Welcome, today we are talking with Kathryn Starke! 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 Kathryn Starke that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?
I’m the oldest of 3 girls and a huge fan of Hallmark movies!
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing professionally since 2005.
What have you found most challenging about it?
Writing is fun. It’s the submitting of your work and marketing your published book that is the most challenging.
What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?
Writing for me falls in several categories. It is either for the purpose of educating or informing an audience or serving as my own therapy.
Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?
I write articles on a strict deadline, but I only write new books when I’m inspired or believe I have story worth sharing.
Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?
While I have been creative writing since I was little girl, I didn’t think my writing could be part of my work until I wrote and published my first children’s book and started getting paid to write articles.
Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.
What are your pet peeves? When people’s words and actions don’t align.
Who is your hero? Definitely my dad.
Give us one thing on your bucket list. Going on a hot air balloon ride.
What would readers find surprising about you? I love writing stories that celebrate love but have never been married or engaged.
If you could go to heaven, who would you visit? My grandfathers who both died before I was five-years-old.
Now that our readers know who Kathryn Starke is let’s get down to the business of your book, The Perfect Blend. Please tell us a little bit about, The Perfect Blend.
The Perfect Blend is a sweet romance that reviewers believe should be turned into a Hallmark movie. This contemporary romance novel highlights the relationship between adult children and their parents, family, a tight-knit community, and the brewing romance between two competitors that all begins in a little coffee shop.
What was your hardest challenge writing this book? The hardest challenge for writing this book was the time crunch (about 2 months) I was under to complete it.
What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?
I believe that good chemistry between leading characters mirrors real life. It’s the combination of a physical attraction, intellectual connection, and spiritual growth that develops between two strangers.
Any other works in progress?
I have a completed manuscript that I am working on submitting to agents and another love story idea in my mind.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Don’t give up. Advocate for yourself. It only takes one literary agent or publisher to take a chance on your work.
Final words?
I believe that everyone has a story to tell. It’s up to you to find your perfect reader.
