We chat with debut author Kimi Freeman about ‘Tis the Damn Season, which is a charming new contemporary romance destined to break your heart and put it right back together.
Hi, Kimi! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi everyone! My name is Kimi Freeman. I’m a contemporary romance author and, funnily enough, a junior in high school. Aside from writing, I love guitar, reading, singing, competitive dancing, and watching the legal drama Suits. ‘Tis the Damn Season is my debut novel, and I’m so excited to share it with the world.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I first discovered my love for stories when I stumbled upon the Percy Jackson series in fourth grade. I was obsessed and made it my whole personality for the next three years. When I rediscovered the books in eighth grade, I knew I had to try to write my own stories. That was when I started writing my very first novel!
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
I love this question! The first book I remember reading is When You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff, which I read in Kindergarten. As I previously stated, Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief is the one that made me want to become an author. And a book I can’t stop thinking about lately is Girls With Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier & Wendy Katzman. I never thought I’d like thrillers, but this novel proved me totally wrong!
Your debut novel, ‘Tis the Damn Season, is out October 24th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Heart-warming. Sweet. Dramatic. Fun. Real.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a second chance holiday romcom, jampacked with Taylor Swift references and flashbacks to the past. ‘Tis the Damn Season is swoon-worthy, fun, and feels just like a Hallmark movie!
Where did the inspiration for ‘Tis the Damn Season come from?
The inspiration for ‘Tis the Damn Season came from Taylor Swift’s same-titled song on her album Evermore. I’ve always been obsessed with the track and thought it would make a really cool movie or book. One day, I just thought, “Wait, I’m an author! I can write that book.” And so I did!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really loved exploring Aspen and Roman’s journey through the past. As cruel as it sounds, I loved writing heartbreaking scenes that destroyed the main characters so there would be more for readers to look forward to when they finally reunited.
What do you love about the romance genre?
I love how every romance novel has a happy ending. For me, reading is an escape into a world different (and often less stressful) than mine. I love sinking into a good romance novel and searching for that happy ending I know is coming!
What’s next for you?
In the near future, I’m embarking on my first book tour this fall! I can’t wait to meet some of my current readers and hopefully some new ones, too. While I can’t disclose too much information about my upcoming projects, I’ve been writing a new novel that I think my readers will really love!
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Yes! Check out Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. All of my readers have been recommending it to me, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. It’s the PERFECT Young Adult romcom.
For more information on Kimi’s latest happenings and upcoming releases, check out her website, authorkimifreeman.com.
