Welcome Katy to the blog today. She's here to tell you all about her journey as an author of romantic suspense stories.
Enjoy the interview! :)
*Words written by Alexis in bold, words from Katy not in bold*
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Alexis: You’re a romantic suspense author. What does that mean to you?
Katy: That means I tell a story that offers a happily-ever-after, but first the characters have a lot to prove before they earn it…if they survive.
What makes your stories fun and exciting?
I look for unique settings/situations that will coincide with the message of my stories. For example, in my new series, starting with Silent Night Pursuit, coming out in December, the family owns a speedway. The three books will delve into the “checkered pasts” of each of the siblings. They will be “tracked” down and have to look for “ten-second windows” to “break away” from the pact gaining on their “tail ends.”
Who are your main characters of your current release, Permanent Vacancy? What is the book’s summary?
When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous "accidents" at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren't on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm's smooth-talking Irish brogue, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.
What was your greatest challenge in character creation for your latest series?
My hero is an Irishman, and I spent a lot of time researching Dublin lingo so I could pepper it throughout the story.
What did you find most rewarding about writing your new series?
In the research of any of my books, I study real-life people and how they overcame similar experiences. For example, my December book, Silent Night Pursuit, my hero is a soldier with PTSD and has a service dog. Spending time with these real-life heroes and their dogs was amazing.
How does your faith in God play into your storytelling?
NEVER stop studying His Word. It helps me first in my own life to have His answers to my life’s problems. I can only offer what I know and have experienced myself.
Are you traditionally published? If yes, share the elevator pitch that landed a book deal for you.
Yes, I write for Love Inspired Suspense (LIS), a line of Harlequin.
Here’s my pitch that helped me sell my first book in 2012, Warning Signs.
Pitch: When DEA Agent Owen Matthews arrives on Stepping Stones Island to investigate the school's recent drug activity, he doesn't expect Miriam Hunter, the beautiful, funny, deaf principal. His own son is deaf, due to an accident for which Owen blames himself. Owen doubts Miriam’s secret to success will work for his son. When deadly pranks prove Miriam plays a larger role in the criminal activity, he realizes someone wants her—and her secrets—silenced for good. Will resurfacing her past, cost them their future together? Or will Owen learn to hear with his heart before time runs out?
FYI: My editor almost passed on it because “pranks” are not enough suspense for LIS. So glad she asked to see it anyway!
And here’s the back cover once it went to publication:
When a drug-smuggling ring rocks a small coastal town, the DEA sends Agent Owen Matthews to shut it down. A single father with a deaf son, Owen senses that the town’s number one suspect—the high school’s new principal—doesn’t fit the profile.
Miriam Hunter hoped to shrug off the stigma of her hearing impairment when she returned to Stepping Stones, Maine. But her recurring nightmares dredge up old memories that could prove her innocence—and uncover the truth behind a decades-old murder. Yet Owen’s help may not be enough when someone decides to keep Miriam silenced—permanently.
What is your go-to food or drink when on deadline?
Reese’s Pieces or Chocolate Mint Tea
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Join a professional writer’s organization that works with you on your road to publication. Keep your ears and eyes and mind open to all they have to teach you.
I belong to RWA and ACFW.
Describe your writing space. What makes it special to you?
I write mostly in a rocking chair. There is something relaxing about the back and forth motion that allows my mind to wander where it just won’t go at a desk.
Who is your favorite Christian author? Why?
Lynette Eason. Her faith comes through her stories and inspires me.
Who is your most encouraging cheerleader for your creative endeavors? What do they say to motivate you?
My children. They read my stories and are so helpful with promotion during release week.
What are your writing and publishing dreams for 2015 and beyond?
Just keep writing. Just keep writing. Just keep writing.
And write stories that impact readers.
Complete this sentence: My favorite feature about springtime is __________________ because ___________________.
Alexis: You’re a romantic suspense author. What does that mean to you?
Katy: That means I tell a story that offers a happily-ever-after, but first the characters have a lot to prove before they earn it…if they survive.
What makes your stories fun and exciting?
I look for unique settings/situations that will coincide with the message of my stories. For example, in my new series, starting with Silent Night Pursuit, coming out in December, the family owns a speedway. The three books will delve into the “checkered pasts” of each of the siblings. They will be “tracked” down and have to look for “ten-second windows” to “break away” from the pact gaining on their “tail ends.”
Who are your main characters of your current release, Permanent Vacancy? What is the book’s summary?
When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous "accidents" at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren't on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm's smooth-talking Irish brogue, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.
What was your greatest challenge in character creation for your latest series?
My hero is an Irishman, and I spent a lot of time researching Dublin lingo so I could pepper it throughout the story.
What did you find most rewarding about writing your new series?
In the research of any of my books, I study real-life people and how they overcame similar experiences. For example, my December book, Silent Night Pursuit, my hero is a soldier with PTSD and has a service dog. Spending time with these real-life heroes and their dogs was amazing.
How does your faith in God play into your storytelling?
NEVER stop studying His Word. It helps me first in my own life to have His answers to my life’s problems. I can only offer what I know and have experienced myself.
Are you traditionally published? If yes, share the elevator pitch that landed a book deal for you.
Yes, I write for Love Inspired Suspense (LIS), a line of Harlequin.
Here’s my pitch that helped me sell my first book in 2012, Warning Signs.
Pitch: When DEA Agent Owen Matthews arrives on Stepping Stones Island to investigate the school's recent drug activity, he doesn't expect Miriam Hunter, the beautiful, funny, deaf principal. His own son is deaf, due to an accident for which Owen blames himself. Owen doubts Miriam’s secret to success will work for his son. When deadly pranks prove Miriam plays a larger role in the criminal activity, he realizes someone wants her—and her secrets—silenced for good. Will resurfacing her past, cost them their future together? Or will Owen learn to hear with his heart before time runs out?
FYI: My editor almost passed on it because “pranks” are not enough suspense for LIS. So glad she asked to see it anyway!
And here’s the back cover once it went to publication:
When a drug-smuggling ring rocks a small coastal town, the DEA sends Agent Owen Matthews to shut it down. A single father with a deaf son, Owen senses that the town’s number one suspect—the high school’s new principal—doesn’t fit the profile.
Miriam Hunter hoped to shrug off the stigma of her hearing impairment when she returned to Stepping Stones, Maine. But her recurring nightmares dredge up old memories that could prove her innocence—and uncover the truth behind a decades-old murder. Yet Owen’s help may not be enough when someone decides to keep Miriam silenced—permanently.
What is your go-to food or drink when on deadline?
Reese’s Pieces or Chocolate Mint Tea
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Join a professional writer’s organization that works with you on your road to publication. Keep your ears and eyes and mind open to all they have to teach you.
I belong to RWA and ACFW.
Describe your writing space. What makes it special to you?
I write mostly in a rocking chair. There is something relaxing about the back and forth motion that allows my mind to wander where it just won’t go at a desk.
Who is your favorite Christian author? Why?
Lynette Eason. Her faith comes through her stories and inspires me.
Who is your most encouraging cheerleader for your creative endeavors? What do they say to motivate you?
My children. They read my stories and are so helpful with promotion during release week.
What are your writing and publishing dreams for 2015 and beyond?
Just keep writing. Just keep writing. Just keep writing.
And write stories that impact readers.
Complete this sentence: My favorite feature about springtime is __________________ because ___________________.
My favorite feature about springtime is low humidity because my hair frizzes up come summer.
~*~
Author bio:
~*~
Author bio:
Katy Lee is the author of five published novels. She likes to say she writes higher purpose stories at high speed because her suspenseful romances thrill, inspire, and satisfy the reader—from the edge of their seat.
A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side-roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways.
A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on.
Her Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Grave Danger, is both a RITA and Daphne Du Maurier finalist.
~*~
Buy Katy’s books:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1Fzmiec
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1Fzml9Z
Buy Katy’s books:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1Fzmiec
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1Fzml9Z
*See the full listing of Katy's books on Amazon Author Central, http://amzn.to/1dVisW3
~*~
Connect with Katy:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KatyLeewriter
Twitter - https://twitter.com/KatyLeeBooks
Website - www.KatyLeeBooks.com
Connect with Katy:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KatyLeewriter
Twitter - https://twitter.com/KatyLeeBooks
Website - www.KatyLeeBooks.com
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