RK: Today we welcome the very awesome writer and martial artist, KM Fawcett . She is the author of CAPTIVE, the first book in the Survival Race Series. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA, and the Liberty States Fiction Writers. She is represented by Michelle Grajkowski of the 3 Seas Literary Agency. KM and her husband own Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo in NJ where they teach karate, Okinawan weapons, and self-defense.

KM: Thank you Smart Girls… for having me on your blog today! I’m thrilled to be here.

RK: When did you start writing and why did you choose romance?

My first attempt at writing a book was back in 7^th grade. I’d start writing, get bored, and then find a real book to read. Somewhere along the line, I decided I’d write a novel when I had kids. I had lots of time then. Okay, you can stop laughing at me now. Well, after my second child was born, I started my novel. It was terrible. As the kids grew, so did my knowledge of the craft and my desire for publication. My first book, CAPTIVE came out in June, I finished revisions for book 2 today, and my second child will be starting 7^th grade next week.

Writing romance was a natural choice because that’s my favorite genre to read.

RK: There are many action sequences in your book…it centers around gladiatorial fighting on an alien world. How did you go about writing action sequences?

KM: Action scenes are easier for me to write than love scenes, or the first scene of any story. My martial arts background helps me to visualize the fight. I also use fantastic resources like my husband, and his karate teacher (who is a real life Mr. Miyagi). I couldn’t have written a believable sword fight or knife fight without Sensei Advincula’s help. Also, whenever I need to try out some choreography to see if it works, I’ll ask my husband to hit me.

RK: When you decided to develop a hero and a heroine, how does that process come about? Do you do the character sketch? Do you use real world influences?

KM: Sometimes I get an idea for a character and then create a story around them. Sometimes I get an idea for a story and then create a character to fit the story. In CAPTIVE I took the Adam and Eve approach. The story required the hero, Max, to be a tortured gladiator who believes he’s nothing but a beast. I then had to figure out what kind of heroine could make him see he’s not a beast. He’s a good man worthy of love. So I created Addy for Max. No matter how the character is born, I always do a character sketch to get to know them better. I’ve also taken bits and pieces from real world influences, but I don’t tell my family or friends that.

RK: What do you think are the strengths of SF and/or SF Romance as a genre? What attracts you to the genre?

KM:I love SF and SF Romance because you can be outrageously creative. A good love story is awesome, but a good love story set in a unique world is doubly so. Whether it’s aliens, genetic experiments, time travel, etc. I love reading about things I’ve never imagined before. The genre allowed me to explore the idea of humans as pets. How would we handle breeding, and captivity, and competing in blood sports for alien pleasure? It was such a fun concept to write about.

RK: You have a second book in the series in the works. What can readers expect?

KM: The hero of book 2 was introduced in CAPTIVE. His heroine was created especially for him (perhaps I do this more often than I thought), and new to the series. This couple was exciting to write about. They have opposing goals, but we all know what happens to opposites, right? Sexual tension! The heat level is a bit steamier than in CAPTIVE. Also, some characters from book 1 make appearances in some really fun scenes. I hope readers enjoy the “Easter eggs” in book 2.

RK: If you were to give a speech to an alien world about what makes us uniquely human, what would you discuss?

KM: You know, that’s a question I’ve been exploring in the Survival Race series, and I’m still trying to figure it out. If you look at humans versus animals, what makes us unique is our imagination. We dream it, and then figure out a way to create it. If I were talking with an alien, I’d have to assume that situation would only be possible if they had the same amount of imagination. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to communicate.

Or perhaps what makes us unique is reality TV. Seriously, would an alien race really sit around and watch their own species act like complete fools? (Full disclosure: I watch dance moms. I know. I know. The teacher and the moms are nuts, but I love watching those kids dance.)

RK: If you could become another creature for one day, which creature would you choose and why?

KM: A shape shifter. This way I can transform into a bunch of different creatures and see what makes each one special and unique. Who knows maybe they have imaginations after all.

ABOUT THE BOOK

CAPTIVE (Book 1 in the Survival Race Series)

AN IMPOSSIBLE JOURNEY

The last thing Addy Dawson remembers is a blazing inferno and freezing river water overtaking her lungs. When she awakens, Addy finds herself on a strange, alien planet, trapped in a cell with no doors, no windows– and to her horror– a naked warrior who claims to be her mate.

AN UNDENIABLE PASSION

An alpha gladiator, Max is forced to breed and produce the finest specimens for the Survival Race, a deadly blood sport created by the alien rulers of Hyborea. To rebel means torture-or worse-yet Max refuses to become the animal his captors want him to be. But their jailors will not be denied, and soon Addy and Max find themselves unwilling players in this cruel game. Pushed to the limit, they will risk everything for the chance at a life free from captivity. And though fate brought them together as adversaries, Max and Addy will discover that when they’re together, there’s nothing in the universe that can stop them.

Find out more about KM Fawcett:

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ATTACKING THE PAGE: MARTIAL ARTS AND ACTION PACKED FICTION