So TWCS is publishing my first book, Connected. The release date is July 28, 2011 and I wanted to share my first chapter with fans, critics and other struggling authors. I say struggle because it is a struggle--not only to find the time to shape and form an idea into a complete story line, but also to keep that story confined inside when you have to worry about getting the kids to school or the laundry done, keeping your "day job" since, no matter how the bard cries out in us, we can't all be Stephen Kings or J.K. Rowlings, but even THEY had to struggle to get their work recognized.

Connected is my first novel. I do not like mushy, love at first sight stories. I just married my husband for the third time--seventeen years after our second divorce. Love is never easy, but I do believe in ever after, we just don't always get there happily. When asked to describe my writing style, I reply with, "Well, I am not as racy as Jackie Collins, but I am not as tame as Danielle Steele." To me, a good story is not just about chemistry and passion, but just how vulnerable we ALL are when our hearts are on the line. And I like supporting characters that help the reader gather an alternate POV from that of the "hero" and "heroine" or even the "villain" as the case may be. Finally I like a background and setting with substance--places and events that have their own history and public interest/controversy.

When you read my humble offerings, I hope they play out like a video in your mind. Thank you for your interest. Kathryn Gayle