One of my favorite things is interviewing my fellow writers. Kathy Ree is not only a novelist, but also has experience editing books for other authors. This week, I had the pleasure of getting to ask her a few questions this week. Check it out! her answers are in bold.
Where is your hometown?
I grew up in Santa Clara, California, which is at the south end of the San Francisco Bay.
Did you start writing there?
Not really, no. At least not seriously.
Where do you go to find inspiration?
Usually all it takes is a good long walk. However, I found that I had to take a weekend and go away to the coast in order to finish my last story, “Enoch’s Return”. There were too many distractions and obligations at home for me to be able to concentrate on getting it done.
Is there a favorite room or place where you go to write?
Anywhere quiet usually works.
Are there authors that have influenced you as far as style goes?
That’s hard to say. I read so many styles and genres that it can’t be helped if someone else’s writings bleed into my works.
Do you jam to music when you write or do you prefer it quiet?
It has to be quiet. I can’t concentrate if there are distractions.
When you do jam, who are your favorite music artists?
My latest fave group is “Tell Me I’m Pretty”, although I have found some great music from bands like Jack Johnson and Lord Huron. Little by little, I am breaking into the music of the 21st century.
You’ve written a book titled Be Not Afraid. What is it about and where can you get a copy?
Find it on Amazon! Here’s a blurb.
Lydia’s faith in God is strong, at least on paper. But what happens when that faith is tested? Turned into a vampire by the worst, Vlad Drakul, she feels that God has abandoned her. But the opposite is true. God rescues her from a fate worse than death, and brings her into the plan He has for global redemption. With the help He sends, she feels like nothing can stop her. But when Vlad torments her again, and then her family, the temptation to run and hide is almost too strong to resist. Her answer to God’s call is the deciding factor in the battle that pits the angelic powers of God against the demonic powers of Hell.
You have a prequel, UnHoly Trinity, and a sequel, Resurgence: Rise of Judas, on the way. Is this the start of an ongoing book series?
There are four books in the series. Resurgence will be published this year, and I hope Enoch’s Return will follow closely afterward.
If Be Not Afraid became a movie, who would direct it?
A friend of mine has made it into a screenplay, believe it or not. We haven’t heard anything lately about its progress—I have no idea who would direct it.
What is the best piece of advice you got while preparing to begin writing?
I never looked for advice. This book badgered me until I wrote it out. I certainly have learned a lot since then though.
Your novel is a twist of spirituality fiction and horror. Do you see these genres as a mainstay or do you want to branch into other genres?
I never planned to be in this genre at all. The next book I write will be along the lines of Jan Karon’s Mitford series—although probably not as spiritually charged.
Is there a particular craft book that helped you expand your skill as a writer?
No—never thought I’d be doing this.
Who offered the biggest encouragement to you when you started your first novel?
My husband—but not in so many words. He saw that I was obsessed with it, and left me alone.
One last question, when you look back, has your style as a writer changed much or is it about the same?
Funny thing about editing others’ work—which is what I do. It points out the weaknesses in my own works. Editing has definitely made a difference in my writing style. I hope the wording is stronger and makes more of an impact now.
That concluded our interview. It is always awesome to speak to a fellow author. Mrs. Ree with her expertise not just in writing, but also in editing gives her unique insight in writing. Be sure to head to her Facebook page for more!
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If you would like to order your paperback copy of my own debut novel Cacophony: A Tale Of Faith And Fear, click here. It is an incredible paranormal thriller about a group of demons trying to steal human souls by assaulting their church. The Messenger Gabriel, a Guardian angel Christopher, and the Seven Archangels are sent by God to stop them. It’s a tale that mixes drama, supernatural fiction, with a dash of fantasy.
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