Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of the contemporary romance novels Deep Blue and Deeper (Books 1 and 2 in the Deep Blue Trilogy). I wrote and illustrated my first short story at the age of eight, and I’ve been writing for most of my live. My love of the written word continued throughout my varied career as a newspaper journalist and editor, public relations executive, freelance travel writer and owner/operator of two small businesses. I was born and raised in Texas, but I spent most of my adult life in Colorado before relocating to Virginia in 2014. I live in a 100-year-old house with my husband, a standard poodle and geriatric cat. I love rock and soul music, contemporary art and pop culture, and I consider myself a free-spirited baby boomer with a youthful attitude..
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book, Deeper, was inspired by the characters in my first book, Deep Blue. I became so attached to them midway through writing the book that I couldn’t let them go. I thought it would be fun and challenging to write a romance novel about how an older couple manages to keep the spark alive after the honeymoon is over. In this case, Robert Silver, the love of Claire’s life, has a secret in his past that comes to light, threatening his new marriage and fracturing his family.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too unusual. I prefer to write on my laptop in my upstairs office where I am surrounded by my favorite artwork and inspirational objects. I have a cushy office swivel chair that fits my back. When things are going well and the muse speaks to me, I can work for hours and lose track of time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a pretty eclectic reader. I have read every book that John Steinbeck and F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote. I was a huge fan of Jacqueline Susanne’s work, particularly Valley of the Dolls. One of my favorite novels is A Confederacy of Dunces, a work of comic genius that I’ve read multiple times. My favorite contemporary novelist is Barbara Kingsolver, but I’ve also read a lot of James Patterson. I think my writing style has been influenced by his approach as much as anyone else.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on Deep End (Book 3 in the Deep Blue Series), which I hope to finish by the end of this year. I’m taking my time because I want this to be the best book yet in the series and leave my characters in a good place. Then, I plan to spin off a secondary character, celebrity chef Andre Thibodeaux, into his own book. He’s a hottie with a big personality…and the man can cook! This story is set in New Orleans so I’m planning a research trip later this year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Deep Blue was published in late 2015, so I’m still getting my feet wet when it comes to promotion. I’ve had the most success so far with Facebook because I’ve been on it longer and have more connections. I promote on other Facebook sites and sometimes use paid promotions when my books are on sale. I’ve received some good publicity through our local newspaper and book signings.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anyone tell you that “you can’t, you won’t” or “you shouldn’t.” Do what you love and don’t give up. Write because you have to express yourself, not because you think you’ll make a lot of money, because most writers don’t.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was at a writer’s group meeting where the topic was “facing your fears.” I thought I was confident, but then I began to wonder if I was running out of ideas. What if the first book was just a fluke? When I expressed this to the group, from somewhere in the back of the room came a voice that said, “Trust your gift.” I don’t even know who said it, but those three works have completely changed my attitude.
Trust your gift.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett (yes, that Buffett) that my editor Todd Barselow recommended, and it’s very entertaining. Next on the list is Wool by Hugh Howey. My husband read and loved, and he’s going to keep talking about it and spoil the plot if I don’t catch up. I have several other romance books waiting on my Kindle.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am hoping to acquire an agent within the next year who can help me get more exposure for my 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?
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Pigs In Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Author Websites and Profiles
Kathleen Duhamel Website
Kathleen Duhamel Amazon Profile
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