Author Interview with Katherine Hastings
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Do you follow a specific process when you write?
After some trial and error, I have come up with a great writing process that works great for me. The first book I ever wrote I winged it and just followed the characters around and let the story unfold. When I was done, I had lots of plot holes and problems that needed sorting. Now I outline my novels and work out all the problems before I get started. Once I have a rough outline, I create a detailed chapter by chapter outline. I still allow myself lots of creative freedom once the writing starts, but I can write so much faster and be less distracted when I’m not stopping constantly to sort out plot holes as I go.
How important is research to you when writing a book?
Oh, I’m a fact hunting freak-show! I write mostly historical romance so I’m constantly running to Google to find out what types of materials clothes were made out of, how did they start fires then, what did they call a bathroom, slang terms for that century… my Google history is hilarious, honestly. I spend as much time researching as I do writing.
Who is the most supportive of your writing in your family?
My whole family is very supportive, but my sister is my #1 cheerleader. She’s my best friend and the first person to read my drafts. She helps me with plots when I get stumped, points out problems, and gives me a fresh view on my writing. When I finish a new book, the very first thing I do is text her. We celebrate with ridiculous GIFs back and forth before I send her the rough draft.
Do you have a day job other than being a writer? And do you like it? Does your day job ever get in the way of your writing?
I do. I handle social media and marketing accounts for businesses. My job is pretty flexible for the most part, so if a scene pops in my head, I can usually stop what I’m doing and go write it before shifting back to work. I love what I do. Really, truly love it. I have the best customers and they make work super enjoyable.
Do you believe attractive book covers help in its sales?
We all say never judge a book by its cover, but let’s be honest… we all do! I think the cover is almost as important as what’s inside. If the cover doesn’t stand out and grab people, they’ll never stop to read it. What good is a great book if no one reads it? Especially in this day and age where we scroll fast and buy books online, that little thumbnail can really make or break a book.
What do you do in your free time?
I’m a pretty dedicated horseback rider. I train and show dressage and spend hours every week practicing and training. I have this amazing little pony who thoroughly loves training and together we have climbed the levels. She blows me away every day and I count the minutes until I can see her again. When I’m not on my pony, you can find me at the beach every sunny day in the summer floating in a raft, or playing Xbox with my husband in the winter.
How long do you take to write a book?
Once I have my handy outline done, I can get the rough draft done in a couple weeks. I try to organize my life so that when it’s time to write I can disappear into my novel, only popping out for air and snack breaks. I average 5,000-10,000 words a day if I’m not juggling other things. The last novel I wrote was last month, the third book in my Daggers of Desire Series. There was a lot going on around me and I found it really difficult to get into and out of my book multiple times a day. I prefer to set aside a chunk of time, write fast, dump it onto the page, and then go back and spend a couple of weeks editing.
What is that dream goal you want to achieve before you die?
I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve knocked almost every goal I had off my bucket list. I’m pretty driven and I love accomplishing things. There are only two big things I still want to accomplish that I’m going to work towards. Become a best-selling author and get my USDF Gold Medal in dressage.
If you could live anywhere in the world, which country would you choose and why?
Honestly, I would live exactly where I do now. My home is this incredibly beautiful place, like postcard beautiful everywhere you turn. On top of that it’s one of the safest places in the world. We have almost no crime. It’s a true community where everyone looks out for one another, and we take care of each other. It’s a little slice of heaven. I might go down to Islamorada for a couple months in the winter to get some sun, but otherwise there is nowhere else I would rather be.
What are your writing plans for the future?
I plan to keep on writing! I have three books done in my Daggers of Desire series, and we’ll decide if that’s enough or if there will be more. I have a few other standalone novels done, and a fantasy romance series I started on. I’m halfway through my first contemporary novel and have more plots and ideas in my head than I know what to do with! I love historical romance and think that will be my main genre, but I’m excited to try out other genres and see how they fit and where they take me!
In the Assassin's Arms
By Katherine Hastings
Series: Dagger of Desire
Fiery Seas Everlasting
July 10, 2018
Historical Romance
John Douglas may be a well-trained political assassin, but he has met his match in the woman he once called a friend. When his childhood playmate reenters his life, she's not looking to rekindle their friendship...she's out for blood.
With a vendetta to settle, Charlotte Cornewalle isn't stopping until she finds the man who killed her father. All signs point to Robert Douglas, the leader of the opposing faction of assassins...and John's father. To get her revenge, no one will stand in her way...not even the boy she once adored.
Fate forces them together as they fight to prove their innocence and right the wrongs they have suffered. Sparks fly from more than just their swords, but will they be able to put the past behind them? Will they be able to find the truth before it destroys them both?
About the Author:
Katherine Hastings loves love. It’s why she writes romance novels. Getting lost writing a romantic adventure is one of her favorite past times. When she’s s not on an adventure in her mind with her characters, she can be found at her home in Wisconsin snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. Two things make Katherine want to leave her happy home these days...going for rides on her dressage pony or floating at the beach in her big inflatable raft. Writing her novels while floating in the lake is one of her ultimate pleasures...that and Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds, of course.
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