Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer all my life–mostly of poetry and short stories–and a novelist for 5 years. I have two books in publication currently, THE CONSORT CONSPIRACY, by TouchPoint Press and ON DEADLY GROUNDS, by Iron Stream Media. My third novel, THE ROAD REMEMBERED, will release on November 1, 2021 by Kensington Studios Press.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is THE ROAD REMEMBERED. I got the idea after my father died when I found a large map from 1945 that showed his progress across Europe in the 89th Infantry Division during the final six months of World War II. A little later I found a transcript of an oral interview he had done for one of my cousin’s college classes. I read the transcript with the map open in front of me and it was as if my dad were speaking to me from his grave. After I read it, I knew I had to tell his story. But I had so many questions and was so angry with myself for not having asked them before he died. I was, however, able to find another veteran who was also in the 89th Infantry Division, so I flew to Austin to interview him as well. As it became known I was interviewing veterans for a story to take place at the end of the second World War, friends introduced me to others. I interviewed eight of them all together. The story was mostly written when I read Kristin Hannah’s THE NIGHTINGALE, and I knew I needed to add a character from the other side of the war. So I created a character based on the life of Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker, who saved 2,500 Jewish children from extinction. My early readers have loved being in the heads and hearts of both sets of characters–my American soldiers and the Germans who stood up to the brutal Nazis.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I wish I were more disciplined. Many of my author friends talk about writing 1,000 words each day, but I haven’t gotten to the point of writing every day. When I do sit down to write, however, I often write 5,000 to 6,000 words per day. Books still get written that way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dorothea Benton Frank’s works helped me to understand that place is often an important character, so must be described with enough detail that the readers feel like they walk the same ground as the characters who are there. David Morrel and Steve Berry helped me to create suspense and Kristin Hannah taught me how to capture emotion and to live in the heads and hearts of my characters.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the follow-on book to THE ROAD REMEMBERED, which is actually a prequel with the action taking place primarily during World War I. The working title is THE ROAD OF REGRETS, but I am also considering THE ROAD RENOUNCED.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish it were different, but word of mouth is still my best method. I use all of the social media outlets and they are certainly good, but for this book I actually hired a publicist and will see if that makes a difference.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Probably the same advice they’ve heard a million times. Keep at it. Don’t quit. Writing is hard. Publishing is harder. Making a living at selling books is almost impossible. But perseverance is key. My agent has told me a number of times that more than 80% of authors from whom she requests manuscripts don’t bother to send them. That’s something I’ve never understood. I totally understand the fear new authors go through, but rejection is just a part of the journey. So you might as well submit requested materials because this could be the lucky time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I call it “BIC.” Butt-In-Chair. I don’t always follow that advice, but I find that when I do, once I position my fingers over the keyboard, the words come. I’m trying to do better at practicing more consistent “BIC.”
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading books about World War I–All Quiet on the Western Front, A World Undone, and I was a Spy! When I allow myself to read fiction, I have picked up a couple more Kristin Hannah books and have one waiting by Sarah Pinbrough.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I finish my follow-on to my current book, I have a story in mind for the final book in the series. After that I will either return to one of my earlier books and write follow-ons for them or go completely nuts and write a story about vampires by husband and I have been kicking around for years. It’s a wonderful story and I really want to get it on the page.
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?
Gone With the Wind
The Nightingale
The Outlander series
Author Websites and Profiles
Kaye Schmitz Website
Kaye Schmitz Amazon Profile
Kaye Schmitz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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