiday novella. I'm crazy about Christmas and have had this story in mind for a long time.  I hope you like it.
 

The second book in The Single Girls Wine Club Series will be out early 2017. The title is Napa Crush, (Danica's story).  Just a Kiss, the first book in the series is available here.  

 

Visit my website: www.katekisset.com

I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time,

-Kate

Mother's Day Giggles

I usually don't post links, but... I thought you'd get a kick out of these stories from author-moms on Buzzfeed. 

(One of my stories is included!) 

Take a peek: https://www.buzzfeed.com/mcsumb/15-stories-about-children-that-will-make-you-...

 Do you have a favorite story or memory of your child?

As much as I love writing, being a mommy is my favorite "job" in the world!

You Can't Touch This!

The trials and tribulations of a blabbermouth disc jockey turned romance author part #563

I didn't uncheck one of those seemingly insignificant buttons on Amazon, and Just a Kiss (my book) rolled over into another ninety-day exclusive Kindle Unlimited contract. Now, don't get me wrong, as a brand new author, with only one book on my digital shelf, Amazon has been very good to me.  The Kindle Unlimited program has put my novel in front of many romance readers who may not have found it otherwise. The problem is me.

Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful

When it came time to write the acknowledgement section of my novel, Just a Kiss, I thanked Luciana Parmigiana, my dog.  I know what you're thinking.  Yes, I realize that Lucy can't read (not that I know of). I understand that she is "just a dog." But here's where it gets a little complicated.

I'm not sure I would've written the book without her by my side.  

Just a Kiss is the first "official" book I've written.  It took far longer, (I cut 30,000 words from the first draft), and required more discipline than I expected to complete the novel. 

Being alone, in front of a computer for months can get tedious and that's where Lucy saved the day. 
  

 
She stayed by my side, at all times and soon, Just a Kiss, became "our" project.  I'd read sections of the story to her daily. She seemed to bask in the words.

What would I have done without Lucy, my "surprise" baby and my first "small" dog?  Would I have shelved the story before finishing? 
Would I have given into all those tempting invitations and gone back to my "other" life, the one that doesn't require parking my butt at a desk all day?

I'm not complaining about any of the work, I'm just giving credit where it's due.

So, thank you, Lucy love.  I couldn't have done it without you.

Until next time,
0x-Kate 

To learn more about my wine country life, visit
 www.katekisset.com. 
Follow me on Twitter @therealwinewife 

Buy Just a Kiss on Amazon.

Top Five "Real" Wine Country Secrets in Napa Valley and Sonoma from the romance novel, Just a Kiss

#5: Free public art.  Just pull over (carefully) and stop the car. How many times did I drive past this huge sculpture in Napa and not stop for a picture?

Except for what happens in private homes, behind closed doors, between people who would never, ever, invite me to a party again, if I told you what really goes down, there are no "real" secrets in Wine Country.

Most of what I used in Just a Kiss and the novel I'm working on now, Napa Crush, came from paying close attention to my surroundings.

I'll bet there are a few wonderful areas in your hometown that you take for granted and don't visit often enough.  Heck, there are probably a few people who would like to see more of you.

So, with that teeny disclaimer out of the way, let me share some hidden gems that are not really secrets at all...

#4 Ravenswood Vineyard Hike

This adorable, little plaque is partially hidden under ivy around the entrance of Ravenswood Vineyards in Sonoma Valley.  There is a pretty hike next to the winery. Park in the lot marked for Ravenswood visitors and continue foot on the same paved road. There's lots of shade, but also direct sun for much of the route. 

Hike with a companion, wear a hat and go when the temperature is cool. Early morning or later in the day is your best bet. (If you venture off of the paved road and onto the surrounding vineyard paths, do so with a guide. The trails can be confusing.)

It's an easy stroll along the primarily flat terrain.  When you get tired, turn around and head back to your car, but stop in the winery first for a celebratory glass of wine.

#3: Find a firepit for night sipping. Temperatures can drop at night.

 
In my Single Girls Wine Club series, the women get together for regular “Chill Hours.” In the summer, they meet around the villa’s pool to drink wine and talk about their day.

In the winter, they gather around a fire pit that looks a lot like this.

Temperatures in Napa Valley and Sonoma can vary wildly from day to evening.  Pack a sweater or a jacket.  Seek out a restaurant with a fire pit a night time.

If you're a big planner, schedule your trip around a full moon! (Hey, Jack London didn't call Sonoma, "The Valley of the Moon," for nothing...)  Unrelated: My friend Cindy has the prettiest feet and the best shoes…

#2: Free music at the wineries and more art! Is it a coincidence that one of my characters is a San Francisco disc jockey?  No, I think not...:-)

Although this is a photo of the Markham Vineyards gallery, it's a reminder to check the music calendar around wine country before you head out for the day.

There are exceptional concerts in the vineyards throughout the summer months, but there are also small bands playing at many wineries on the weekends for free. If you're going wine tasting, why not pick a place where they have a band so you can sip in time.

(Shameless Plug: I used to be a disc jockey on the radio in San Francisco. Juliet St. John one of the Single Girls Wine Club characters is a San Francisco disc jockey. Juliet will star in book #3 of the series.)

#1 Sonoma Plaza. Downtown Sonoma. Check out the Tuesday night farmers market

In Just a Kiss, the main character Sarah Dupont moves from San Francisco to Sonoma Valley.  She opens a cafe on the Sonoma Plaza and trains actor Jamie Santino how to bake for an upcoming movie role.  This is where the "fun" begins in the story.  

In "real" life, there is usually something happening on The Plaza. In the summer, Tuesday night farmers markets often feature a band.  You'll find restaurants and shops across the street, surrounding the plaza, and a "Wine Alley" featuring tastes from a variety of local wineries conveniently located in one place.

To learn more about me, visit my website here.

To buy my Wine Country Romance novel Just a Kiss, go to Amazon here.

If you're planning a visit to Sonoma Valley, check out The Sonoma Visitors Bureau calendar here.

Until next time,

0x-Kate