Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

Hi there! I’m Katharine.

I’ve been writing for around 11 years, published for 10. My first book released in 2009 and I’ve been at it since with a total of 16 books published, 2 box sets published, and four audiobooks produced… working on the fifth. The time has flown by. But that’s what happens when you’re having fun, right?

I started writing while in college in between class and work. I’d hide away in my apartment and type away for a few hours. I never thought I would do anything with those words, but over the years they continued to develop into more than just a hobby. I started publishing in 2009 with children’s books. I wanted to learn the business and get my feet wet and I thought children’s books would allow me to do that. I published 3 children’s books and then realized I wanted to expand into writing fiction novels for adults. In 2015, I took one of my many manuscripts that was hidden away in a spiral notebook and in a file on my computer and rewrote and modified the rough draft that was there… this manuscript would be shaped into The Unfading Lands, which kicked off my first adult fiction novel and first series. In 2015, that book would allow me to leave my current job and focus on writing full time. It’s been a blast ever since. I write multi-genre. Fantasy, Sweet Romance, Children’s… I’m working on a Historical Fiction Fantasy book, and Action/Thriller… thankfully my readers tend to jump on board with whatever my imagination fancies.

How to find time to write as a parent?

My writing schedule has changed over the last few years due to having my first kiddo. He’s now three, and I think any parent can tell you that a three-year-old keeps your hands full. Thankfully, I am able to modify my writing schedule around naptimes, early mornings, late nights, etc. But I do have A LOT of early mornings. I find it easier to work then than late at night… because again… three-year-old… at night, I’m TIRED! Haha. But I try not to pressure myself too much. I am loving this season in my life, and though I may not be able to write as much as I would like, I don’t want to miss out on my time with my son. He’s awesome, and his joy is contagious, which makes setting aside my writing an easy choice to make. It also makes those early, quiet mornings more productive because I am trying to cram as much productivity into my limited time frame.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

I’ve always wanted to see my Unfading Lands Series turned into a movie, but not sure if that one will ever come to fruition. Despite my hopes for that one, I have been contacted about film/television possibilities for Montgomery House. At this point, who knows??? BUT I will say, I would LOVE to see any of them transformed into film, especially The Unfading Lands or The Siblings O’Rifcan Series.

What inspired you to write this book?

I love Ireland. I love the language; I love the sense of magic and wonder Ireland invokes in people… I loved the idea of creating a large family that just brings out the best in one another while also having those fun, annoying, or frustrating family dynamics that tend to develop as well. I also loved the idea of merging two cultures together. In Claron, Rhea is American and finds herself in this small town in County Clare, and while she is trying to learn her way around, she’s also trying to learn and understand the O’Rifcan family and all their quirks.

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?

Each character’s profession is inspired by someone I know or something exclusive to the area in which the book takes place. Claron is a dairy farmer/farmer based on knowledge I gleaned and interviewed from my grandparents. Riley is an architect based on my brother who, despite choosing a different career path, grew up wanting to be an architect and allowed me to pick his brain. Layla is an entrepreneur that wants to start her own business with bath salts, lotions, candles, etc. My mom creates these things, and her eagerness to start her own business is just that nature in myself. I’ve always wanted to work for myself (which now I do) and create fun places people can come together. Chloe is a florist, based on a good friend of mine in Houston, Texas, who is a phenomenal florist. Sherrill lent her expertise to Chloe for me. And Murphy owns the local pub. And though I do not have a friend who manages a pub, I drew his personality from several of my friends that are close to me. He’s the friendly face and clever mind that are needed to handle people and also charm them. He’s a fun character as well.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

The characters. Each character has their own distinct personality. And at times, one character would just seem to pop in and take over the story. I let them lead me. I love the family dynamics. I love the various personalities and the love of family.

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?

I would probably choose Riley or Murphy. Though I do love Claron as well. But with Riley you could expect an adventure of some sort. And with Murphy, you could expect a TON of fun. So those two would be my top choices.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reins of the story?

It’s how Murphy ended up with his own book. That was not the original plan, but his character sort of evolved and became a reader favorite, and people were asking me about his story. So he got his own book. Whenever he was in a scene, he just seemed to take it over in a great way. He was charming and funny… and he somehow navigated his way to his own book.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must-read.

This is the box set of all five of the Siblings O’Rifcan stories. It’s in Kindle Unlimited. It’s fun and fresh. And the characters are so much fun. My goal is for readers to not only fall in love with the characters, but with the community of Castlebrook and with Ireland in general.

What book do you think everyone should read?

This list could be super long, but I’ll narrow it down…

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Bellewether by Susannah Kearsely (or anything by her to be honest…Winter Sea… holy cow, it’s amazing)

Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

Research is important in any book. My research varies. If I can go to a location I want to write about, I will. If I can’t, then I travel there via the internet and look at anything from local newspapers, to Google Earth, to interviewing locals via email, etc. I love talking with people who have been to a certain location and getting their firsthand experiences. But depending on the genre, sort of depends on the type of research required. My historical fiction fantasy manuscript has taken me down several different research avenues from locations to American history to literature. I’ve been researching for about a year for that one and have just started mapping out the story with my research. I plan for that one to be published in 2020, but again, that depends on if I feel like I have enough research.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

I have several books going at once. It prevents me from having writer’s block. If I need a break from one manuscript, I’ll take one, but will work on another. Productivity is important. And it keeps the creative juices flowing.

A day in the life of the author?

I wake up around 4:30 or 5:00 AM. I fix a hot tea and take it to my desk. Let my Chihuahua, Tulip, outside. Then comes my Catahoula, Cash, and he goes outside. I then sit at my desk. Check my advertising and marketing results from the day before and update my tracking spreadsheets. Check my email and website notifications. Then I start writing. Then once my son wakes up, work is halted for a bit, and I may have another sit down around his naptime. But other than that… I try to knock it out in the morning while my house is quiet. Once my husband and son are awake, it’s almost impossible for me to sit and focus.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Not getting the manuscript finished. Stop focusing on the editing. Stop focusing on the marketing or formatting… just get it written. THEN you can focus on the rest. Some writers get overwhelmed thinking of the task ahead of them, they forget the first step, and that is finishing the manuscript.