Interview Edie Cay

Welcome, today we are talking with Edie Cay! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

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

I used to guide motorcycle tours in Alaska, and I am a terrible plant mom.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing in third grade because of my teacher, Mrs. Canavan. In fourth grade, on a rainy indoor-recess, I created a mosquito character that launched a series. My friends created other characters and then we copied out our books by hand (with illustrations!) and sold them to our classmates for ten cents a piece.

I no longer do hand-illustrations.

What have you found most challenging about it?

I’ve been through a lot of iterations of writing. I’ve written plays, short stories, novels, reviews. The most challenging part changes every time. So I suppose that is the most challenging thing: it always changes. Every project is different.

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

Yes to all of the above. I can’t not do it. I’ve tried.

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

Strict. It has to be. I write 3000 words a day, five days a week, weekends off. I know other people write faster, others slower. But this is what I can do because I have a young kiddo, another part-time job, and two very demanding dogs.

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

Writing was the only job I ever wanted. However, I’ve also been a piano accompanist, piano teacher, and an echocardiographer, always writing on the side. Or wishing I was writing.

What inspires you?

Oh, here’s a cop-out answer: everything.

More specifically, I’m inspired by history. The people who didn’t fit the mold, who didn’t go quietly into their roles, and history is littered with them. Out of those misfits, I’m most inspired by the women who did so, as the kind of violence and vitriol they experienced for going their own way was much harsher than those for men, with few exceptions.

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

What are your pet peeves?

Someone who is not only in my way, but has no idea what they are doing or what direction to go, thereby effectively blocking not just me but everyone across the board. Just ask for help. There’s no shame.

Also, litterers. There’s a special place in hell for those who litter.

Who is your hero?

For literature, Margaret Atwood. She started publishing poetry in the sixties, and it was snarky and feminist and I love it. Then, she managed to convince everyone that her fantasy novels were not fantasy but literature and got a few awards for it (like the Man Booker prize. Twice.). Then, the novel she published decades and decades ago got made into a series on Hulu, and her creation has become a cultural shorthand. Now that’s a career.

Give us one thing on your bucket list.

Flying first class internationally. It looks so cozy.

What is your favorite hot drink (coffee, tea, etc.)?

Black tea, hot. Always and forever. With agave nectar and a splash of milk.

What would readers find surprising about you?

I have a remote connection to romance author Danielle Steel. My aunt was close friends and colleagues with a judge in San Francisco, who prior to becoming a judge was Danielle Steel’s lawyer. They remained close friends, and Danielle Steel wrote a beautiful eulogy for her. The judge. Not my aunt.

If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?

I’m not sure anyone I really want to talk to would be in heaven, honestly.

Just for fun. What is your least favorite:

Hero type – Alpha holes. No thanks.

Body part – Toes. Well-used feet are pretty gnarly. And toes especially.

Overused word in a title – “His” I hate “His Wealthy Girl” or some such because of the ownership thing. I can’t do it. I hate it.

Genre – Motorcycle gang-related stuff. Maybe it’s because I ride, and have ridden a lot. There are those guys, yes. But mostly, bikers just want wind in our hair and to not talk to people.

Dirty word – I don’t have a word, it’s more of context that I get the icks from.

Now that our readers know who Edie Cay is, let’s get down to the business of your book, In Knots Over You_.

Please tell us a little bit about In Knots Over You.

It is the first book in a series about the Ladies Alpine Society. This group wants to be the first women up the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland. The first successful ascent was in 1865, and the first book takes place in 1868, as they attempt to train and fundraise for this extremely difficult and life-threatening adventure. In this book, we meet Eleanor, who is a wealthy sea captain’s daughter, who gets dragged into the Ladies Alpine Society by the charismatic leaders, Ophelia and Justine. And then she meets Ophelia’s older brother, who is also a member of the Ladies Alpine Society. So they all train together, and Eleanor teaches them all cool knots that will help in dangerous situations.

What was your hardest challenge writing this book?

Figuring out how to demonstrate Eleanor’s (the heroine’s) knowledge while also keeping her character as a wallflower. She isn’t a bragger, so how was I going to get her to show off?

What kind of research did you have to do?

Tons. I researched knot-tying specifically. And also climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, as well as alpine climbing in general. I have been hiking close to the Alps before, but the highest mountain I ever climbed was Vetta d’Italia, which is not quite 10,000 feet, while the Matterhorn is not quite 15,000 feet. It’s a big difference.

What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?

The unwavering support in the “good times,” which when they go through the third act break-up, and that support vanishes, the reader feels that loss so deeply.

Any other works in progress?

Always! I am finishing up the third in the Alpine Society series, Into the Breach with You, as well as participating in an anthology called Destiny Comes Due, which will come out in November. I will also be finishing the Ladies Alpine Series with the final book, Into the Sky with You.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Put words on the page. It doesn’t matter if they are good or not. Just write. And write. And write. And enjoy it.

Final words?

My books are about women performing incredible physical feats, and hopefully I also showcase how that drive and mental fortitude is a requirement for them to accomplish their dreams. The men in these books have their own lives, their own dreams, but they aren’t intimidated by these women, and don’t put them down. It’s hard in this life to accomplish a dream, and even harder to find a partner who isn’t intimidated by that. I think that’s shown in my previous series about women’s boxing, When the Blood Is Up. I was lucky enough to find a spouse that lifts me up and helps me out, so I try to give my heroines the same happy ending.