Featured Interview With Kate L Mary - Author Of The New Collision

Our featured author today is Kate L Mary, and she has a new book due to be released shortly called Collision, so lets welcome her today and find out a little more about her.

Hi Kate

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a stay-at-home mom of four wonderful children and an Air Force wife. Originally, I’m from Dayton, Ohio, but my family has moved so many times I’ve lost count. Right now, we’re living in the small town of Altus, Oklahoma, which is a bit of an adjustment, but great for family life.

How did you become a writer, and did you always want to write?

For pretty much as long as I can remember, I said I was going to be a writer. I used to write a lot when I was in my early teens, but harsh words from a friend made me self-conscious and I put it aside for years. I never really stopped dreaming about it, though. Like a lot of writers I know right now, the renovation of young adult books really inspired me. It was nice to see it grow so much, and it helped me find my voice as an author.

How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?

Of course I want people to love my stories, but more than that I want them to feel something for the characters I’ve created. To wish they could be friends or hate them or love them. Maybe even have a little crush going on. It’s such a great feeling when people gush about someone you’ve dreamed up.

What responses to your writing have affected you the most and why?

Two things really stand out to me. First, the friends who have not only encouraged me to write, but have begged me to write something else for them to read. There really isn’t a better confidence booster, and in an industry where you hear no so often, that’s something you need to keep you going. Secondly, criticism. That may sound crazy, but finding my amazing critique partner, Lisa Terry, made all the difference in getting me where I am.

Other than writing great stories, what other goals do you have for your life?

I’m not out to make a ton of money, but I do want to make a career out of writing. My husband is an Air Force pilot, and my major goal is to be able to supplement his income enough that he doesn’t have to work so much when he’s done with active duty. He’s been gone so much over the years, and missed out on so much with our kids and family life. It would be really nice to have him home.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Well…I have four kids, so I don’t have a lot of spare time. We just moved two months ago, so we’re still getting settled in, but I hope to be able to start taking some Yoga classes again and enjoying some major family time.

What can you tell us about your latest works?

COLLISION is a new adult romantic mystery that will be available on May 2^nd. It was an idea that came to me a couple years ago, but I had to sit on it for a while so I could figure out exactly how to make it work. When I finally did, the story just poured out of me. To be honest, I love it. There are fun parts and sad parts, then some parts that are just a little bit disturbing. I’m also excited by the fact that I got away from the bad boy/manwhore love interest. Be ready for a nerdy sci-fi fan to steal your heart.

What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?

I have a post-apocalyptic zombie series that was just picked up by Etopia Press, and I’m so excited. I love characters with baggage, and the people in this book have more than enough to go around. It’s a different than most zombie books out there, I think. For one, it deals with survival and the relationships formed more than blood and gore (there is a little bit of that, though). But it also starts before the outbreak. I’m a lover of all things zombie, but I always wonder how the characters reacted as the world around them changed. This series is a favorite with my friends, most of which aren’t even fans of zombie stories.

What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand and others worldwide?

I’m really looking forward to having anyone read my books, no matter where you live

Do you have any parting words?

If writing is something you love, don’t let other people stop you. Whether it’s an unsupportive friend or dozens of rejections, keep working at it. And be sure to find a support system. A critique partner (or partners), writing groups and conferences (I did WriteOnCon, an online conference), and even Twitter can make a big difference in getting the support and help you need.

Thanks Kate