I’m Mishka, a four-year-old beauty that my mom decided to keep when my cat mom had kittens. My cat mom isn’t with us anymore, so I’m attached to my human mom, but I’m also pretty independent. I’ve recently discovered that I can perch on her shoulders, so that’s our new thing. I think she likes it.
What is your favorite toy?
I’ve never been into toys much, but sometimes my humans get things delivered, and the boxes they arrive in are so comfy! I also like to attack my mom’s feet when they move under a blanket. Sometimes she says it hurts, but I don’t believe her.
What is your favorite food?
My mom feeds me crunchy deliciousness that has a mix of salmon and chicken, so that’s my usual. I don’t overindulge, so she fills up a big bowl for me, and I can eat whenever I want. I have learned what opening a can of tuna sounds like, though, so I get pretty excited when that happens. That’s even better than my usual!
Who is your editor?
Her name is Lisa Gilliam. I only have one name, though. Not sure what that means!
What does your editor edit?
She edits novels in a bunch of different genres. She says she especially likes mystery, science fiction, and fantasy.
Where does your editor do their work?
She works at her desk in our bedroom. The back of the chair sits against the wall, which makes it really easy for me to not fall if I lose my balance when I’m sleeping on her shoulder. I also like to hang out on her lap or next to her laptop while she’s working. The closer proximity to her hands means increased chance of pettings.
What is the best thing about being an editor pet?
She’s home all the time! When she’s working, she stays in the same place for a long time, so I can cuddle up on her lap, her shoulder, or the desk. And if I need some space, the bed is right there, so I can still see her. So many cuddle spots to choose from!
What is the hardest thing about being an editor pet?
She’s home all the time! I love her and everything, but sometimes I need some time to myself, ya know? She also works a lot, so when I do want her attention, she’s sometimes too focused on other things. She gets distracted every now and then, though, so I’m kind of like her supervisor. I sit on her lap with my front paws on the desk so I can watch her and make sure she stays on task.
What does a typical day in your editor pet life look like?
When my editor wakes up, she goes to the kitchen to make her morning tea and breakfast. She doesn’t function well until after that, so I wait for her on her desk chair. I always make her pick me up off the chair so she can sit down (increased chance of pettings). I usually switch between cuddle spots while she’s working, but if I get bored and she doesn’t need supervision, I sit by the window and watch the birds and squirrels. There’s a tree outside the window, so there’s lots of entertainment out there. When she’s done working, she makes dinner, and sometimes she saves me little bites (I still like tuna better). She goes and does random things outside for a while, but I’m not into that, so I just watch the birds or take a nap while I wait for her. After that, we hang out in the living room until bedtime.
Where can people go to find out more about your editor?
She has a lots of different ways to find her, but she likes being contacted through her website best.
Website: www.lisagilliam.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisagilliameditor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lisa9marie
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lisagilliameditor
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisagilliameditor
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It’s been a while since I’ve had a box to sit in. Can you tell her to buy something about my size please?
]]>I’m Daisy, and my parents, after looking at tons of dog pictures on the internet, decided I’m a Chorkie (Chihuahua-Yorkie). The give-away is the majestic hair that sticks out from my neck in all directions. They adopted me from a foster home several years ago and have since doted on my every whim, as they should.
What is your favorite toy?
I’m glad you asked such an important question. First and foremost, it has to squeak. Who doesn’t love a symphony of endless squeaks? No one I know, that’s for sure. My favorite, favorite are my fishies. There are four of them, and whenever they are put away in my toy chest, I have to drag them downstairs to the living room floor where they belong.
What is your favorite food?
The only thing more important than toys is food. I don’t know if I can say what my favorite food is since I eat my meals so fast that I don’t even taste them. If I’m quick, I beat my brother, Skip, at our twice-daily eating competition, and can run over to his bowl and help him finish.
Who is your author?
My author is ML Erdahl. He writes as often as he can, but I do my best to distract him by jumping in his lap and licking his face.
What does your author write?
He writes cozy mysteries set in the outdoors. We walk in the woods a lot, which he calls research. Kinda weird, I know, but he feels better about not writing when he says that.
Where does your author write their stories?
He moves around in an attempt to get comfortable, but he likes to sit on the couch next to me the best. When he’s contemplating a scene, he gives me head scratches, so I’m willing to share the space.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
Well, since I don’t recognize boundaries, the best part is that I get attention whenever I want by pushing myself into his personal space. He’s also a sucker if I roll on my back for belly scratches.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
Seriously? Nothing! I’m too adorable to ignore, so I get all the attention I need. I have him wrapped around my little finger.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
Tons of Places!
Audible
Amazon
BarnesandNoble
Itunes
Kobo
If you want to talk to him, you can reach him here. Just don’t bother him when he’s petting me, okay?
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Goodreads
Bookbub
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
We are very regimented in our house, and every day must consist of good morning belly rubs, breakfast, play time, nap time, snack time, walk, dinner, nap time, play time, bedtime. Head scratches and extra belly rubs as needed.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Are you done eating that? I could go for a snack.
]]>My name is Pepe. I am a Netherland Dwarf rabbit. I live with my son, Big Baby. We are best buddies. I love to clean his ears and lick his eyes for him.
What is your favorite toy?
There is this weaved ball made of straw that has a bell in it. I like to ring it, especially in the middle of the night.
What is your favorite food?
I love black sunflower seeds! Whenever I hear a bag open, I get excited and round around in circles thinking I may get some.
Who is your author?
Heather Ball.
What does your author write?
Contemporary Romance.
Where does your author write their stories?
In the living room on the couch. The one time, she wrote for four days straight.. Barely ate, barely slept. She didn’t see the sun for days.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
We get our weekly maid service. Our cage is thoroughly cleaned. Sometimes, I forget to use the litter box. My mess is wiped up with lemon juice; I love the smell of citrus.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
Between Heather’s job at the hospital as a Sterile Supply Technician and her writing job on the side, we don’t see her as much as we like but that’s okay. We have each other for company.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
The June Bug Catcher is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters Indigo, and the FriesenPress Online Bookstore. eBooks are available through the FriesenPress Online Bookstore, Amazon.com, Google Play Books, Apple iBooks, and Expanded Distribution channels: Barnes & Noble Nook and Chapters Indigo Kobo.
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
We get two handfuls of fresh, meadow hay every morning. We get new water in our dishes. When she isn’t working at one of her jobs, Author Heather lets us out of our cages where we are free to run around. When are super happy we do rabbit binkies; flips, kicks and twirls in the air.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
My litter box is full and it needs changed. Can you let Heather know? Thanks.
You can connect with author Heather Ball, through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thejunebugcatcher/ and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorheatherball
]]>In honour of the 10th anniversary of publishing Graveyard Shift, the first novel in the Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc. series, we have an interview with author Angela Roquet.
What does it feel like to celebrate the 10th anniversary?
Surreal. Some days, it seems like a hundred years ago. I’ve written 20+ novels and novellas since then, but I will always be proudest of that first book.
Can you share what 10 years as a writer has felt like?
It has been a strange, exciting adventure. The publishing landscape has changed so drastically over the past decade. My writing style and methods have changed quite a bit, too. I keep learning new things about both business and craft, and I think that’s important to do if you want to have a lasting career as an author–or a lasting career in any profession. It also keeps boredom at bay. Stay curious and keep learning.
What has been the biggest surprise to you as a writer over the past 10 years?
The first royalty check I received that was larger than my day job paycheck. The idea that I could make a living doing something I loved had just been a hopeful daydream up until then. Granted, it didn’t happen until 4-5 years after publishing that first book. I think a lot of writers give up too soon.
When you look back at your very first book, how do you feel about it now?
I’m proud of it, despite its flaws. There are so many things that I’d do differently with the story today, but that’s the nature of being a writer. Every time you look at a manuscript, you’ll find some new bit of prose or dialog you want to polish. But at some point, you have to let go and call it finished. “Graveyard Shift” has been downloaded over half a million times, and the reviews have made me smile more often than cry, so I’m content.
Do you have a favorite out of all the books you’ve written so far? Or a favorite character?
“Graveyard Shift” is still my favorite book. As far as characters, I’ve always been a big fan of Gabriel. He’s my main character’s best friend, and for good reason. Even when they’re on the outs, Gabriel has Lana’s back. He’s also good for comedic relief. He’s fun and laid back, and always up for a round of Ambrosia Ale at Purgatory Lounge.
What are you planning for the next 10 years?
I have a million stories in my head begging to be written next, but at the top of the list is a steampunk trilogy (World Clock Journals) about a broken time machine and clockwork zombies in Boston. I also have a Lana spin-off (Return to Limbo City) planned for 2021. Lana is still a reader favorite, and I receive a ton of emails asking for more adventures in Limbo City. I’m enjoying the other worlds I’ve been playing in, but it’s been long enough now that nostalgia has set in. I’m looking forward to checking in on Lana and seeing how she’s been these past few years, too. ; )
How can people contact and learn more about you?
I’m pretty active on Facebook but I also reply to readers via email too angela@angelaroquet.com and if you’d like to know more about me and my books, you can find all of that on my website http://www.angelaroquet.com
]]>I am 12 years old and am a Boxer Bull (Pitbull Boxer) mix. My name is Mennie and people often tell me that I look like a tiger because of my stripes. For some reason, people love my big ears.
What is your favorite toy?
My favorite toy is called Baby. It is a pink, Sherpa that used to have a squeaker (which I ate in my younger days) and it is shaped kind of like a gingerbread man.
What is your favorite food?
Peanut butter is my absolute favorite.
Who is your author?
My author is my mummy, but she publishes as Jennifer L. Kelly.
What does your author write?
My author mainly writes YA dystopian and science-fiction/fantasy.
Where does your author write their stories?
She usually writes on the couch next to me, even though she has a perfectly good desk in the same room.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
The best thing is having cuddletimes when Mummy writes on the couch.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
The hardest thing is that I often try to lay in Mummy’s lap and when she is writing on the computer.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
Mummy’s work is on Amazon, IndieBound, Books-a-Million, and BN.com, or visit her website www.jenniferlkelly.com
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
Mummy likes to binge write, so if it’s a writing month, she goes to work all day. I sleep a lot and bark at the mailman. Then when she comes home we do yoga together and have dinner then mummy will sit down with me and write for an hour or two.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Did I mention I sleep a lot?
]]>Hi there! Thank you for having me. My name is Konn Lavery and I am a Canadian author who primarily writes in the dark fantasy, horror, and thriller genres. I started writing professionally in 2011, with my first release being Reality. Since then I have released four more novels, including relaunching my dark fantasy series, Mental Damnation.
When I’m not writing, I work as an independent contractor doing graphic design and website development. When I have spare time, I make industrial music. However, more often than not when I do have spare time, I am distracted by my cat Spank. I am okay with this. She is quite the charmer.
Tell us a bit about your book
My last new novel was titled YEGman, which is a noir crime story following the psychological journey of the protagonist Michael Bradford. He is conflicted in knowing if he is being a vigilante for the sake of justice, or if he is trying to justify his own violent tendencies.
The novel starts off with him being kicked off the police force for his unconventional behaviors. This sends him into spiraling series of events that makes him question his own existence while trying to crack down on the city’s most notorious gang. His rebellious actions are caught on video and shared on social media. He becomes an instant hit with the civilians of Edmonton. On social media, people use the hashtag YEGman, playing off the city’s airport code and a reference to superheroes.
While all of this is happening to Michael, his actions catch the attention of a young rebellious journalism student who wants to uncover the mysterious story of the city’s superhero.
Who is your favourite character from the book?
That is a tough one to pick. All of the characters were a lot of fun to write. Out of all of them, I would say Lola is the most relatable to me personally. She is the rebellious journalism student that follows Michael’s activities. She gets herself wrapped up in the nightlife of clubs and drugs, chasing her romantic interest in saving her friends. She is ambitious and has a dark taste in music and fashion. She is also one of the most level-headed characters in the story.
What can’t that character live without?
Probably music. She’s tightly woven in with the underground Gothic scene.
Tell us a little bit about your journey as an author.
I have been writing since I was eight years old. During the youth I have written two novels, both of them will never see the light of day, because I did not notice doing. I failed my English final exam during high school. I have submitted an early iteration of my Mental Damnation series to some publishers while I was in high school only to be rejected. Being an angsty teen, I took this way harder and I should have.
After high school, I took a break and focus on a more practical skill that I had which is graphic design. I went to college, graduating, instructed that the school, worked as an in-house designer, and now work independently. It was shortly after graduating college that a friend encouraged me to pick up my writing. I took her advice seriously and applied my design and formatting skills to help brand and market my writing.
Published works require more than just an author. What sort of team members do you have to help you reach the final point of publishing a work?
I have worked with a lot of people over the years. This is range from editors, photographers, advertising agencies, publishers, and publicists. It really evolves based on the project. As of now I am a hybrid author which means I have both traditional and self-published stories. Working with publishers has been a fun experience. One thing I have not done is hired in illustrator or designer to help cover art. But who knows? Maybe I will down the road.
What do you love most about being an author?
Telling stories and inspiring people. Having people tell me how the stories I write excite and inspire them either to write or pursue another creative medium is one of the most rewarding feelings I think I have felt.
What do you dislike most about being an author?
The constant wondering if you are good enough to be an author. I also think this is healthy, it keeps you humble.
What is the most important piece of advice you have for other writers and authors?
It is cliché, but keep writing. Also, read books on the writing craft, they are exceptionally informative.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
My eyes, brain, and hands… beyond physical limitations I’d say music.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to go to Germany. It’s on my bucket list. There is a lot of history and art I’d love to see.
What is your favourite TV show or movie?
I would have to say Fight Club is my favorite movie. It encompasses a lot of the storytelling elements that I love.
How can readers get their hands on your book(s)?
You can find my books on:
My website: https://konnlavery.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Konn-Lavery/e/B008VL8HQE
Kobo and Google Play
What is the best way for folks to get in touch with you?
I am most active on Instagram and Facebook. A lot of the time I prefer email for business, because I can organize conversations.
Do you ever have moments of self-doubt or novel-doubt?
All the time. 
Ultimately I get my work out there, learn,
grow thicker skin, and keep writing new stories.
Are there any unpublished manuscripts you have created? Will you ever publish them?
Yes, I have the two that I had written prior to high school I also have an untitled slasher novel that I wrote in 2018. There is a high chance it will be released, but as of now it remains unpublished
What would you like to tell or ask of your readers?
Usually if the reader has read multiple works of mine, I asked them which one was their favorite and why. The answers vary greatly, since I am a multi-genre author. I also like to ask which characters they liked or disliked.
If you could go back in time and meet anyone, who would it be?
Possibly Einstein or Tesla. I think they would have a lot of insight into the world.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to plug in my new book that is coming out titled The White Hand, Rutherford Manor novel. It is a historical thriller that is set to be released in late spring of this year. The novel dives into the dark world of resurrectionists is during the 1890s. More info about novel, and the Rutherford Manor universe be found below. Thank you again for having me!
Novel Synopsis: https://konnlavery.com/2019/01/cover-and-synopsis-reveal-of-the-white-hand/
Rutherford Manor Universe: https://www.rutherford-manor.com/
]]>My name is Spank. I was adopted in 2016 November. I’m a bit of a health, only raw organic food. However, when Konn is not looking I will steal his garlic naan bread. I have a craving for bread and sweats.
What is your favourite toy?
Konn spoils me with a lot of toys. Out of everything that I played with, the splash sticks from Starbucks most exciting thing that I have ever gotten my paws on.
What is your favourite food?
That’s a tossup between salmon and coconut oil.
Who is your author?
Konn Lavery, he gets up early in the morning to feed me. I will then cuddle on his lap while he writes.
What does your author write?
I really don’t know, I don’t read much. I think he writes horrific and thrilling stories.
Where does your author write their stories?
Mostly at home in the morning so I can sit on his lap and nap. Other times he goes out to a pub or a coffee shop, and I wait for him to come home.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
He stays still in one spot, so I can keep an eye on him.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
Sometimes he gets distracted with writing and I want to play. I have to jump onto his shoulders and meow into his ear so he pays attention to me! So much work.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
You can find Konn’s work on his website: https://konnlavery.com, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Konn-Lavery/e/B008VL8HQE, on Kobo and Google Play
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
Both Konn and I get up early and get to work. By work for me, I mean napping after I eat. Konn then starts writing and eventually migrates into his graphic design and development work once common office hours start. Once noon rolls around, it’s time to eat again!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Do you have any salmon I could have? If not, no I am good. Thank you.
]]>The red dot thingie and this stick with this big black tail and feathers. I like to carry it around in my mouth and hide it from the other cat.
What is your favorite food?
The crunchies and treats. I try to steal human food, but I haven’t succeeded yet.
Who is your author?
Sheena Austin
What does your author write?
She writes poetry and stories with humans sharing cooties and the kisses.
Where does your author write their stories?
In my room. Her desk is right in front of my big bed.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
I get cuddles on demand. When I walk all over her desk, she will stop what she is doing and pet me. Sometimes I get treats.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
She’s always on her computer. I feel like she forgets that I’m around.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
The Amazon.
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
First thing when my human wakes up I serenade her, and I follow her into the kitchen. I will walk around her until she gives me the treats. I will also give her the head butts then I will go back to bed and lie down on the quilt. If she is home and isn’t working her other job, I like to talk to her. I always wait for her to go to bed. We have this game that she will talk to me to coax me to come to bed and I lead her into the kitchen demanding treats. When she gives in I will follow her to bed and have her or my daddy rub my spot. Sometimes I’ll get up and scratch the door to let me out and then I eat and drink. I then pound on her door and meow to let me back in. We close the door, so the other cat doesn’t come in and steal my spot or keep her awake.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I loves my humans and my sister. My humans saved me from this glass cage four years ago. I was a sad kitty, but my momma has shown me so much love and trust that I want to be around her all the time. I tell her how much I love her every day by talking to her and licking her feet and head butting her.
Belle – I’m a white German Shepherd. I’m the eldest of my siblings and will turn 10 years old on Halloween. I’m the smallest and daintiest of my siblings. My author calls me her sweetheart but wishes I wasn’t such a noisy girl.
Jasmine – I’m a black German Shepherd. I’m the middle of my siblings and the quietest too. I’m 7 years old. The only time I’m noisy is when I want a biscuit. My author set the rules we get two special treats a week…
Fitz – I’m a sable German Shepherd. I’m the youngest of my siblings and the biggest. I’m 17 months old and over 110 lbs. My author named me after her favorite character.
What is your favorite toy?
Belle – I really don’t play with toys too much anymore. Usually I like the grab a set of interlocking rings and shake them around at something I don’t like on TV.
Jasmine – I just watch Belle bark at TV and look the other way. I’ve pretty much given playing with toys. Fitz always steals them away.
Fitz – Right now my favorite is a set of interlocking rings, but I also have fun with a noiseless ball. Heck, who am I kidding, I have fun just chasing my own tail.
What is your favorite food?
Belle, Jasmine & Fitz – We all get the same brand of food, but we like to think that steal food out of someone else’s bowl makes it taste better.
Who is your author?
Belle, Jasmine & Fitz – Our author is Debra-Ann Kummoung.
What does your author write?
Fitz – What does write mean? I’m new to the whole writing thing.
Jasmine – I’m not sure, something about this Jane Austen. She’s never come to our author’s house so I’m not sure what our author is talking about.
Belle – Our author talks to our dad about Pride and Prejudice. Dad’s said he’s never read it but he really liked our author’s book.
Where does your author write their stories?
Jasmine – Usually our author writes in her office. She has this big desk that she likes to sit at.
Belle – It’s this cool room that she keeps blocked off when she’s not home but sometimes Jasmine likes to sneak in. Our author doesn’t like that too much.
Fitz – I like to try and annoy my author when she is trying to write. I’ve learned if I am a good boy and leave her alone, she will give me biscuits for being good.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
Jasmine & Fitz – Our author lets us lay under her desk as she writes.
Belle – I have free run of the house and my author lets me be.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
Belle, Jasmine & Fitz – Sometimes we want to run and play a lot longer than our author lets us or she will not let us play in the rain. Our author doesn’t like us getting muddy and bringing it into her office.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
Belle, Jasmine & Fitz – Our author said that her book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Google and a few other places.
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
Belle – Our author gets us up early every morning when it’s still dark out and we get to watch the runs while she tries to wake up.
Jasmine – We all lay around waiting for the sun to come up and she puts food down for Fitz while Belle and I go back to sleep on the floor.
Fitz – Around 7:45am our author puts me in a crate so I don’t destroy the house while she is at work. Belle and Jasmine are big girls and have free run of the house. We all lay around until she comes home around 5:30pm and then we get to play and eat and our author wants to write for about an hour before relaxing.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Belle, Jasmine & Fitz – Yes. We like to stay with our author even when Dad is home. Our author has epilepsy and sometimes we feel like she doesn’t feel too good, so we stay with her. Our author is smart and on those days that we stay so close to her, she doesn’t get mad at us, but rests and takes it easy. Our author was the one who gave us our names. Two Disney Princesses and Mr. Darcy.
I’ve been born and raised in South Carolina. Unfortunately, too much of the state is exactly what you might believe–but, really, some of us are sane! I teach English at a local community college here.
Tell us a bit about your book.
It lives somewhere on the line between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. After a childhood filled with devil-worshipping devil-worshipping parents, Lydia longs for a quiet, normal life, a safe haven somewhere blissfully dull. Being the manager at the Roanoke Apartments seems to fit that bill. But Lydia soon learns that you can’t leave the past behind so easily. She finds herself faced with unclogging drains for werewolves, conducting nightly vampire counseling sessions, and caring for two talkative cats. Then there’s the distraction of Geoffrey, the hottest, and most angelic, boss anyone ever dreamed of. As if that isn’t enough, the demon who nearly killed her shows up to finish the job. So much for a peaceful, simple life…
Who is your favorite character from the book?
Sorry, I just can’t choose. Writing it allowed me to spend time playing with a dozen or more quirky gothic creatures, as they went about their lives. It’s my idea of heaven.
Tell us a little bit about your journey as an author.
I actually started out writing fan fiction for the tv show, La Femme Nikita. The show tended to leave so much unsaid that I went back and wrote “fill-in-the-blanks” stories to explain the unspoken. When I branched out for a few alternate universe stories, I started to realize that I could actually write a plot–as well as that, if I didn’t know exactly what would happen next, that was okay. The story would tell me, when I got there. After that, I started writing my own stories.
Published works require more than just an author. What sort of team members do you have to help you reach the final point of publishing a work?
Well, the first person would be my sister, Armida. She listens to every chapter, as I write it and encourages me, when I get discouraged. Protecting the Dead is my first published novel, so the team at Eskape Press has done quite a lot, too. I particularly love the cover by Elaina Lee.
What do you love most about being an author?
Getting to put down in a more tangible form these characters and worlds which exist in my mind. It’s definitely not an easy process, but when I can read a chapter or scene which fairly accurately reflects what I was thinking, it’s just amazing.
What do you dislike most about being an author?
Before I was published, it would have been trying to find a publisher. Now, it’s having to figure out how to market and publicize myself, when I’m a very non-selfie sort of person. “Hey, look at me and what I did!” is very much against my nature. I’m learning slowly, every day.
What is the most important piece of advice you have for other writers and authors?
This is my very first published novel, so nothing I’d say is expert advice. Still, for those just starting writing, my advice would be that the one trait you need more than any other is sheer bullheadedness. You have to be willing to stick with it when: the words aren’t coming out the way you want, the story takes off in an unforeseen direction, real life demands so much attention it takes all your energy to find even a few hours to write, the editing and rewriting is taking months, or agents and publishers continually tell you (however politely) to go away. For those who’ve just published, you need to stick with it even when: your sales are in the single digits, you aren’t even sure your friends are reading it, and you’re lost in the terrifying new territory of social media without a map or a clue. Find whatever outlets you can (Facebook, Goodreads, etc.), and join some Facebook author groups. Many times, you can find and share an opportunity or two there. Above all, if you really want to write, don’t give up!
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
My sister, Armida. She’s my best friend, my teacher, my therapist, and so much more.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
There are a lot of possibilities. Back to either the Blue Ridge mountains or Brookgreen Gardens (a figural sculpture garden in SC) would probably be at the top of the list, although I’ve been to both dozens of times. They’re my definition of peace.
What is your favorite TV show or movie?
La Femme Nikita (the tv show)–I just can’t get its characters out of my head, and I really don’t want to.
How can readers get their hands on your book(s)?
Right now, Protecting the Dead is only in ebook format, although it’s supposed to be released in paperback at some point in the future. You can find it at any of the following:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07FG1VPHZ
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/842470
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/protecting-the-dead
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protecting-the-dead-katherine-gilbert/1128969519
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Katherine_Gilbert_Protecting_the_Dead
What is the best way for folks to get in touch with you?
I kind of live at my Facebook page nowadays. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/Katherine-Gilbert-Author-102573417043950/
Do you ever have moments of self-doubt or novel-doubt?
ALL the time, especially when I’m writing. Occasionally, I’ll have the voices and situations so clearly in my mind that everything just flows perfectly. Much more often, though, everything I write seems stilted and trite and boring. I have to walk away from a novel for awhile to be able to see it without the “It all stinks!” filter on.
Are there any unpublished manuscripts you have created? Will you ever publish them?
To the first question, yes, I have three other completed urban fantasy/paranormal romances. They’re all set in the same alternate universe, although in different places with different characters. There’s also one completed contemporary romance. As to the second question, God, I hope so.
What would you like to tell or ask of your readers?
I don’t write literary fiction. I don’t write grim or post-apocalyptic fantasy. My novels are for when you just want to relax, smile, and enjoy a little comic gothic romance with a bunch of quirky characters.
If you could go back in time and meet anyone, who would it be?
Hmm, hard choice. Maybe Shirley Chisholm? Although she’d be so busy getting things done the right way that she wouldn’t have time to chat with someone who just thinks she’s immensely cool.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Thanks for having me! I enjoyed it! Also, if you feel like a light, gothic, romantic read, check out Protecting the Dead, and come visit my Facebook page to see what I’m getting up to now.