Meet author Kimberly Burkhardt
Kimberly Burkhardt writes Christian historical romances with a mix of faith, love, and adventure. She enjoys researching American history and draws inspiration from the people and places of the Old West. Kimberly makes her home in Nebraska with her husband and two kids and can usually be found with a good book or a cup of coffee in hand. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, and visiting historical sites around the Midwest.
Tell us about your newest book:
The Carpenter’s Schoolmarm, book one in the Cooperton Brides series, is set in 1878, Kansas. The heroine, Samantha Baxter, secretly runs away from her abusive fiancé and finds sanctuary in the town of Cooperton, Kansas, as the new schoolmarm. Despite her unfamiliarity with rural life, she adapts quickly and comes to enjoy the small town. She also catches the eye of the local carpenter, who has secrets of his own. Though their feelings for each other run deep, their secrets soon catch up to them. Both must learn to trust in each other and in God’s plan for their future.
What inspired you to write your story?
I guess what inspired me to write this story started with the setting in which the story takes place, the Blue River Valley, specifically, the Big Blue River. From there, a town was created and the people who would live there. And every love story needs two people to fall in love, thus Samantha and Michael were born.
What genre do you focus on?
I’ve loved reading historical romance since I was a teenager. So, it was natural to be pulled toward that genre when it came to writing. History is one of my favorite subjects, especially the period between 1860-1890. It’s remarkable how much courage and determination the pioneers showed in building new lives in uncharted territory. Add a little romance, and you’ve got a great story.
Why do you write?
As Christians, it is our duty to spread the Word of God with others. I’ve never been great at speaking in front of people or even making small talk at times. Writing has allowed me to share the gospel with others without feeling anxious in the process. And in today’s world, I feel we need more stories that glorify God instead of our worldly possessions and desires.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I don’t have a set schedule when it comes to writing a book. Not to say I don’t try to make one. But, having a job and being a mother to two young kids keeps me busy and there isn’t always time to write every day. During those times, I try to get any words down that I can.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I find marketing my book the most difficult aspect. As an indie author, there isn’t a team set in place to help me. I have to create one on my own and it has been challenging at times. But it has also helped me to step out and meet new people who are willing to support me and my writing journey.
What is the best part of your author’s life?
One of the best parts is hearing from readers. Their encouraging words keep me writing the next book. I’m also fortunate enough to count some truly amazing writers as friends; their work inspires me, and I value their friendship.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve learned so much over the years as to what it takes to be an author. In the beginning, I was naive and thought I knew enough about how to write a good story. Boy, was I wrong. I continue to improve my writing abilities through persistent learning. I’m also pushing myself to be more social, which isn’t easy for me to do.
What is your favorite pastime?
One of my favorite pastimes besides reading is drawing. Art has always been a part of my life, and it’s a great way to help refill my creativity well when it gets low. My favorite medium to work with is oil pastels.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have a novella called, Apple of His Eye, that is free for newsletter subscribers. This story is about a woman who lost her husband and soon finds her own life at risk. With the help of her former beau, who’s also a Pinkerton, the two try to uncover who would want to kill her and why. And that there might be more to her husband’s death than what she thought.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on edits for book two of the Cooperton Brides series. I am also in the process of plotting the third book which I will begin writing later this year.
Website: www.kimberlyburkhardt.com
Link to book:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Carpenters-Schoolmarm-Kimberly-Burkhardt-ebook/dp/B0DMSG72D7
Barnes and Noble- Ebook https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-carpenters-schoolmarm-kimberly-burkhardt/1146541141?ean=2940184534725
Social Media links:
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/kimberlyburkhardt
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyburkhardt.author/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kimberlyburkhardtauthor
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/2976125727
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