Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mother and now a grandmother, living in the country on 22 acres and writing full-time. I’ve written over 20 novels under various pen names; mystery, romance and historical adventure. I was traditionally published in 2008 and 2011 but I discovered self-publishing in 2014 and never looked back.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is The Way Home. It was inspired by the screwball romantic comedies of the Thirties. I love the idea of a man and woman–both dedicated to remaining single–being thrust together and seeing what happens. And I love snow and Christmas so it has that in it too.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I eat corn flakes out of the box when I’m on a roll and don’t want to stop to make a proper lunch.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Classic romances with a deep story such as Gone With the Wind, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Daphne de Maurier, Phyllis A. Whitney and Victoria Holt, as I mentioned. I love mysterious, gothic elements in a historical romance.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a Victorian series called Victorian Villains that I hope to release this year. I used to devour Phyllis A. Whitney and Victoria Holt when I was a kid and I longed to read a juicy gothic romance (as we called them back then). When I want to read something but can’t find exactly what I’m looking for, I usually write it. The premise is to take the villains in Victorian novels and turn them into heroes. These are darker, edgier romances with gothic overtones and satisfying happy-ever-afters.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day even if it’s only a paragraph. Writing is mostly a discipline that will absolutely take hold of you if you do it every day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Gosh, I’ve heard so much excellent advice in the past year…I guess the best has been to know who you are and what you want for your life and going from there without worrying too much about what the guy next to you is doing.
What are you reading now?
Heathcliff by N J Dorrian.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My goal is to release the first Victorian Villains trilogy and to finish up another series I have under another pen name. More writing. More books.
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?
Oh, I love this question. 1) the Bible because it covers all bases. 2) A how-to Wilderness Survival book 3) Wuthering Heights 4) blank journal (for writing)
Author Websites and Profiles
Catherine Lloyd Website
Catherine Lloyd Amazon Profile