Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello readers! I am the author of the ‘A Sweet Reunion Romance’ novella series and ‘Jingle Bells, Mussel Shells, Murder all the Way’ which is a holiday-themed cozy mystery novel. I also have a poetry collection called ‘Dreams for the Divine and Drowning’ and a collection of rhymes and fairytales called ‘Of a Lilac Moon’. Finally, I have a collection of short stories called ‘Stained: Short Stories for the Unkempt Woman’. I live with my husband, daughters, and dogs on Whidbey Island, Washington. I have lived all over the United States but came back to Whidbey a few years ago to be close to family and to be a part of the amazing artist community here!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Jingle Bells, Mussel Shells, Murder all the Way’. It is a holiday-themed cozy mystery but it didn’t start out that way. It was supposed to be the third book in my ‘A Sweet Reunion Romance’ series that followed a side character named Tessa as she found love. Instead, she found a dead body. The characters took over from there and soon I had what I consider a sweet romance/cozy mystery cross-over book! There’s still a lot of sweet romance but also you find the humor, mystery, and yes-recipes, that you often see in a cozy mystery novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write from an armchair on a little purple laptop. I have to have the tv on in the background and often it’s Friends, Lifetime movies, or reality tv. I have to be drinking an energy drink or something fizzy. I take a lot of breaks where I walk around the room and see what chores I can ignore.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I set out to write a cozy mystery I wanted to read a lot of pet-themed cozies. Linda O. Johnston, Ginger Bolton, and V.M. Burns were all on the list. I love anything with a great pet side-kick and I hope that readers love my own Kipsie the senior Shih-Tzu from ‘Jingle’!
What are you working on now?
I am about to start a new cozy series about an L.A. actor/ pet groomer who comes back home to take over a family business. She will encounter lots of small-town drama, past loves, family issues, and tons of fun characters, and of course a murder to solve!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do a lot of social media posting when I’m taking a break from writing. Facebook mostly but I use Instagram for my poetry and Twitter when I remember.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it’s not usually recommended, but I like to edit as I go. I write slow, think about what I’m saying and really don’t have to do much re-writing in my editing process. I hate rough drafts that require you to start over. I’d rather get it right the first time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let the story tell itself.
What are you reading now?
Look Who Tuna’d Up Dead by Aliyah Burke
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just going to keep writing. I have so many stories to tell and no time to waste!
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?
Ooh, good one! I would take Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Hunger Games, and the 100 Best Short Stories Collection. Just off the top of my head!
Author Websites and Profiles
Katie Hagen Website
Katie Hagen Amazon Profile
Katie Hagen’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profil