Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I authored “Portland: The Riches of a City” which is a book all about Portland that I was commissioned to write by the Chamber of Commerce. I also wrote “They Ain’t Called Saints for Nothin’!” which was a self published book I produced with artist Chris Haberman.
My first novel is “Journey to Wizards’ Keep” which I co-wrote with my two best friends when we were in college for fun. We set it aside and dug it up 30 years after we initially stopped writing. We finished it and I spent 3 years polishing it before Ravenswood Publishing picked itup.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
One of my two original co-authors, Sara Cole, and I have continued to collaborate on the Irene, Nan and Kay series. Book two is coming out in 2017, and we are very close to completing Book 3!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing with another writer is an unusual thing in itself, I think. Sara and I complement each other very well. She is wonderful on plot issues, and I am a good overall writer, with a good ear for dialogue, thanks to years of being a news-reporter always looking for a good soundbite! We take turns on chapters, but I am the overall editor in order for it to have a “singular voice.” Both of us like to write in the morning, but if the muse strikes, I can be working away at night, too.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oddly, for someone who has now written three fantasy books, I haven’t read a lot of that genre. At least, not as much as Sara. But I loved the Game of Throne series — such a marvelous world he created!
I do tend to read novels about women and especially love Amy Tan, Elizabeth Gilbert, Nicole Mones, Isabella Allende. Since our series has three female characters, perhaps all the books I read with strong women characters in it have influenced me.
What are you working on now?
We are about to wrap up book three in our series — which is set six years after the initial book, “Journey to Wizards’ Keep.”
We are both sad to think about the end of these characters, so we are toying with the idea of writing a prequel!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I am still exploring that!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! I got a lot of rejections before I got that yes. Each “no” hurt, but I just kept telling myself, “Well, that just means another publisher will get this book.” I never doubted that it would be published,
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the book you want to read.
What are you reading now?
I am reading “A Thin, Bright Line” by a long time friend, Lucy Bledsoe. We knew each other growing up and I have enjoyed all her books. This is her latest, based on the amazing life of her Aunt.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I seem to split my time between marketing the book and writing the third one! Sara and I were thrilled to get into the Annual Book Sale at the Oregon Historical Society, which is for authors from the Pacific Northwest only. And we were just interviewed by the local paper, so we look forward to seeing that.
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?
How could I pick! I have the complete works of Jane Austen in one big, book, so definitely that.
The Mistress of the Vatican — because it’s endlessly fascinating and educational.
And The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert.
But you can bet I would try to sneak in more than just 3 or 4!
Author Websites and Profiles
KC Cowan Website
KC Cowan Amazon Profile