Good Reads Missoula discussion

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR KAT MARTIN
May, 2011


When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was helping my husband with a western novel he had written but couldn’t get published, trying to figure out if maybe it was a grammar problem or something. Loved the work. Thought maybe I try writing a book of my own. Wrote Magnificent Passage and that was my first book! (An old fashioned bodice-ripper that is being re-issued in July). My most recent book is A Song for My Mother which is out for Mother's Day.


"A Song For My Mother is a story about healing and connection.
It's about letting go of the past and finding something so much more important.
It's a heart-warming tale perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon."


How long does it typically take you to write a book?
Six months of very steady writing. That’s as fast as I can go.


What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I work a LOT. Every day is some kind of book-related work, usually some writing and some book promotion.


Do you use any special media when writing - for example favorite pen, laptop etc.?
I write on Word for Windows. I have to have about six yellow pads in two different sizes on my desk for research and for character references, etc. I have to have my Names file. Those are musts for me.


What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
You got me. I don’t know if I have a writing quirk.


Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Sometimes personal experiences are involved in certain scenes, but mostly not. Currently I am writing a book that involves a Saudi oil deal. Tons of research. I wish I hadn’t thought it up!


What are you working on right now?
I’m working on my AGAINST series. I have three new books out, the Raines brothers trilogy, which started with Against the Wind. I’m doing Against the Storm, Against the Night, and Against the Sun. Against the Storm will be out the end of October.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Every book is challenging. Lots of research, character development and plotting. Just lots of hard work.


Do you have to travel much concerning your books?
I try to travel as much as I can to the places I write about. Some are easy, like Wyoming for Against the Wind. I was in Dallas for Against the Fire, and Scottsdale, Arizona for Against the Law.


What was the hardest part of writing your books?
I’ve written more than 50 books. Page one to page 500 is the hardest part.


Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
I do pay attention. I love getting great reviews, hate getting bad ones. Fortunately I get far more good than bad. I watch for trends. I would certainly pay attention if the same comments kept coming up.


Have you ever been surprised by a controversy among fans or reviewers - for example, you created a character without thinking too much about what people would think of him, and found some readers loved him and some hated him?
I’ve had it happen, but not often. The hero in one of my historicals cheated on his wife. I thought the readers would forgive him because of the awful reason he did it, the lesson he learned from it, and how hard he had to work to get his wife back--the woman he truly loved. Some of my readers couldn’t forgive him, which means I didn’t do my job as an author as well as I should have.


Have you ever written anything that you thought would be controversial and found it wasn't?
The one I am working on now involves a Saudi family visiting Texas. I am treading carefully, hoping nothing in the story will offend anyone. But the more research I do, the harder that is going to be. We will see...


What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like camping and being out of doors. I love to travel and to eat in great restaurants. I love seeing friends, or entertaining friends who come to Montana to visit.


What books have most influenced your life most?
Some of my early reading... Wilbur Smith, Eagle in the Sky is my all time favorite romance. I loved Forever Amber. I’ve read most of Ludlum’s books, Colleen McCullough, Thornbirds, Herman Wouk, Winds of War. Dozens of others. Those early books were a huge influence on my writing.


What book are you reading now?
Getting ready to read Infidel for my readers group. Just finished a Susan Elizabeth Phillips comedy romance, which I can’t remember the name of!


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Dean Koontz, absolutely. I studied his book on how to write and read dozens of his novels. I’ve met him and he is terrific.


Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Joanna Bourne, Forbidden Rose, for historical. Laura Griffin is a new Romantic Suspense writer I like very much.


Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Probably Nora Roberts. She is a fabulous writer and she tells a great story every time.


Which question are you most sick of answering in interviews?
How did I get started writing!


Do you have any advice for other writers?
Persistence is the key. Write, write, write and never give up. Write from the heart and keep on writing until you achieve your dream.


Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I hope you will try my new books. I’ve written lots of different kinds but I love my new romantic suspense books. I’d also like to thank my readers for their years of support.


For more information about Kat Martin, visit her page at:
http://katbooks.com/


Enter her Special Mother's Day Contest at:
http://katbooks.com/Contest3.htm