Interview With Author Kate Damon
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with family and
friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a
wicked game of bridge.
Writing as Margaret Brownley, I’ve published
more than 46 novels and am a New York Times
bestselling author. I’ve also written for a daytime soap.
Not counting the book I wrote in sixth grade, and
the puzzle of the missing socks, “Jury Duty is Murder” is my first mystery.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jury Duty is Murder is a cozy mystery. I’m known primarily as a romance writer, and I never thought I could write a mystery. But my life took a sharp turn following the loss of my husband to cancer just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This profound personal challenge shifted my focus away from romance, leading to the creation of “Jury Duty is Murder.”
I have to laugh at the idea of murder crossing my mind during that ordeal. Life sure does have a way of steering us in unexpected directions. I like to think that this book is a reflection of my journey and the resilience we find in our darkest moments.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual this is but I’m what they call a pantser writer, which means I write by the seat of my pants. All I need is an opening sentence and I’m off and running. A writer friend once talked me into writing an outline for a book. I did it to please her, but it didn’t turn out well. Since I knew how the book was going to end, I had no desire to write it and never did.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think every book you read influences you in some way. That sure is true in my case. Looking back, I think “Little Women” and “Gone With the Wind” influenced me in many ways. When I was in school, history was taught from a male point of view. Dates and battles seemed to be the focus. Those two books gave me a sense of history as seen through the eyes of the characters.
What are you working on now?
I haven’t decided yet. But since I’ve recently remarried, I have to admit my thoughts have turned back to romance.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do social media, but I aim to get as many reviews as possible.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The most important thing is to write the book. Write every day, even if it’s for only fifteen minutes. That way you stay connected to your characters.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was to give readers something to “see” in every paragraph. That’s what I strive to do.
What are you reading now?
That’s a good question. It’s the first of the year and I’m eyeing my to-read pile. Decisions, decisions…
I just got through reading “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. It’s similar in many ways to “Jury Duty is Murder.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I do have an idea for another romance series.
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?
How To Build A Wooden Boat by David C. “Bud” McIntosh
The Bible
Robinson Crusoe
Author Websites and Profiles
Kate Damon’s Social Media Links
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