Author Spotlight – Kaia Misk

I’m thrilled to welcome Kaia Misk, Author of The Firstborn Son, recently released: A fabulous romantic suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press.

Mafia marriage – May the best wise-guy win!

Bio:

Kaia Misk is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, otherwise known as a “Yinzer.” Her parents grew up across the street from each other in a small town where most people worked in the steel mills. Their Italian and Slovak families were a strong part of her childhood which included foods, holidays and religion. Several of her characters are based on her family members and other Pittsburghers.

Kaia has a background in legal and technical writing including training manuals, training presentations and legal documents. She is also an excellent tailor and patternmaker. Her IMDb page lists her work on two full-length films as a costumer.

She is particularly inspired by the Hat Squad books of Karen Rose and Joe Lansdale’s novels, although her first love was Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. She follows numerous other authors and reads every day. She currently lives in suburban Pittsburgh with her Norwegian Elkhound, Boss.

Kaia Misk started writing novels a few years ago when co-workers dared her to try it during NanoWrimo, which takes place each November and asks participants to write 50,000 words inside of a month. No small feat but she did it, and has been writing ever since.

The book is set in Pittsburgh with Yinzer-type people. It even has scenes at the Sons of Italy in Glassport. Misk writes characters based on real individuals. Uncle Nutsy, for example, is a blend of the author’s real great-uncle and a prior Italian co-worker. The accent she used in writing the character is softer than the real-lifer she knew, toned down for readability. Then there’s the brother who acts as a partner in crime, the love interest, and the aunt in the role of the family matriarch. A little reality exists in each one of them.

Becoming a ruthless mob boss like his father is the last thing Frankie wants, but when Sofia’s father is gunned down, Frankie must become the very thing he loathes to protect the woman he loves. Sofia was a devoted girlfriend to Frankie, until he stood her up and she questioned his fidelity. Now that she’s alone and rich, mafia suitors slither around her. Marriage to him might be her only hope.

This sounds so exciting. I’m so pleased we have an excerpt to share.

Excerpt:

Her hands went to her hips. “I mean someone that puts me first. Like my father.”

“Oh, I’m not signing up to be your father, sweet. I want way more than that.”

Lust, anxiety, and fear of a lonely future came to a fiery head within him. He prowled closer, grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Heedless of the open window, he braced his arm behind her back with one hand behind her head. When he pressed his mouth against hers, she struggled for a moment. He almost let her go.

Slowly, her body settled. Chest to chest, hip to hip, her voracious kiss gave him hope. But he had to be clever, had to keep her mouth occupied so she wouldn’t argue. He stripped off his shirt and broke the kiss for a second.

Big mistake. She slapped him. The magic ended.

Oh, my goodness. This really is a hard hitting romance. Wow.

I thought it might be good to find a little more about Kaia, not just the writer, but the person: Kaia kindly agreed to answer my questions – I’m sure you will find it really interesting, as did I.

What makes you laugh out loud?

The humor in everyday life that can’t be put on paper, like my little nephew who complains about his sister’s singing.

What is your favorite comfort food?

What is your favorite comfort food?

Pizzelles, an Italian cookie.

Never tried that Kaia. I’m going to have to check it out.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

If it’s summer, I like to be near the water, swimming or kayaking. In winter, I read, watch movies, and stay inside with my dog. I spend most of my time with family.

You sound like a very active lady. I’m in awe of anyone who can use a kayak. Tried it a couple of times and ended up spinning around in circles rather than going forward!

It got everyone laughing, so at least that’s a positive.

What are you working on now?

I am working on The Second Son – Book 2 in The Renzi Affairs series. The third book is also in the works. My brother is helping me create the audiobook for The Firstborn Son. He has experience in sound recording.

Busy lady!

How about telling us something unique/quirky about yourself.

I’ve never held a day job more than 2.5 years. Hoping to stay longer at the one I have now.

You have an extensive background in legal and technical writing. In developing your skills as a fiction writer, have you found that your technical writing experience has been helpful?

Both legal and technical writing make it easier to catch certain types of grammatical errors when self-editing. For example, making sure your verb matches your subject and not the object of a preposition. I also worked with professional proofreaders at one of my old jobs. They taught me a lot about grammar.

AND THAT’S NOT ALL FOLKS… If you’re interested to find out more why not check out Kaia’s social links below. And to Kaia, thank you so much for joining us today. It’s been wonderful learning about your novel and about you.

Here’s an audio excerpt where Uncle Nutsy speaks to the main character: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc3vAyqQiqA

See more at her website: www.kaiamisk.com

Social media links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaiaMisk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaiaMiskAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkaiamisk/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19929265.Kaia_Misk?ref=nav_profile_l

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KaiaMisk

Once again I’ve really enjoyed working with such a terrific author and am grateful for the time Kaia has offered to be here with me.

If you’re interested to find out more, why not check out my posts, if you’re a budding author then you may find information available here that may help. If you have a question or something you would like me to cover then please send me a message.

To find out more about me and my books – please check out

mybook.to/twentyone

#historical #romance #mystery #crime #drama #fiction #women #WW11 #twrp #amazon #blackwellpress #kindle

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The impact of well-crafted website content cannot be overstated and can be the difference between a thriving online presence and a lackluster one.