Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Lydia was raised in a small town in Oregon. Though there was not a lot to entertain the residents- without driving for 30 minute- her imagination gave her all the excitement a young girl needed.
As a child she was raised in a dysfunctional family. Make believe soon became her coping mechanism for the life she could not control. Growing up in a struggling, abusive, and broken home helped her learn that her strength was all she had and her imagination was always there to get her through. When she got older she married a less than perfect man. He proved to be a struggle to live with and he forbid her imagination to flow freely. That didn’t turn out so well and after she left him she rediscovered the art of story telling. Several years later she discovered she would need brain surgery. With no guarantee she would live she wrote her first novel as a last story and gift to her small children. Now, that story has become the first in a universe of YA fantasy fiction with strong females actively fighting their own battles and showing the world what they are made of.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Morning Diamond is the 1st book to be published, but it will soon be joined by its sequel Sunset Rubies-which will be released in November.
I was inspired to write this book because I learned I needed brain surgery. With no guarantee I would survive I wanted my children to have one last story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I seriously barf my story on paper. I do not outline my story. I develop my characters as I go and I usually have no idea where I am going in the story until I am in the moment of surprise. I know my readers will be excited and blown away because there are times that I have felt that way while writing my stories. This being said I require a lot of editing and fixing. Though I am sure perfection has not been reached, its the closest I can get it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Honestly, I do not read from my genre so I have no idea how to answer this. I guess my love for reading from a variety of authors is what influenced my desire to create my own stories.
What are you working on now?
I am currently editing book two of The Fight for Danyon that will release in November. I am also working on finishing up book three-Midnight Coal. I also have two other series that I am finishing up the rough drafts of. So you have not heard the last from me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far I have only tried Facebook and Twitter. I am just starting to discover a whole world of promoting sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write what you love and write what you are comfortable and happy with. We all have our own language and ways of expressing ourselves for our characters. When you are given advice, use what you can and want and leave the rest, but do not get discouraged if you are not like someone else. It is our personal creativity and uniqueness that makes your story special.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Daily acts of service is like peeing your pants. Everyone knows you did it, but only you get the warm feeling.
What are you reading now?
Twin Passions by Mirium Minger
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to just keep writing. I have a journal with about 40 ideas that I want to create stories from.
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?
And then you die by Iris Johansen
Elf Quest (this is the only comics I have read and I am in love with them!)
Captive Bride by Johanna Lindsey
I also have two books that I would love to find again, but I can’t remember the name of the author nor the name of the books. Its quite heart breaking.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lydia Caatt Website
Lydia Caatt Amazon Profile
Lydia Caatt Author Profile on Smashwords
Lydia Caatt’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account