Luck of the Draw Blog Tour - Author Interview

I am pleased to have Kelley Vitollo, author of Luck of the Draw, here with me today on her blog tour. She was kind enough to agree to answer some questions.
As a Writer:

When did you begin writing and how did you learn to be a writer?  I’ve always liked writing. I won an essay contest in elementary school. It’s something I had to work at, as I got older though. I took a class. I wrote many, many books before landing agents or anything like that.

Who are your writing influences?  I love Lucy Monroe, Lori Foster and Erin Mccarthy.

Where do you write?  I write a lot at Barnes and Noble. I love writing around books. Or I have a desk at home.

Do you do your writing on paper or on the computer?  Computer, though when I outline I do it on paper.

Where does a book begin for you? A character, an idea, a scene?  It depends on the story. Some start with a character, some a place. It varies.

Are you a plotter or a “pantser”?  I’m a mixture. I always start a book just writing. Then about halfway through I need to plot out the rest.

I have been hearing lately of authors who make scrapbooks or collages about books they are writing. Do you do anything like that?  I don’t, but it’s a great idea!

As a Reader:

What books have most influenced your life?  I loved CS Lewis as a kid. As an adult, nothing makes me feel better, than a feel good romance.

What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?  The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

What are you reading right now?  I’m reading Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

Random Silliness:

Favorite writing beverage? water
Crayons or markers? markers
Summer or winter? Winter (as long as I’m home in SoCal)
Dogs or cats? Both! But we only have a dog
Thanks, Kelley! 

Everyone should be sure to check out Luck of the Draw for a fun romance. Here is the description:

Rowan McKinley isn’t looking for one wild night while vacationing in Vegas, but she gets it anyway when she meets professional poker player—and professional ladies’ man—Breck Wilder. Breck’s easygoing charm and lighthearted banter draw in the reserved Rowan, and though she’s always dreamed of the kind of forever love her best friends Sidney and Kade share, she’ll settle for one night with the charismatic player.
After their crazy one-night stand, Breck never expected to see the mysterious redhead again. So when he shows up at a Shamrock Falls B&B looking to get away for a few weeks and Rowan answers the door, he’s floored. Breck’s rolling-stone lifestyle and ill-fated history with women means he’s not interested in anything long-term. But the longer he stays at the B&B, the more he considers dropping the poker face and putting all his cards on the table…for Rowan.