Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a degree in history and belong to three national honor societies in education. An avid reader, I am also a public speaker, workshop host and I have experience in talk radio and TV. This is my second book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is Granny Buck’s Dibs and Dabs: Appalachian Traditions and Magical Ways.
Most of this collection of material was gathered over the years while I was living in the Uwharrie Mountains, the Asheville area in North Carolina and by visiting Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and West Virginia border mountain towns and retreats.
Part folklore, part “how-to”, part magical and definitely spiritual, it was an interesting book to write and I still enjoy reading over it. I have not found any book yet where this variety of material is been brought together.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write from 3 am until I can’t sit anymore and prefer to write in my pajamas. I keep boxes of materials (interesting trivia and stuff) that I gathered over the years and go through them periodically to give me new ideas or new ways of looking at things.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think it may depend on what type of book I am writing since I love a vast variety of written material.
What are you working on now?
Actually, I am finishing up on two short stories and have two more book projects in the works right now.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is to keep pushing my material. I love to do talks and workshops as well. I have two websites so far: http://www.belhavenbooks.com and https://www.facebook.com/CSBwriter/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient; constantly work on your manuscript up until it is time to send to a publishing house. If you decide not to get a publisher interested in your materials, the only other option you have is to self-publish and that can be expensive. If you are not familiar with the Indie or self-publishing community, you really should look into it as it is becoming more acceptable to writers and retail bookstores.
It is a hard road to go without a traditional publishing house but the Indie community tries to work with new authors to help them get ahead.
Edit, edit, edit and make sure you thank or recognize those who allowed pictures or materials to be used in your work.
Last but not least; have faith in your work. A rejection slip just means that your materials will most likely be accepted by someone else another day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You’ve got this; keep going.”
What are you reading now?
I am actually re-reading Shaun Tan’s, Tales from Outer Suburbia. He does such a great job with the books he creates.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What else? More writing. I am also setting up new podcasts and hopefully new talks and book signings.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My newest book, Granny buck’s Dibs and Dabs, basically because it has so many different ways to survive successfully in isolated or rural areas.
A book of T.S. Eliot’s poems and a copy of Rodale’s Illustrated Guide to Herbs.
Author Websites and Profiles
Catherine Buck Websit
Catherine Buck’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile