I’m excited to introduce one of my best friends and brainstorming partner, Kristy Werner today on Conversations with Creatives!
Kristy Werner is a wife, a mom, a child of God. She’s an Oklahoma girl who was born to create. She’s the award-winning author of the Tulsa Town Romance series and the Hearts of Osage County romance series. A lifetime resident of Oklahoma—except for ten months when she went rogue—she lives in Stillwater with her husband of nearly thirty years and near her two children.
You can learn more about her at www.kristywernerauthor.com.
Christina: Welcome Kristy! Let’s talk books!
What’s your book called?
Kristy: To Touch the Earth
Christina: When was it released?
Kristy: October 7, 2024
Christina: Is it a series?
Kristy: Yes. This is the first in my Hearts of Osage County series.
Christina: Can you share the blurb of the book with us?
Kristy: Yes!
In Osage County, the land may last forever. But love does not.
Life on the Double H Ranch was perfect until tragedy struck. Broken by her momma’s death and her daddy’s withdrawal, teenage Hannah Harris flees all she loves—her roots, her hometown, her conscience, and her cowboy.
Eight years later, she returns to attend her father’s funeral, gather her things, and get out of town. But there’s a snag—the high school sweetheart she abandoned appears too comfortable with her best friend. And Hannah now owns the ranch.
Since graduation night, Aaron Dean has waited for the girl who left her brand on his heart and his ring in his pocket. The ring’s the same, his heart’s the same, but is the woman who returns his same Hannah? What will it take to make her lost soul touch the earth again?
The longer Hannah stays at the Double H Ranch, the more memories root her to the earth, to generations past, and to dreams forsaken. And the more she believes love can last… forever.
Nestled in the heart of Osage County, Oklahoma, the Double H Ranch is a paradise of rolling hills and tall grass prairies. If you enjoy clean, first-love romance and stories that celebrate the cowboy way of life, then this small-town, second-chance romance is for you.
Christina: What is the inspiration behind your story?
Kristy: I’m not sure there’s any real inspiration behind this story. The idea for a coming home story just came to me one day. Then I figured it needed to be set on a ranch. And how cool if that ranch were in Osage County, OK where my dad’s family is from? It snowballed from there.
Christina: What’s your favorite part of your writing process?
Kristy: Editing. After the whole story is out and on the screen, I love going back and making it shine. And it helps to have the best editor in the world!
Christina: If you could give one piece of advice to a budding creative, what would it be?
Kristy: Find your community. For writers, there are writer’s groups. If you’re a crafter, there’s probably a group for you too. Artists, yes! Link up online or in person. But through community, you find like-minded people who can help and inspire you. And in return, you can do the same for them. You have the world at your fingertips these days. If you want to be a creative, you can. So do it. And never, never, never give up.
Christina: That’s great advice. Now for some fun!
Name something quirky in your workspace. Can you give a little backstory about said item?
Kristy: My couch. It’s a sectional, and in the “L” is my office. There’s no backstory, just a comfy place to write.
Christina: Do you have a favorite snack to get your creative juices flowing?
Kristy: I don’t snack while I write. In fact, I don’t drink much either. Oh, I might prepare a drink, but my hot tea chills off before I remember it’s there.
Christina: They say writers are readers. What book are you reading right now?
Kristy: I’m reading Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboy series. I thought I might enjoy it since I’m writing a cowboy romance series as well. So far it hasn’t disappointed.
Christina: I love Jody Hedlund’s books!
Okay, here’s a fun question. You just won free tickets to anywhere in the world! Where are you going? And who are you taking?
Kristy: I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. I want to spend the night in a real castle… with plumbing though.
Christina: Ireland would be fantastic!
What will you be working on next?
Kristy: Book Two! To Cross the Valley will release next April.
Christina: What are you looking forward to (does not need to be writing related) over the next few months?
Kristy: A much-needed vacation with my husband.
Christina: That will be lovely!
I find that writing stories & reading stories have shaped us over the years.
What childhood story has stuck with you through adulthood?
Kristy: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Christina: I loved that story. I remember my teacher reading it to us.
Back to writing. How many unfinished writing projects do you have?
Kristy: So many ideas! But projects that have actually started… one. It’s a YA Fantasy tucked into the far corner of my laptop.
Christina: I need to ask this because every writer gets asked this question. Are you a Plotter or Pantser?
Kristy: Definitely a plotter. I can’t see straight without a plan.
Christina: I can see that!
Thank you so much, Kristy, for sharing a little glimpse into your world with us!
If you’d like to learn more about Kristy Werner and her books you can find her here:
And on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest – @kristywernerauthor
Hi, Christina! Thank you for having me today!
Thanks for joining me! Was a great interview and I look fwd to your next book in the series!