Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My family have always been avid readers and one of my greatest joys, as a child, was either
My family have always been avid readers and one of my greatest joys, as a child, was either receiving a book I really wanted or being given a book voucher. My favourite genres are: fantasy, historical and murder mysteries. That said, fantasy is my absolute favourite and the genre I write in is YA urban fantasy. Some of my favourite authors are: Jim Butcher, Robin Hobb, Jack Vance and Dean Koontz.
I began to write when I was fourteen, mostly short stories, then I joined a writers’ group and graduated onto writing novels. I love the challenge of world building and creating characters that evolve as the story progresses. I endeavour to paint pictures with my words that will draw the reader in and enable them to live and breathe the environment I’ve created and empathise with the protagonist and despise and loathe the antagonist.
Although writing takes up most of my time, I also collect time pieces, watch films and, of course, read, read, read… and read some more!
If you want to know more about me and my work, please contact me at: About-contact | United Kingdom | Kate (katejackauthor.com)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Elawyn and is the first in the YA urban fantasy series, The Songstress Trilogy. I was inspired to write it after I completed my first trilogy, also urban fantasy, The Silver Flute Trilogy. Elawyn was first introduced in book II of that series and she evolved so strongly, I was inspired to make her the main protagonist in the ensuing series. This was new for me, as hitherto, all my main protagonists had been male.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write best in the wee hours of the morning, about 2am to 3am, sitting in bed, with my laptop balanced on a tray on my knees. Now that I’m retired from my 9 to 5 job, I can do this without falling asleep at my desk, as I used to 😊
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of different genres, but fantasy, particularly urban fantasy, is my absolute favourite. Some of my favourite authors are Jim Butcher, reading his Dresden Files books inspired me to go down the urban fantasy path. Then there’s Robin Hobb, a superb crafter of tales. Jack Vance is another favourite of mine, particularly Lyonesse, which is a classic fantasy epic.
What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m concentrating on getting The Songstress Trilogy published on Amazon. Once I’ve finished that, I’ll be moving onto my next book, which is currently fermenting in my brain.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find websites like this are an enormous help. I also have my own website/blog, which features The Silver Flute Trilogy and I’ll soon be adding The Songstress Trilogy as well. It can be found here at: https://www.katejackauthor.com/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s very tempting, when you first start out, to give up when you run into brick walls in terms of getting your books out there and persuading people to read them. But never give up, keep plugging away and one day it’ll all come good. I don’t think there’re many writers who’ve had an easy ride, when it comes to selling their work, be it indie authors or traditional publishing, but persistence is the key.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is write, write and write some more!
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame. It’s an absolute classic children’s book and I’ve read it numerous times and even now, as an adult, love it to bits.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next move is to begin drafting out the novel that’s still all in my head. Before I can begin, however, I have to have a title first, so I’m currently mulling over a few possibilities.
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?
That’s easy. I’d take Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels, featuring the redoubtable Commander Sam Vimes.
Author Websites and Profiles
Katrina Jack Website
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