Coffee Time Romance has the pleasure of speaking to Kat Martin best selling author. It is so good to see you again. You have another great novel out that the readers would love to hear about. Why not get comfortable in the huge recliner while we begin our interview.
Why not tell us how your day begins?
I’m not an early riser, at least by my husband’s standards. He’s up and working at 5 a.m. I’m up at 7:00. I have coffee, watch the news on the morning shows, relax, then head into my office and go to work. I do email and social media for a short time, then go over what I wrote the day before and charge forward!
Kat, you always write fast paced stories that are gripping at every turn. What would you say makes this story, Into the Firestorm, different from the others that you pen?
I just got a review of Firestorm that meant a lot to me because the review got the subtle nuances that made this book one of my personal favorites. Being former Delta, Luke Brodie is as strong and tough as they come, but because of the things he’s done as a soldier, his view of himself is dark. He sees himself as unredeemable. Emma gives him the great gift of seeing himself as the good man he is and freeing him from the past. The other thing I liked was the contrast between humor and violence. I loved that each offset the other. I just flat really liked this book.
Do you often put yourself in the middle of the characters?
I put myself inside each character as that character is speaking or acting. I try to understand their motivations, the things that mean the most to them.
I noticed that the reviews are really coming in and are outstanding. Can you give us three words that describe your feelings when you read your reviews?
That’s pretty simple. Good reviews are thrilling. Bad ones are devastating. Mediocre ones are unimportant. Those are the words. The thing is you can get 50 gold star reviews but the one that sticks with you is the single bad review you get. I try not to read the bad ones.
What is your best time of the day to write?
I like to start late morning and work straight through till five or six o’clock. Then it’s time to break for a nice glass of wine.
While you are composing is there something that you always like to have with you, like a favorite drink, fragrant candles burning, soft music playing, etc?
Nope. I’m a workaholic. I prefer a quiet space. No music, nothing. I like to see the pictures in my mind as if they are on a movie screen.
How would you describe your work area when penning your stories?
I’m lucky. I have two homes, one in the beautiful Sapphire Mountains of Montana, the other near the beach in California. I look out at the gorgeous scenery and amazing wildlife in Montana. In California, my office overlooks a boat channel that leads to the harbor. I watch sailboats and board surfers go by. I get seals (not the military kind!) in my backyard. So I have my quiet space and yet I am well entertained.
Do you prefer to start with an outline when you write or just go with the flow?
I start with a story concept. I write a synopsis first. I used to do long ones, up to 20 pages. Now I don’t have time and my stories are too complex to fit into a mold. I need to be fluid, let the characters respond to each situation as it develops. It’s more difficult, scarier, and it often keeps me awake at night!
What draws you to buying a novel, the author, the title, or the synopsis?
I prefer to choose a novel by author. I am sorry to say I am often disappointed when I pick up an unknown writer. I buy a lot of those books, but often don’t finish them. I choose new authors mostly by reviews, or winners of writing contests.
Do you have any other books that are soon to be released that you would like to share with us?
So glad you asked! Up next for me is BEYOND REASON, the first of my Texas Trilogy. These books are a little different for me, somewhat bigger, the characters a little bolder. In the novel, a ruthless Texas drug lord wants to use Drake Trucking, a long-established, well-respected firm now run by a woman named Carly Drake, as a cover for his nefarious plans.
Self-made multi-millionaire, Lincoln Cain, is determined to protect Carly. He’s vowed to keep the promise he made to her grandfather, Joe Drake, the man responsible for helping him turn his life around after he was released from prison.
It’s a high action romantic thriller, a battle of wills as Carly is forced to stand up to Cain while the two of them battle criminals bent on their destruction and try to protect their hearts. The book will be out June1st.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a much needed vacation, where would you choose to go?
My favorite city is Paris. But it’s not a relaxing place. It’s high energy and full of excitement. To relax I would definitely go somewhere in Europe. I haven’t been to England for a number of years. I’d like to visit York and Cornwall, areas I’ve never had a chance to see.
If you could play any character in a movie, who would you choose?
I don’t know…maybe Catwoman in Batman. If we are going to fantasize, might as well pick a super heroine.
Are there any last thoughts would like to leave with your readers?
I would like them all to know how much I appreciate all their years of support. They have made all the hard work worthwhile. I love you guys!
Kat, thank you so much for sharing time with us today. I wish you the best in all your engaging books.
Cherokee
Interviewer at Coffee Time Romance & More
