What inspired you to write that first novel?
My husband had written a western novel he couldn’t get published. I thought I could help him with spelling and grammar, which I did. But the two weeks of help turned into two months. During that time, I learned the basics of writing. I decided to write my own novel.
Have you ever thought of collaborating on another book?
We collaborated on one book, a Western Romance titled Tin Angel. Larry decided he would rather stay married so we went our separate ways after that!
Do you draw your ideas for characters from those in your own life?
Characters are the hardest part of writing for me. I don’t use real people. Sometimes I use a real face from a magazine or movie, but I’m usually into the book by the time I see the picture. I just do what fiction writers do. I make people up.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Developing a character is very hard for me. Keeping the tension up and the book moving along is difficult, but everything about writing is difficult.
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Getting bigger and bigger advances. You have to think you are producing good work or they wouldn’t be willing to pay you so much! I don’t think many writers are ever that confident in their work. We just put on blinders and keep on writing.
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
How difficult the business actually is. Success is elusive. It takes major courage and persistence to make a living and even longer to develop name recognition.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Stay strong and be true to yourself. Look at the market but don’t write FOR the market. Pick some part of it that fits what YOU want to do. Your books will be better for it, which makes for greater success in the long run.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Study the craft. You may have the gift of being a naturally good writer, but unless you hone your skills, there is a good chance you will fail. It’s a business. To be successful you have to treat it that way.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
The Last Mile is my newest novel. It’s Gage Logan’s story, book #2 in my Logan Brothers series, Blood Ties. I loved writing this because I love tales of adventure. Gage is a world renown explorer and treasure hunter. When Abigail Holland inherits a treasure map from her grandfather, Gage is the only man she’ll consider hiring to help her find it. It’s high action, plenty of twists and turns, and of course a passionate romance.
Sounds like an intriguing read. If you'd like to learn more about Kat's books, here are some links to get you started.
Facebook: https://www.com/KatMartinAuthor
Twitter https://twitter.com/katmartinauthor
Webpage https://www.katmartin.com
My husband had written a western novel he couldn’t get published. I thought I could help him with spelling and grammar, which I did. But the two weeks of help turned into two months. During that time, I learned the basics of writing. I decided to write my own novel.
Both of us sold our books. Magnificent Passage was my first published novel. Tenkiller was Larry’s. By accident or Divine design, they were published only six weeks apart so we were able to travel and promote them together. A good start in the business.
Have you ever thought of collaborating on another book?
We collaborated on one book, a Western Romance titled Tin Angel. Larry decided he would rather stay married so we went our separate ways after that!
Do you critique each other's books?
No critiquing. He helps me plot when I get stuck. The good news is we understand deadlines and have a lot of mutual friends in the business.
Do you draw your ideas for characters from those in your own life?
Characters are the hardest part of writing for me. I don’t use real people. Sometimes I use a real face from a magazine or movie, but I’m usually into the book by the time I see the picture. I just do what fiction writers do. I make people up.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Developing a character is very hard for me. Keeping the tension up and the book moving along is difficult, but everything about writing is difficult.
Getting bigger and bigger advances. You have to think you are producing good work or they wouldn’t be willing to pay you so much! I don’t think many writers are ever that confident in their work. We just put on blinders and keep on writing.
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
How difficult the business actually is. Success is elusive. It takes major courage and persistence to make a living and even longer to develop name recognition.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Stay strong and be true to yourself. Look at the market but don’t write FOR the market. Pick some part of it that fits what YOU want to do. Your books will be better for it, which makes for greater success in the long run.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Study the craft. You may have the gift of being a naturally good writer, but unless you hone your skills, there is a good chance you will fail. It’s a business. To be successful you have to treat it that way.
The Last Mile is my newest novel. It’s Gage Logan’s story, book #2 in my Logan Brothers series, Blood Ties. I loved writing this because I love tales of adventure. Gage is a world renown explorer and treasure hunter. When Abigail Holland inherits a treasure map from her grandfather, Gage is the only man she’ll consider hiring to help her find it. It’s high action, plenty of twists and turns, and of course a passionate romance.
Sounds like an intriguing read. If you'd like to learn more about Kat's books, here are some links to get you started.
Facebook: https://www.com/KatMartinAuthor
Twitter https://twitter.com/katmartinauthor
Webpage https://www.katmartin.com
