BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Shatterproof

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author K.K. Weil to talk about Shatterproof (28 October 2015, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, 254pages), a New Adult Contemporary Romance.

Due to the sensational talent of author K.K. Weil, you can actually feel the pain he endures as he struggles to face and overcome his fears and demons. The depth of the emotion conveyed within this book is mind-boggling. My heartstrings received quite a workout. A Rewarding Read! - Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review

The story felt raw and real. I would highly suggest Shatterproof to readers looking for an intense NA contemporary romance with real life issues. - A Novel Glimpse

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A huge welcome to K.K. Weil; thank you for joining us today.

"Thanks so much for having me today!"

As we love music, K.K. Weil has shared with us her music playlist for Shatterproof - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for Shatterproof?

"Griffin was a character in my first book, At This Stage. I never intended for him to take on the life that he did in that book, but the more I wrote about him, the more I fell in love with him. I decided then that I’d give him his own story and explore what made him tick. There had to be a very good reason that he was as serious and brooding as he was. Something must have happened to someone he loved, not just to him, because he’s the type of guy who’d always put himself second. And who could he possibly love more growing up than his mother? That’s how Shatterproof came alive."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"The storyline in Shatterproof is completely fictitious. But the more research I did about women’s shelters and children who witness domestic violence, the more connected I felt to Griffin. Though our lives are worlds apart, I’m a serious person, much the way he is, and at points, I almost felt like we were one and the same. I love Frankie, too, but I could never be the way she is, light and free to go where the wind takes her. Like Griffin, I could probably use a dose of that."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Shatterproof - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Debbie Taylor at The Wild Rose Press is my cover artist. I am so grateful for the work she did for me. I knew I wanted the mood of the cover to be somewhat ominous and dark, because I thought that would fit the book well. She captured exactly the tone I was looking for, while the bright NYC buildings make it pop beautifully. I loved it as soon as I saw it."

Why should we read Shatterproof and what sets it apart from the rest?

"Shatterproof looks at things from a different perspective. Instead of hearing from a victim (or someone who rescues a victim), we’re seeing things from the point of view of a young man who has been a witness to his mother’s abuse his entire life. His conflicted feelings of love and resentment toward his mother aren’t usually portrayed in fiction, and might not be popular, but are very real for people who’ve grown up in these households. His only solace is that he can help other women in similar situations, even if he can’t help his mother. Griffin’s terrified of repeating the cycle, which is why he keeps women at an arm’s length, until he meets Frankie. She’s got her own unique take on the world and Griffin’s situation, which makes the book different as well."

Can you tell us something quirky about Shatterproof, its story and characters?

"None of the main characters in the book were modelled after anyone. However, as I was describing Mr. Rothman, Griffin’s old teacher and mentor, it occurred to me that his appearance was the spitting image of an old wood shop teacher I had in Junior High. I have no idea why. I hadn't thought of him in many years. Yet there he was, staring me in the face. Funny how things just come to you sometimes."

Who would you recommend Shatterproof to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’d recommend Shatterproof to anyone looking for a real-life love story about two flawed people who want to find some meaning in their lives. It’s inspirational but definitely not fluffy. I do tend to write about some sensitive subjects, and Griffin’s struggles are tough ones."

If you could / wished to turn Shatterproof into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"The movie would take place in one of the artsy, gritty areas in Manhattan, where Griffin would set up his warehouse in which he creates all of his sculptures.

I’d take either of the Hemsworth brothers for Griffin any day.

For Frankie, I’d love to have someone who can be wide eyed, yet strong at the same time, like Emma Stone.

Griffin’s mother would be elegant and beautiful, along the lines of an older Cate Blanchett.

And Griffin’s father would have to be hot! How about Rob Lowe?"

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"Right now I’m very into the New Adult contemporary stuff. I love reading it and writing it. But as long as it’s a little different, I enjoy writing anything. I’ve done children’s books and short stories having nothing to do with romance. I find that family always plays a core role in my stories. One day, I’d love to write a really great dystopian novel or series, because that’s one of my favorite genres to read. I’ve got one on the back burner in my mind. But it needs a lot more development before I’m ready to do anything with it."

What is your writing process?

"I’m definitely a pantser. In fact, often, I don’t even start at the beginning of the story. I write down (yes, write - old school - with a pen and notebook) random scenes, out of order, as they pop into my head. Then, after I’ve compiled a bunch of them, I sit at the computer and start from the beginning. A lot of the notes get thrown away, but they give me an idea of where I want to go and who my characters will be."

What is in store next?

"My current work in progress is about a young woman who owns a small creperie with her grandmother. She has a special interest in helping the homeless and uses her creperie to do so. When a gorgeous, mysterious stranger comes into her store and starts leaving her songs on napkins, she’s not sure what to make of him. Because of certain family issues, she’s reluctant to enter into anything complicated, but she can’t seem to stay away from him. The more time she spends with him, though, the more she fears he’s not what he seems. I’m thinking of doing this in two books. One her story, one his. We’ll see. It’s early."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"My husband and I love trying all different foods, so we started a tradition with our kids. Whenever we travel to a new state, we pick a food the state is known for. We ask a bunch of locals where we can find the best [fill in the state-food blank], and set off in search of the place that gets the most votes. Then we rate the food on a Yuck to Yum scale. We’ve only done about five states so far, but if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that the locals are ALWAYS right. I’m keeping a scrapbook of our food-ventures and here it is."