Interview With Author Lucy Cats
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer born and raised in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. I live with my brilliant son and four adorable felines less than a mile from my childhood home. I started writing at a very young age, and am making my dreams come true, one story at a time. When I’m not bludgeoning the keyboard working on my latest novel, I love to read, knit, and contemplate my next tattoo, while simultaneously indulging in all things ice cream. The voices in my head told four wonderful stories, three of which are contemporary/later in life/women’s fiction/romance and the last is a romantic suspenseful mystery.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Widow and the Orphan is my most recent publication and is the third and final installment of the non-mystery widow tales. It was inspired by my love of the characters from the first two books in the series (The Widow and the Rock Star and The Widow and the Orphan). Those first two stories show what happens when women find love again and go on to have children of their own and I wanted to tell the story of what happened to those kids.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than needing the muse to hold a pretend gun to my head to sit down and do the work of writing, no. I imagine I struggle with discipline and consistency the same as any other author.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been deeply influenced by Maya Angelou’s personal stories, though I don’t write any autobiographical material. My favorite author to read is Stephen King, even though I don’t write in the horror genre. His character development is an inspiration to me, though, and I strive to build my characters so that they are as engaging as his.
What are you working on now?
My current work in progress is another romantic suspense/mystery novel and could possibly be another “Widow” tale, but I haven’t yet decided if that’s the route I want to take with this story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There is no best method for advertising because the market is so crazy all the time. When I originally began self-publishing, websites were the way to go. Since I took a break and came back with a new author name and brand, I’ve found that marketing has changed in so many ways. I’m still in the process of trying to figure out the best way to get my name and titles out there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book(s) first. Don’t get bogged down with figuring out how to get it published or how to advertise and market before you’ve even finished the book. Make a plan and get the words on the page from start to finish and then take the next steps with editing and beta readers. When you’ve got what you truly feel is your finished product, then you can think about what comes next which should be the next book. If you don’t have more than one book, trying to promote just one title can be deeply disappointing. Readers like to be able to get on to the next book in your series, or by you, right away.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Shut up and write.
What are you reading now?
The Power by Naomi Alderman
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. Getting the words on the page and building my backlist.
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?
The Stand and It by Stephen King
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
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