Me: For the writers out there - Can
you describe how THE GUY NEXT DOOR came into publishing existence? (Writing,
looking for a publisher, acceptance, editing, etc.)
Kate: In the fall of 2008, I began
studying how to write because I’d just read a series of books that completely
immersed me in its world. I wanted to know how the author had done that.
Studying led to trying it out, and suddenly I was writing this book.
From
the outset, I knew I didn’t have the time or money for writing conferences so I
would have to learn from the best. I determined to follow the writing advice of
authors who were making a living at writing and study the books they
recommended.
Using
those resources, I polished my manuscript and sent it in to Deseret Book in
October of 2009. In December of 2009 I sent it to Covenant. In January 2010 I
received a rejection from Deseret Book. In September 2010, two weeks after my
sixth baby was born, Covenant emailed an acceptance. Lots of happy tears
ensued.
I read
Scene and Structure by Jack M.
Bickham in January 2012 and knew I could improve my manuscript. I contacted my
editor and he agreed that I should edit it on my own before he looked at it. I
submitted those edits in early March.
I
didn’t hear back about until the last week of June. Then the serious editing
deadlines hit. By the end of July THE GUY NEXT DOOR had gone to press.
Me: How do you balance being a mom
with writing? How do you handle deadlines and
kids! :)
Balance
suggests that all this happens serenely. Controlled chaos best describes our
household.
A time and a season is my mantra. It reminds me that
my children have such a short season for childhood and I need to be present. My
mom always said that people talk a lot about spending quality time with their
children, but to children quantity is
quality. My parents gave me an amazing childhood in that way, and I hope to do
that with my children.
I
squeeze in consistent writing time during naptime and after they’re in bed. I
know my children and husband are the stewardship my Heavenly Father will ask
about first—not my writing.
Deadlines
are another story! This summer is the first time I’ve had to deal with strict
deadlines. I was mom until after lunch each day, and then I disappeared into our
home office until dinner (prepared by my husband and daughter) and bedtime.
Then I was back in the office until I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
Me: What can you tell us about your
upcoming projects?
Kate: I’m working on another romantic
suspense that switches viewpoints between the man and woman. I’m hoping it
works—the part about writing from a man’s perspective. It deals with witness
protection, a Ponzi scheme, cowboys, and forgiveness.
I’ve
also sketched out characters for a middle grade book because my children are
begging me to write something interesting to them. I love the characters, but I
have no plot. So lots of work there.
Me: Favorite books?
Kate: I’m all over the place with
genres, but if it’s YA or adult it has to have a good romance to win me over.
1.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
2.
The Books of Bayern Series by Shannon Hale
3.
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (her
Gregor series is also good.)
4.
The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
5.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
6. Tops
and Bottoms by
Janet Stevens
7.
Fanny’s Dream by Caralyn Buehner
Me: Who is your biggest writing
cheerleader?
Kate: My husband Nate. At one time I
was contemplating quitting. This was after THE GUY NEXT DOOR had been accepted.
He said to me, “You’re happier when you’re writing.” I hadn’t noticed that.
Me: What is it like seeing your work
in print -- in a bookstore, library, watching someone read it, etc.?
Kate: I can’t stop smiling when I see
my book. Seeing people I know read it is hard because it feels like I’ve
invited them to come play inside my head. Will they think I’m crazy?
Me: Most important question --
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Kate: This is the hardest question. I
love mint chocolate chip unless there is something with nuts. Anything with
nuts.
Me: What books are you reading,
what's in your to-be-read list?
Kate: Until my canning is done, I only
have a to-be-read list. This is part of it.
Erasing Time by C.J. Hill (Janette Rallison)
After Hello by Lisa Mangum
Friends and Foes by Sarah M. Eden
A Banner is Unfurled by Marcie Gallacher & Derri
Robinson
Feedback by Robison Wells
Reached by Ally Condie
Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale
The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell
Shadowed by Stephanie Black
Thanks, Kate, for dropping by! Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
oooh, I've been wanting to read this one. Thanks for the story about your journey to publication, Kate. I always love hearing those.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, R.