Author of the week - Katie Mac

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katie Mac interview

 

Katie thank you for taking time out to talk to us. We are so excited to finally talk to you.

 

For those who don't know much about you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Well, I am a simple country girl. I was born in raised in North Carolina. I’ve relocated from the eastern part to the mountains, and I love the simple living here. My hubba hunka hubs and I have been married for twenty years, and we have three kids, and a grandson who totally rocks my world. I love being in the great outdoors, no matter the weather. My temporary office is actually on my front porch. If I have a craving, it’s normally for chocolate; add peanut butter, and we’ve got a deal. I love music, but not when writing, and I love, love, love to read. Food is also one of my passions, both eating and cooking.

What made you choose to write in this style?

Hmmm… that’s a hard question. So many books today are all about sex and alpha males, and sex. There’s hardly a story to read between the sex. I wanted to write something that has meat to it, substance, if you will. I also wanted to leave something behind that my children and grandchildren could take pride in. My parents are in their mid-seventies, and I really didn’t want my mom to read my book and question how she raised me. My hope is that Searching for Tomorrow makes you laugh, ticks you off, shatters your heart, mends the pieces back, and leaves you with a little more hope for your Tomorrow. I might should warn the readers, this story is told with a very distinctive Southern voice. If you’re not familiar with Southern voices, search Youtube for Steele Magnolias.

If you had 24 hour with your lead male what would you want to do?

I’ve had nine months with Tripp in my head, LOL. If I could spend 24 hours with him, I would want to go on a waterfall walk with him. I would want him to woo me the way he woos Wryn. I would also love to hear about all his adventures in the Army.

 

Did you  do any research for your book?

Oh yes. I researched 9/11 and also the United States Army. I’ve read heart-wrenching stories from women whose husbands never made it back home. I’ve been privileged to speak to many soldiers to hear their stories.

 

What type of research did you do?

 I Googled, of course. I also talked to friends and total strangers. I joined Military Boards and Widows Boards to research the emotions.

 

Is Searching for Tomorrow a book in a series?

Yes, and no. It is a stand-a-lone, but there will be a follow-up for Wryn’s brother Zack. The working title is Tomorrow Found.

 

Is there a hide message in Searching for Tomorrow?

Never, ever give up on love. Faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love.

 

Do you have any plans for other series?

That is undecided right now. I’ve actually started four other novels, but whether or not I publish them, that’s yet to be seen.

 

Are the names of the characters in Searching for Tomorrow special to you?

The names and the setting. Highlands NC is one of my favorite places to run to when my soul is dry and weary. I actually had a great-grandma Tiddy! You’ll also find the names of my hubs, my children, and several special friends in it. Also, Wryn’s name is Kathryn. That’s my name. Strange, but hey, it works for me.

 

 

Can you tell us one of your favourite quotes from Searching for Tomorrow?

This might seem so out of left field, but it reminds me of my hubs. Tripp has confessed that there have been times when he wants to cry, but he doesn’t let it happen. Wryn wants to know what could make him cry, and this is his response.  “I’m really not that complicated. I reckon I’ll cry when you say ‘yes’, and then again when you say ‘I do’. Then later on down the road, it’s pretty much a guarantee that I’ll cry when our kids are born. Those sort of things would bring this boy to his knees, cause those things are what’s really important.”

 

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

What I’ve learned could fill a book! There is no just sit down on the weekend and write a book. This labor of love has taken over 300 hours just in the writing. Research was probably another 100. I’ve also learned that it is possible to have a family and a full time job, and still make a dream come true.

 

 

 

What do you use to write your book?

I used several spiral bound notebooks and a pen. If I was inspired and empty handed, I would record messages on my phone or text myself. Then, there were days when I was glued to my computer for hours on end.

 

Do you listen to music while you writing or reading?

No. As a matter of fact, if my family is around, I have a tendancy to wear earplugs. I am a no noise kinda writer and reader.

 

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

 It’s important to surround yourself with supportive people who want the best for you. There’s no room for spite, anger, or jealousy. Since you don’t get a lot of sleep, coffee is always good too!

 

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Actually feeling the grief over losing a spouse, and the struggles a young widow had trying to just live and breathe. I cried ugly tears while writing some parts.

 

Describe in 5 words, your writing:

 

  Witty Southern old fashioned values.

 

Who designed the cover?

The amazing JB McGee with Indie Pixel Studios

 

When can we expect to see your next book cover?

Ha, probably after I have it made! Sorry, but I’m not that far yet. Dang it, now I want to go look for cover pictures.

 

What are you currently reading?

Does my own book count? I’m doing edits on it and rewrites. I did read That Girl by Colleen Hoover, and Sempre by J.M. Darhower

 

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

Not really, though I would love to be Bella to Edward in the Twilight series. To know such love and devotion … amazing!

 

If you could write with another author, who would it be?

 Wow, uhm, LOVE Nora Roberts, but she is way out of my league. There are a ton of Indie authors I would love to write with, but I’m too chicken to ask!

 

When your were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher and a writer

 

Do you have a nickname? Kat

 

What are your pet peeves?

Selfish people, people who don’t use their turn signals, people who only use and never give back

 

Do you ever write naked?

That would be so unfair to the human race!

 

If  you were trapped on an island with a man, what 5 things would you take with you?

If it’s my hubs, you have a deal. After 20 years, I’d need a toothbrush, sunscreen, lip balm, chewing gum, and chocolate. He’ll take care of the rest!

 

 

Quick Fire

 

 

 

 

 

Favourite Authors?

Nora Roberts and Karen Kingsbury
Favourite books?

The Red Tent by Anita Diamante

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

My Year of Meats by Ruth Ozeki

Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin

Favourite colour?

Burnt orange

Favourite eye colour?

Chocolate brown like my hubs

Favourite hair colour?

I wish I were a red head

Favourite song?

Love is by Brandon Heath

Favourite place to write/ read?

My front porch

 

 

 

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Let’s have some fun.

 

 

 

Answer the first that comes to you. No cheating

 

 

 

 

 

Hot or cold.

hot

 

 

In or out.

out

 

 

 

 

Up or down.

up

 

 

 

 

Boxers or briefs.

Boxer briefs

 

 

 

Night or day.

day

 

 

Toys or no toys.

depends

 

 

 

 

 

Chest hair or no chest hair.

Chest hair

 

 

 

 

Lace or no lace

If it’s not itchy

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for taking part. We can't wait to read more work from you.