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?
“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?
My son and L.U. Ann
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?
Favourite colour?
Burnt orange
Favourite eye colour?
Favourite eye colour?
Chocolate brown
like my hubs
Favourite hair colour?
Favourite hair colour?
I wish I were a
red head
Favourite song?
Favourite song?
Love is by
Brandon Heath
Favourite place to write/ read?
Favourite place to write/ read?
My front porch
*********************************************
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
Tell Us Five Surprising Things About Yourself
- I am a PK. If you know what that means, then you know what that means.
- I have always wanted to be a red head with long, beautiful corkscrew curls.
- No matter what I’m doing, I would rather be outside, day or night, hot or cold, rain or shine.
- I I was awarded two separate scholarships when I graduated high school. One was a teaching fellowship and the other was for writing.
- I love to cook, almost as much as I like to eat. I spent a couple of years as a private cook for a local family and loved every minute of it
What is your writing environment?
I have a small office tucked in the
back corner of my house. I need quiet to write, so I’m as far from the family
room and TV as I can get.
One of your favorite quotes.
To
whom much is given, much is required.
Top three things on your bucket list.
1.
Run a marathon
2.
Visit Scotland and Ireland
3.
Stay on an Amish farm for a month.
Random Things About My Novel
The story is set in Highlands, NC. It is one of my most
favorite places to visit. Something about it soothes my soul. All of the
locations that I wrote about are real places that I try to visit every time I
go.
I based the teenage Tripp and Liam on my own 16-year-old
son. I’m blessed to have a teenage son who is respectful and polite, and he
isn’t ashamed to show his ol’ mom affection, even in the halls of his HS.
Searching for Tomorrow has a definite Southern voice to it.
If you ever hear me speak, you’ll definitely understand. If you’re curious what
I sound like, watch Steele Magnolias. J
What is your favorite scene in your new release?
I
loved the spider scene with Mother Tidwell, but really, the whole engagement
scene steals my breath.
Flirting Questions
What does love feel like?
Warm, fuzzy, secure, safe,
sheltered
When was your last kiss?
Before my hubs left to go out of
town Monday. He comes home tonight, so that will have changed by the time you
read this!
What’s an absolute no-no in a relationship?
Infidelity…period
How did you meet your significant other?
In the lobby of the
bank that I worked in. I was on all fours under a Christmas tree tightening the
screws in the base. What can I say? Baby got back!
If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be?
Any
trip I take with Hubs is romantic. One of his favorite things to do is to whisk
me away to wine and dine me.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Absolutely! Ask me
how I feel about my grandson Grayson!
Flirting Quickies:
Boxers or Briefs?
Boxer
briefs
Facial hair or clean shaven?
Facial hair
Alpha or Beta?
Gamma
Planner or Panster?
Even if I make plans, I forget them!
White wine or red?
white
Coffee or tea?
coffee
Vanilla or chocolate?
Chocolate
Sweet or salty?
Salty
unless it’s chocolate
Sleep in or get up early?
Early…wanna be healthy, wealthy and wise
Laptop or desktop?
laptop
Beach or mountains?
both
Winter or summer?
summer
Cat or dog?
neither
Twilight or Fifty Shades?
Twilight
Spotlight or In the Shadows?
Shadows
City or Country?
country
Clubbing or candlelight dinner?
FOOD every time!
Backpacking or luxury hotel?
backpacking
Morning or night person?
night
Christmas or Halloween?
Fourth of July
Optimist or pessimist?
Optimist
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