Interview With Author Katherine Eileen Dowling
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing since I was 16 but heared the old adage, write about what you know. All I knew at 16 was teenage angst, the world of a secretary and that my dog had died. Fast forward 40 years later. I have travelled, lost many human friends and relations, the most recent death was my Mother. A crushing blow to the soul, but I suppose my awakening and writing was my therapy. It was time for the snail with all the experience of life, medicine, paediatrics, and nursing her mother to come out of its shell and taste the world around her.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This book was written at my Mothers hospital bedside, whilst she lay in deep sleep, and I had been told the bitter tragic news that at 89 years of age, it was time for us to say goodbye. I think she, my love for medical dramas, my insight into magic and experience in that world, plus bereavement led me to write the first series of Ripples of Blaine. Iridescence of a Raven, its borderline mental and physical torture of two main characters, although they free now.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I will write any where, whatsapp is great for jotting down ideas, on a park bench, on the train, waiting for appointments. My writing tablet, used to spend hours writing and making notes. Eating pistachios I guess is a habit. Talking out loud to my characters in the park and having a conversation but I have always talked to myself, and found its common practice amongst some people. Thank goodness for mobile phones.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All the classics, Thomas Hardy, Charlotte Bronte. CS Lewis, I read the whole of Narnia in my teens and again later in life. PD James, her murder mysteries enthrall me. Agatha Christie and those red herrings, brilliant! Ian Fleming and his novels on James Bond where life long friends. Terry Prachett absolutely hilarious I still think the world is flat. JKR Tolkein and his mystical elves, terrible awks and hobbits. Stephen King, Pet Semetary for example. James Herbert The Magic Cottage for example. Finally JK Rowling I love the novels of Harry Potter, I was so depressed with life and she kindled a fire in me I had lost. Never knew that I would walk in her shoes, in my personal family life though.
What are you working on now?
I am working on this series, but I am into series 6 or 7, its just taken wings and flew. Breakfast, Dinner and Tea, pushed to the side line whilst my mind is buzzing with what happens next. I have the basic plot line, I know what going to happen, but it just writes its self, the characters just want to speak,
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promoting this book is or has been difficult. I just found you, and the free promotion idea on Amazon. My website is new. I wrote so many blogs many years ago, so easy to do. Now they seem like a mine field. Someone told me to do some promotion work, and since I have Daz Studio I can create those characters. Some people do not like Ai imagery but its been very helpful. I also take a lot of photographs of places that inspire me and the story.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Its the oldest advice I can give you. Write about what you know, and if you don’t know it then do it. Like going to nursing school because you wanted to be a doctor, or teaching because you enjoyed teaching. Write often, fortunately after 40 years, technology has changed and if you get writers block you say hey Gemini, this is what I am stuck on give me some ideas.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write about what you know, experience life, and write everything down. If your struggling ask someone a friend for help.
What are you reading now?
When I am writing I find it difficult to read. I am still listening to JR Tolkeins Lord of the Rings whilst I am prepping meals, or resting. There are few books I am interested in, especially reading new author titles, struggling young authors who need someone to say. Thats great, thats a spine tingler, I can’t read it at night.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am still working on this series and still self editing the paper back.
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 no thats not fair, not even a series of books! Probably LOTR and finish it thats one because I have the Triology in one book. Perhaps Pet Semetary, I would read that again, Magic Cottage. It would be a toss up between Magicians Nephew CS Lewis or just one Harry Potter book, I think Chamber of Secrets the. Oh thats five, leave the make up behind.
Author Websites and Profiles
Katherine Eileen Dowling Website
Katherine Eileen Dowling Amazon Profile
Katherine Eileen Dowling’s Social Media Links
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