Katherine Warwick

[Michelle]

Katherine Warwick
www.ballroomdancenovels.com
www.anopenvein.com
www.katherinewarwick.com

I'm not very good at introducing, so you can read Katherine's own introduction here (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1715).

Reviews:
Dancing With His Heart (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2240)
Noon (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2335)
An Open Vein (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2242)

Interview with Katherine (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3423)
Competition (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2434)

During January, Katherine will also monitor this thread, and respond to any questions or comments, so please go ahead and chat to our featured author. :smile2:

[Michelle]

I have a question for you that didn't make it to the interview.. why a change of name for An Open Vein? Is it because it's so different to your romance books? Which name is your other YA fiction under?

[KW]

There are several reasons authors use different names: for privacy, but mainly if they write under one name and don't have any significant sales, an interested publishing house can use another name to "start afresh" if you will.

For me, the name differences differentiate my various genres: Women's Romance, ( Katherine Warwick )YA, (Jennnifer Laurens ) and edgy YA.( JM Warwick )

So next time you see your favorite author on the shelf, consider the fact that the name they are using might not be the first name they wrote under. You never know!

KW

[Michelle]

We have some members of this forum who show an interest in writing. Do you have any advice for them, to help improve their skills.. and confidence? :)

[KW]

Though reading "how-to" books may help, nothing is better than a class where you can take your writing in, have the instructor and class read it and then go through the critiquing process.

Be open to even the most harsh suggestions, as new writers are often close to their work and think it's already perfect. A seasoned author/teacher "sees" things you aren't trained to see yet and can help you focus your writing lense.

Comments from other class members will tell you if you're getting your point across, how interesting your passages are, where they have questions you have not answered.

I'm in a group now with a woman that is still very sensitive to crits about her work. Last week we all had the same question at the same spot in her story, but she didn't want to answer the question by changing her work. "I answer that later in the story," she kept saying. Clearly, we all had the question at the same point however, and having that question answered later creates a loss of impact in the story thread.

Remember, you're not going to be standing over your reader's shoulder as a footnote to answer they're questions or defend why you did something. All loose ends must be wrapped up in a satisfying manner or be accounted for before the story ends or the reader will be left unsatisfied.

Reading is also key, and reading a large variety of genres and authors to see how they express themselves. Subconsciously, this seeps into your creative process as you settle into voice and style, in then end giving you part of your genetic makeup as an author.

[Purple Poppy]

Hello Katherine.

Can you expand a bit on Kane's character in An Open Vein. Your description of him on the website says...

'A cunning, intelligent, handsome man…the devil himself, with an irresistible aura hiding behind the respected facade of "Doctor" that would erase any doubt and draw the believing and trusting in with the force of tornado.'

I didn't see Kane as wicked, although he was described sometimes as cold and cruel. To me he was a man with real psychological problems struggling to come to terms with his loss, in a way that showed that he had lost all sense of reality. Presumably he was working at his job on autopilot (but how dangerous!).

PP

[Janet]

Do you have a favourite author to read, and if so, are they inspiration for you?

If you could have written any book published by another author, what would you pick, and why?

[KW]

You nailed Kane, purplepoppy. Kane’s obsession knows no boundaries. He will stop at nothing in an act of revenge so deeply woven into life that reality has been lost and dreams become what are real.

[KW]

Do you have a favourite author to read, and if so, are they inspiration for you?

If you could have written any book published by another author, what would you pick, and why?

I've been fond of Nora Roberts, but lately her newest work hasn't grabbed me. But my all time favorite book is Honest Illusions. Her crafting of that story is as near to perfect as any book I've read on so many levels, it's amazing.

[Michelle]

How about the second question, Katherine.. which book do you admire, and wish you'd written? :)

[KW]

There are so many great books out there and I'd love to have written them for different reasons:

Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice because I could never create such a detailed world and I really admire that about her creative process.

Penelope Williams for her use of the language in Wages of Sin and Mortal Sins

I'd have to say though, Honest Illusions is the book I'd like to have written. It has it all: suspense, fabulous locations, unforgettable characters and it's the kind of book I didn't want to end.

[Janet]

Thanks for the speedy replies. :D

[Purple Poppy]

Yes thank you for your speedy answers.
Here's a question of a more general nature.

What do your children think about your writing career and do any of them intend following in your footsteps? Do they write now?

PP

[KW]

My two daughters ages 21 and 19 both write. One attends our local B&N where I host the writing group. One writes historical romance, the other edgy YA. Both have been voracious readers and have written for their high school newspaper, etc.

I think it's in our family genes.

My step father was a writer, and it always fascinated me -- his work.

Now, ds age 14 is also writing - fantasy - as in, he takes out his frustrations and fantasies in his journals about his older brother harassing him and his younger brother who bosses him around! In his stories, he's the victor of course.

[Maureen]

Hi Katherine. Can I ask you whether you draw on real life experiences in your novels, or whether every one is a figment of your imagination?

[KW]

Hi Maureen,

Oh, well, there is definitely an element of real life in everything I write. If I'm on a roll, I don't stop and take the time to figure out some things, they just pop into mind and work.

I mentioned before that much of John's relationship with his mother in An Open Vein is like mine has been with my mother: agitated, insecure, struggling for independence. Maybe it's because I was an only child but it's been difficult for my mom to let go. She still struggles with that and it's still an issue. I wanted to show the frustration a child has when a parent can't let go, but also, how difficult it is once a parent lets go. It's not as easy to be an adult as you think.

When romance enters into a story, I never draw from intimate experience. I wouldn't do that to my husband. This, among other reasons, is why I don't write explicit sex.

But many little incidents creep into my work. It's a way of personalizing it I think. And no one knows what's me and what isn't unless they know me very well -- like family. Often friends and family read and point out a neighbor's name that I've grabbed and stuck here or there because I haven't the inclination to pick something else out.

[Kell]

Hi Katherine. I was wondering if you'd ever thought about running a writing course or series of workshops?

PS - I'm planning on reading An Open Vein very shortly...

[madcow]

Katherine in Dances With His Heart the female lead has a child with autism, do you find it hard to write about something that is personal like that (your website says you have a child who suffers from autism) and did you have to do much research into what is available to a single parent with an autistic child i.e. the special school, its cost and waiting list and the window and door alarms etc. I hope that it is not too personal a question to ask and apologise if so.

[Michelle]

Often friends and family read and point out a neighbor's name that I've grabbed and stuck here or there because I haven't the inclination to pick something else out.

They probably think they're really special.. and you've simply picked their names because you're stuck! ;) :mrgreen:

[KW]

Hi Katherine. I was wondering if you'd ever thought about running a writing course or series of workshops?

PS - I'm planning on reading An Open Vein very shortly...

Hi Kell,

I really enjoy helping people with their writing, and have already been "hired" if you will, by other authors to critique and work with them through the process. (Not for pay) I do it because I was so moved by my own experience with my instructor that I thought, if I could help someone to the degree he helped me, I could give back.

Not to sound cheesy, but I really DO enjoy that.

In light of that enjoyment, I have an online crit group with a few select ladies -- we came together from other online crit groups -- and I head up two local crit groups here in my city.

Every now and then I still work one on one with writers if my schedule allows. It can be very time consuming.

But I think it'd be fun to try an online class with posts, weekly lessons /writing challenges and feedback from other members.

[Kell]

Well, if you do, sign me up! And in the meantime, any pointers you can give me on any of the shorts I've been posting here will be most welcome, good or bad - I'm all for improving. :)

[KW]

Katherine in Dances With His Heart the female lead has a child with autism, do you find it hard to write about something that is personal like that (your website says you have a child who suffers from autism) and did you have to do much research into what is available to a single parent with an autistic child i.e. the special school, its cost and waiting list and the window and door alarms etc. I hope that it is not too personal a question to ask and apologise if so.

Hey Madcow -

LOL, I didn't need to do any research for DWHH. Nope, that was ( again ) all me there. Writing Lauren as a mother of a child with autism was really a purge for me. I wanted the contrast between her highly competitive life as a dancer to be just as high stress as life is living with autism, because it made her more real and sympathetic.

But all of those things that happened to Lauren -- the things Rebekah did -- are all things my daughter with autism has done. Running away, getting lost, escaping through windows and doors, falling from shelves, etc...are direct experiences from our daily lives, though she's 12 now and has grown out of the running.

[KW]

Stuck, sometimes most definitely, but mostly it's because I have a neighborhood directory sitting right here next to my computer and if I'm creating a new character, I glance at it!

[Maureen]

Thanks Katherine - that was very open and sincere of you!

[Maureen]

Often friends and family read and point out a neighbor's name that I've grabbed and stuck here or there .
.....I will check if:mrgreen: I find any of the forum members in yr next book :lol:

[KW]

Well, if you do, sign me up! And in the meantime, any pointers you can give me on any of the shorts I've been posting here will be most welcome, good or bad - I'm all for improving. :)

Sure, Kell. I'd be happy to!

[KW]

.....I will check if:mrgreen: I find any of the forum members in yr next book :lol:

You mean when I write a children's horror book about a madcow that goes chasing after purplepoppys?

[Purple Poppy]

KW writes...
You mean when I write a children's horror book about a madcow that goes chasing after purplepoppys?


Oh my...fame at last! :) Not quite what I had in mind LOL, but I admire your imagination KW.
(If you catch me Madcow, you won't eat me will you?) :eek:

PP:lol:

[KW]

Whether or not you get eaten is left up to me, dear. :blush:

[Purple Poppy]

Kw said...

Whether or not you get eaten is left up to me, dear. :blush:


Sounds like grovelling time to me....

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/Catkintails/Tags%20and%20blinkies%20etc/thfuzzybowpenguin.gif http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/Catkintails/Tags%20and%20blinkies%20etc/thgirlbow1.gif http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/Catkintails/Tags%20and%20blinkies%20etc/Doggrovellingsweet.jpg

Now, surely one of these will melt your heart???

PP

[Maureen]

Lol PP and KW!!, Well K, you surely have a lot of imagination!

[madcow]

KW writes...

Oh my...fame at last! :) Not quite what I had in mind LOL, but I admire your imagination KW.
(If you catch me Madcow, you won't eat me will you?) :eek:

PP:lol:
No i won't, well not in one sitting anyway :tong:

[Purple Poppy]

Don't reckon I'd taste too good!
:friends0:

[madcow]

Bet I'd taste even worse :lol: .

KW see what you've started :mrgreen:

[KW]

You two set yourselves up for it. You wanted to be characters, and NOW you're complaining about it?!?!?!:roll:

The story is taking a drastic turn...

[madcow]

I'm not complaining...honest :mrgreen: ...grovel grovel grovel.

It would be cool to be a character in one of your books KW, no matter how nasty and horrible you make me :lol: and if I could dance as well now that would be a bonus :tong:

[Michelle]

Going back to an earlier thread of yours.. http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1718.. did you decide on a King book to read? :)

[KW]

I still have The Girl that Loved Tom Gordon sitting by my bedside...in fact, the friend that gave it to me just asked me if I'd read it yet and I had to bow my head and say, "No."

But then she and I are even -- she hasn't yet read AOV, which I gave her back in Oct!!!!!!!!!

Not that Im' waiting until she DOES read it -- that's just a coincidence.

[madcow]

KW when you do get down to writing do you have to have a relaxed atmosphere? complete silence or do you listen to music and if so what? and do you manage to get any writing done when your family is at home?

[KW]

Hey Madcow -

I usually create a musical soundtrack for each book -- it seals the creative gap when time has passed. I pop in the music and I'm in the "mood" of the piece...it's a little trick that works for me rather than re-reading large chunks to "get back into it".

Right now I'm going through my last run-through of a WIP and so that CD goes on an endless loop while I'm working.

[Maureen]

HOw long did it take you to write an Open Vein?

[Gyre]

Hello,

Would you like to see any of your books made into a film? and if so, what book would it be?

:readingtwo:

[madcow]

Following on from Gyre's question...
Who would you like to see in the lead roles?

[KW]

Hello Maureen,

It took a couple of years because it first started out in omniscient POV. Then I read a gripping book called "Goat" by Brad Land and knew I had to start over and show the story exclusively from John's POV. I knew the story would be more powerful that way.

[KW]

Hello,

Would you like to see any of your books made into a film? and if so, what book would it be?

:readingtwo:



I can't imagine an author that wouldn't want to see their work in film. Two novels I haven't yet released would lend themselves nicely to film -- both have suspense elements. And then I'd love to see An Open Vein done by some far out indy producer that could pull off something with only two men and tons of intensity. It'd be a great dramatic role oppertunity for two actors. ( Of course screenplays can change a lot when adapted from books ) And I'm actually playing around with writing one for it now -- just for the variety and excersize. And I've added some smaller roles because film plays out differently than a novel.

Kane: some good older gents: Anthony Hopkins ( might be too old ), Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey or Frank Langella

John: ? There aren't a lot of young actors in their 20's that can look like teenagers. And I'm not that familiar with teenaged actors.

Great question!

[Michelle]

When your children were younger, did you find yourself making up stories for them? Were they the starring characters?

[KW]

Hi Michelle,

Actually, no. With six, it was all I could do to manage the day. It's only been since they've gotten older, self-sufficient and my days have quieted some that I've been able to think in story patterns.

But now, they are the beneficiaries. Two of my YA stories are their stories...with some twists to protect the innocent.;)

[Purple Poppy]

How many words do you try to write a day?

[KW]

PP- I don't keep track. But when I'm on a roll, which is most days when I'm deep into a WIP, I write about 10-12 pages.

[Maureen]

me again (nosey parker!)
How do you choose a book to read? How does it conflict/or not with what you are writing at the time?

[KW]

Hi Maureen!

I choose now based on recommedation. I've become so stretched in my time that any reading I do is like eating dessert: it has to be an absolute favorite for me to indulge.

Right now I'm reading Loretta Chase, a well-loved author in the romance genre. LORD OF SCOUNDRELS ( complete with nearly naked cover and blowing hair ) was recommended over and over again on by readers. I couldn't ignore it.

So far it's pretty good, but it's a historical and I prefer contemp reading for the most part.

And the COVER! Yikes! I leave it turned upside down when not in use!

KW

[Maureen]

Thanks Katherine. I'll be quiet now ;-)

[KW]

Oh, PLEASE don't...:smile2:

[Purple Poppy]

Hi again!
KW, how do you organise all your research info. I know you can get software which helps you categorize everything in blocks, but maybe the old methods are better?

PP

[KW]

Hello Purple PoppY!

Organize research????????????// ROTFL!

My research up to this point has all percolated in my head and stays there, only to come out when I draw it out...lol.

For the ballroom research I took a little, discreet notebook in my purse and took notes of dresses, dance moves. music, etc. Until I started watching DVD's of shows -- which made it easier to come up with ideas for color, texture, movement and drama.

[Michelle]

Do you keep notes anywhere about your characters, or do they live entirely in your head?

[KW]

Hi Michelle,

Usually by the time I get ready to put something on paper, I know the characters intimately because they've existed inside of me for quite some time. During a project, I think about them constantly...unable to think of much else until their story is told. And I don't just visualize them within the perameters of the scenes I intend to or have already created, I see them everywhere, which helps give them depth and fleshes them out more thoroughly by the time words hit the paper.

KW

[Michelle]

Can you tell us briefly a little about being self published? What made you decide to take that route, and what has been the positive and negative aspects?

[KW]

Hi Michelle.

My husband wanted to publish information NF books for as long as I can remember, so we opened Grove Creek Publishing. http://www.grovecreekpublishing.com/

It just happens that we're pubbing my fiction work first.

It's one of many businesses my husband has started. He's quite the businessman.

I've enjoy what I've learned about the publishing business so far and there is much more to learn.

As with many professions, some people don't see you as a "real" writer unless you pub with a big house. Some don't see a singer as a real singer unless they have fame and a name and a CD. The lounge singers don't count. The actor that isn't on a TV show or in movies regularly isn't a "real" actor either. The cook that isn't in a famous restaurant isn't a chef, he's still just a cook.

Ridiculous that we have to fight these inaccurate ideas.

KW

[Icecream]

Yes it is ridiculous, but sadly that is a very valid point KW.

[KW]

Not true or real or valid (?) even, icecream, but a myth.

Think of it this way: a couple wants for nothing more than to have children but because of reasons out of their control, they are unable. They love children, want a family, and adopt.

Are they real parents? Of course.

The example shows how absurd the whole, "if you're not validated by your peers, you aren't IT" whatever it may be.

Well, now that I've beaten the literal DEAD horse into the ground, lol...:motz: ;)

KW

[Michelle]

I do love that little angry smilie.. so expressive! ;)

How do you go about promoting your books.. and which aspect has been most enjoyable? (Well, obviously, it'll be joining here....! hehe)

[Icecream]

Not true or real or valid (?) even, icecream, but a myth.

Think of it this way: a couple wants for nothing more than to have children but because of reasons out of their control, they are unable. They love children, want a family, and adopt.

Are they real parents? Of course.

The example shows how absurd the whole, "if you're not validated by your peers, you aren't IT" whatever it may be.

Well, now that I've beaten the literal DEAD horse into the ground, lol...:motz: ;)

KW

I knew what you were saying KW. I actually agreed with you. I think you misunderstood, but I am not the best at expressing myself. Sorry.

[KW]

Icecream...i hope my post didn't come off as...heated. LOL. I'd never want to melt you!!!!!!!!!!

We take arrows from all sides, and sometimes they are shot out without care or thought to an artist and what they are trying to accomplish, how far they have come and the struggle it has taken to get there.

Promote?

I join loops, forums, lists, groups, gather reviews...maintain my websites...it robs my day of everything else, even writing at this point, which I dislike very much but am wont to do if I want to meet people.

Thanks for not being offended by my reply. The part of me that is frustrated by the process sometimes taints the tone of my correspondence.

KW

[Michelle]

As we're approaching the end of the month, I'd like to extend a big thank you to Katherine for answering our questions. Don;t forget the competition at the end of the month. :smile2: