Search here...
0
TOP
Author Dish

Authors Dish: Kathy Otten’s Fact in Fiction

91 Views

Authors Dish Logo (Blue)

January 2019: Fact in Fiction
~ Kathy Otten ~

CTR asked:

How much of your real life bleeds over into your books? And do you worry that someone will be able to tell the fact from the fiction?

Kathy Otten said:

I write primarily historical romance, so in that respect my real life doesn’t bleed into my books.

I grew up and live in a small farm town. My life has been surrounded by animals: dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, rabbits, chickens, horses, and cows. For the most part I know how they think and react, and when a cowboy hero in my book saddles or rides a horse I draw on my real life experiences.

My mother had a lot of antiques around our house, most handed down through the family. There were often stories attached to them, and I became familiar with their purpose and how to use them. That bit of knowledge helps when I consider the settings and the occupations of my characters.

I don’t base my characters on anyone I know. I see them in my mind, fully formed. But people are people whether or not their backstory and goals are created. I do watch. See how folks react to both one another and to situations in order to show, not tell my stories.

And I’d say bits of who I am as a person, my moral code of what is right and good in humanity is at the core of all my characters. A heroine might be a little immature and self-absorbed, but down deep she is a caring person, fiercely loyal, and loving. In that respect those who know me might recognize pieces of me in my stories.

I had friends growing up, and still do, but none who I’d term a BFF. I was close with my mother and my brothers. My dad also taught us family business stays in family, so I never shared much personal stuff outside that immediate circle. I have noticed that none of my heroines have a best friend with whom they share intimate details of their lives and go to for support and advice. It was never intentional. I suppose I don’t naturally know to create that kind of secondary character.

Much the same way as an artist is recognized by their work, I suppose my writing may reflect who I am. And who I am is a reflection of all the people who have touched my life, both good and bad. While I don’t use real people in my stories, readers may recognize bits of themselves in my characters.

Websitehttps://www.kathyottenauthor.com
Twitter@kathyotten

A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten cover

A Place in Your Heart

[Civil War Romance]

Gracie McBride isn’t looking for love; she’s looking for respect. But in this man’s world of Civil War medicine, Gracie is expected to maintain her place changing beds and writing letters. Her biggest nemesis is the ward surgeon, Doctor Charles Ellard, who seems determined to woo her with arrogant kisses and terrible jokes.

Charles is an excellent surgeon. He assumed he would be well received by an army at war. He was not. Friendless and alone, he struggles to hide the panic attacks that plague him while the only person who understands him is a feisty Irish nurse clearly resolved to keep him at a distance.

But Charles is sent to the battlefield, and Gracie is left with a wounded soldier, a box of toys, and a mystery which can only be solved by the one man she wishes could love her, both as a woman and a nurse.

Available in Ebook:

 

More Authors Dish about their facts in fiction.

https://coffeethoughts.coffeetimeromance.com/ad2019-jan-facts/

Coffee Time Romance Blog Coordinator

Read More Posts from

«

»

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me on Instagram

@angela.knight.7161 New York Best Selling Author is teaching a class October 2024  Blastoff Beginnings: Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride Angela Knight examines the elements that engage the reader’s curiosity and make her care about your characters. She will explain how to design and execute a fantastic story that will land you on your readers’ auto-buy lists. #Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride #books #writing #class #booktok https://bit.ly/AK100724class

@angela.knight.7161 New York Best Selling Author is teaching a class October 2024 Blastoff Beginnings: Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride Angela Knight examines the elements that engage the reader’s curiosity and make her care about your characters. She will explain how to design and execute a fantastic story that will land you on your readers’ auto-buy lists. #Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride #books #writing #class #booktok https://bit.ly/AK100724class ...

0 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-barbara-matteson/?feed_id=3613&_unique_id=66fc9c62e3f96&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Barbara%20Matteson270199

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-barbara-matteson/?feed_id=3613&_unique_id=66fc9c62e3f96&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Barbara%20Matteson270199 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-amber-daulton2024/?feed_id=3563&_unique_id=66fc9ae751575&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=tory%20richards&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Amber%20Daulton270239

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-amber-daulton2024/?feed_id=3563&_unique_id=66fc9ae751575&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=tory%20richards&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Amber%20Daulton270239 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sevannah-storm/?feed_id=3603&_unique_id=66fc99c63a392&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=RachelFirasek&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sevannah%20Storm270206

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sevannah-storm/?feed_id=3603&_unique_id=66fc99c63a392&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=RachelFirasek&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sevannah%20Storm270206 ...

1 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/author-newsletter-september-2024/?feed_id=3593&_unique_id=66fc0de57cc5e&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterAuthor%20Newsletter%20-%20September%202024270257

https://coffeetimeromance.com/author-newsletter-september-2024/?feed_id=3593&_unique_id=66fc0de57cc5e&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterAuthor%20Newsletter%20-%20September%202024270257 ...

2 0
Interview with Celia Breslin 
We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?  Being late, drivers...

Interview with Celia Breslin
We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?  Being late, drivers...
...

1 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sara-swann-barnard/?feed_id=3543&_unique_id=66fbff8f087cb&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sara%20Swann-Barnard270202

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sara-swann-barnard/?feed_id=3543&_unique_id=66fbff8f087cb&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sara%20Swann-Barnard270202 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-tara-fox-hall-3/?feed_id=3583&_unique_id=66fbfea9e117d&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=tory%20richards&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Tara%20Fox%20Hall270247

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-tara-fox-hall-3/?feed_id=3583&_unique_id=66fbfea9e117d&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=tory%20richards&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Tara%20Fox%20Hall270247 ...

1 0
Perfect Tomorrows by Autumn Jordon 

Shay Morgan falls asleep every night and wakes every morning to the same thoughts.

Adam died. He wasn’t coming home, again. And she had no choice but to go through the rest of her life alone.

For Shay Morgan, the last two years has been exhausting. Life has been a game of hiding the heartache endured by losing the only man she’d ever loved. And she’s been successful. To the folks of Black Moose, Vermont, she appears a strong woman who continues to enjoy life through her work as a construction company owner and her many community activities. In reality, she simply has been keeping her pain at bay. However, with the death of a beloved friend and the return of a spiteful businessman to town, her good-natured, thin veneer cracks and she finds herself drowning in grief once again.

A chance encounter with a handsome stranger— who sneaks past her defenses and infuses joy back into her life— teaches Shay that love is never replaced by another, and in order to truly live a full, rich life, she needs to let go of her past. But can she trust him?

With a little meddling from the good folks of Black Moose, Shay and Ethan both might just get a lifetime of perfect tomorrows.

Perfect Tomorrows is a heartwarming journey about loss, friendship, and a second chance at love. Shay and Ethan’s story highlights that grief is universal, the healing process is unique for everyone, and peace and joy are always within reach.

Amazon

https://coffeetimeromance.com/perfect-tomorrows-by-autumn-jordon/?feed_id=1127&_unique_id=66f6a8b65a0b9&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterPerfect%20Tomorrows%20by%20Autumn%20Jordon268247 Shay Morgan falls asleep every night and wakes every morning to the same thoughts. Adam died. He wasn’t coming home, again. And she had no choice...

Perfect Tomorrows by Autumn Jordon

Shay Morgan falls asleep every night and wakes every morning to the same thoughts.

Adam died. He wasn’t coming home, again. And she had no choice but to go through the rest of her life alone.

For Shay Morgan, the last two years has been exhausting. Life has been a game of hiding the heartache endured by losing the only man she’d ever loved. And she’s been successful. To the folks of Black Moose, Vermont, she appears a strong woman who continues to enjoy life through her work as a construction company owner and her many community activities. In reality, she simply has been keeping her pain at bay. However, with the death of a beloved friend and the return of a spiteful businessman to town, her good-natured, thin veneer cracks and she finds herself drowning in grief once again.

A chance encounter with a handsome stranger— who sneaks past her defenses and infuses joy back into her life— teaches Shay that love is never replaced by another, and in order to truly live a full, rich life, she needs to let go of her past. But can she trust him?

With a little meddling from the good folks of Black Moose, Shay and Ethan both might just get a lifetime of perfect tomorrows.

Perfect Tomorrows is a heartwarming journey about loss, friendship, and a second chance at love. Shay and Ethan’s story highlights that grief is universal, the healing process is unique for everyone, and peace and joy are always within reach.

Amazon

https://coffeetimeromance.com/perfect-tomorrows-by-autumn-jordon/?feed_id=1127&_unique_id=66f6a8b65a0b9&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterPerfect%20Tomorrows%20by%20Autumn%20Jordon268247 Shay Morgan falls asleep every night and wakes every morning to the same thoughts. Adam died. He wasn’t coming home, again. And she had no choice...
...

1 0
The Treason of Robyn Hood, a dieselpunk adventure by D. Lieber Hi again. It’s me, D. Lieber, urban fantasy author, steampunk, and…well, and a lot of other things. As I mentioned, today is release day! Yay! I’m super excited to tell you about my brand new dieselpunk adventure The Treason of Robyn Hood. Check it out.

What is the price of justice?

As a ward of the Lacklands, Robyn Loxley has lived a privileged life. Even now, in 1942, when another war ravages the world and people on the home front must do without, her adopted family is not affected by the rations and shortages.

That’s not to say she hasn’t been affected by the war personally. As Robyn hits yet another roadblock in her quest to see her best friend Will, trapped in a Japanese-American concentration camp, she stumbles onto the people of Sherwood.

With dark truths revealed about the Lacklands and what really goes on in Midshire, Robyn must answer what justice means to her and what she’s willing to do to exact it.

Robyn and the merry band get an update in this dieselpunk adventure.
My thoughts
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share The Treason of Robyn Hood with the world. I’ve always loved Robin Hood stories, and I had a lot of fun playing with dieselpunk. I loved reimagining long beloved characters and putting them in a new setting.

One of the things I wanted to do with this book is to have a version like the old Robin Hood storybooks (specifically Howard Pyle’s The Merry Adventure of Robin Hood). So, I hired an illustrator, and together we created a special illustrated edition. Man, this thing has it all: the full page ink illustrations, the Lombardic capitals at the beginning of each chapter. We even modeled the cover after those vintage sci-fi magazine, plus the addition of bookbinding tape like on those classic hardcovers.

Unfortunately, I am waiting on print proofs for the special edition at the moment. With all the extra stuff in it, it required a longer production timeline. But it definitely be out soon, so if you’d like that edition, check my website for updates. Or sign up for my newsletter, and I will send you an email to let you know.

 
What the critics are saying
“The Treaso...

The Treason of Robyn Hood, a dieselpunk adventure by D. Lieber Hi again. It’s me, D. Lieber, urban fantasy author, steampunk, and…well, and a lot of other things. As I mentioned, today is release day! Yay! I’m super excited to tell you about my brand new dieselpunk adventure The Treason of Robyn Hood. Check it out.

What is the price of justice?

As a ward of the Lacklands, Robyn Loxley has lived a privileged life. Even now, in 1942, when another war ravages the world and people on the home front must do without, her adopted family is not affected by the rations and shortages.

That’s not to say she hasn’t been affected by the war personally. As Robyn hits yet another roadblock in her quest to see her best friend Will, trapped in a Japanese-American concentration camp, she stumbles onto the people of Sherwood.

With dark truths revealed about the Lacklands and what really goes on in Midshire, Robyn must answer what justice means to her and what she’s willing to do to exact it.

Robyn and the merry band get an update in this dieselpunk adventure.
My thoughts
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share The Treason of Robyn Hood with the world. I’ve always loved Robin Hood stories, and I had a lot of fun playing with dieselpunk. I loved reimagining long beloved characters and putting them in a new setting.

One of the things I wanted to do with this book is to have a version like the old Robin Hood storybooks (specifically Howard Pyle’s The Merry Adventure of Robin Hood). So, I hired an illustrator, and together we created a special illustrated edition. Man, this thing has it all: the full page ink illustrations, the Lombardic capitals at the beginning of each chapter. We even modeled the cover after those vintage sci-fi magazine, plus the addition of bookbinding tape like on those classic hardcovers.

Unfortunately, I am waiting on print proofs for the special edition at the moment. With all the extra stuff in it, it required a longer production timeline. But it definitely be out soon, so if you’d like that edition, check my website for updates. Or sign up for my newsletter, and I will send you an email to let you know.

 
What the critics are saying
“The Treaso...
...

1 0
The War of Antiquities:  Four by SB Jones March 31, 2013

Book 4

The Mage Council enlists outside help in the wake of recent assaults and murder.  Therion continues to threaten everyone and everything around him as Duke finally takes steps to put him in his place. Catherine starts to break through Duke’s walls and learns about his past.
Kindle https://coffeetimeromance.com/the-war-of-antiquities-four-by-sb-jones/?feed_id=3423&_unique_id=66f63f7ad48d7&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=KarenneLyn&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterThe%20War%20of%20Antiquities%3A%20%20Four%20by%20SB%20Jones252093 March 31, 2013 Book 4 The Mage Council enlists outside help in the wake of recent assaults and murder.  Therion continues to threaten everyone and everything...

The War of Antiquities: Four by SB Jones March 31, 2013

Book 4

The Mage Council enlists outside help in the wake of recent assaults and murder.  Therion continues to threaten everyone and everything around him as Duke finally takes steps to put him in his place. Catherine starts to break through Duke’s walls and learns about his past.
Kindle https://coffeetimeromance.com/the-war-of-antiquities-four-by-sb-jones/?feed_id=3423&_unique_id=66f63f7ad48d7&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=KarenneLyn&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterThe%20War%20of%20Antiquities%3A%20%20Four%20by%20SB%20Jones252093 March 31, 2013 Book 4 The Mage Council enlists outside help in the wake of recent assaults and murder.  Therion continues to threaten everyone and everything...
...

2 0
Authors Dish: Blue Saffire's Favorite Hero 
October 2018: Favorite Hero
~ Blue Saffire ~
CTR asked:
QUESTION: Of your published titles to date, which hero is your favorite and why?

Blue Saffire said:
I think my last hero Felix is my favorite for now. I guess because he is still fresh in my mind and because he is a lot like my husband. They all are, but this time I see a lot more of him in this character. 

- Website - http://bluesaffire.com/
- Twitter - @TheBlueSaffire

Brothers Black 5: Felix the Watcher Brothers Black Series 
[Contemporary IR Romance]

I’m a P.K., a pastor’s kid. I’ve done almost everything I’ve been told since I was a little girl,—no matter how confining that has felt. I’ve hidden my dreams and desires to toe the line. 

So imagine the burn of being blamed for something you didn’t do.

There has only ever been one person that truly gets me. He’s the only one that knows who I want to be. Felix Black. He’s been there for me for as long as I can remember. Always listening, always watching, always teaching, always encouraging me. 

Which is why I shouldn’t be shocked when he finds me. 

It’s my job to watch. To be the eyes for everyone else. I guess that’s why my best friend tasked me with watching over his sister. Yet, that’s something he never had to ask for. 

Guilt for what I’ve missed isn’t what has me determined to give Kaye the world. I’ve loved her forever. I will always make sure she’s alright. 

And he does give me the world. Felix has the key that unlocks what’s been hidden. His love, his touch, his attention sets a fire that blazes a trail, leaving nothing but black smoke in its wake. When the smoke settles, we’ll just have to see what’s left. 

Available in Ebook:
- Kindle - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW8HQPQ/

 

More Authors Dish about their favorite hero.
https://coffeethoughts.coffeetimeromance.com/ad2018-oct-hero/ https://coffeetimeromance.com/adoct2018-blue-saffire/?feed_id=3413&_unique_id=66f6075664393&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Blog%20Coordinator&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterAuthors%20Dish%3A%20Blue%20Saffire%27s%20Favorite%20Hero53988 Author Dish ~ October 2018: Favorite Hero ~ Blue Saffire talks about Felix of Brother...

Authors Dish: Blue Saffire`s Favorite Hero
October 2018: Favorite Hero
~ Blue Saffire ~
CTR asked:
QUESTION: Of your published titles to date, which hero is your favorite and why?

Blue Saffire said:
I think my last hero Felix is my favorite for now. I guess because he is still fresh in my mind and because he is a lot like my husband. They all are, but this time I see a lot more of him in this character.

- Website - http://bluesaffire.com/
- Twitter - @TheBlueSaffire

Brothers Black 5: Felix the Watcher Brothers Black Series
[Contemporary IR Romance]

I’m a P.K., a pastor’s kid. I’ve done almost everything I’ve been told since I was a little girl,—no matter how confining that has felt. I’ve hidden my dreams and desires to toe the line.

So imagine the burn of being blamed for something you didn’t do.

There has only ever been one person that truly gets me. He’s the only one that knows who I want to be. Felix Black. He’s been there for me for as long as I can remember. Always listening, always watching, always teaching, always encouraging me.

Which is why I shouldn’t be shocked when he finds me.

It’s my job to watch. To be the eyes for everyone else. I guess that’s why my best friend tasked me with watching over his sister. Yet, that’s something he never had to ask for.

Guilt for what I’ve missed isn’t what has me determined to give Kaye the world. I’ve loved her forever. I will always make sure she’s alright.

And he does give me the world. Felix has the key that unlocks what’s been hidden. His love, his touch, his attention sets a fire that blazes a trail, leaving nothing but black smoke in its wake. When the smoke settles, we’ll just have to see what’s left.

Available in Ebook:
- Kindle - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JW8HQPQ/

 

More Authors Dish about their favorite hero.
https://coffeethoughts.coffeetimeromance.com/ad2018-oct-hero/ https://coffeetimeromance.com/adoct2018-blue-saffire/?feed_id=3413&_unique_id=66f6075664393&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Blog%20Coordinator&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterAuthors%20Dish%3A%20Blue%20Saffire%27s%20Favorite%20Hero53988 Author Dish ~ October 2018: Favorite Hero ~ Blue Saffire talks about Felix of Brother...
...

3 0