Of Love and Honor

 As we move into the colder days of Fall, it's time to warm things up in My Writing Corner. My guest today is Katherine Grey who writes sexy sweet contemporary romances with a hint of the paranormal. She and her family live in upstate New York. She says that when she’s not writing, she can be found up to her elbows in flour trying out new bread and cookie recipes. That sounds like we should all stop by for a visit!

Welcome, Katherine, please tell us about your road to publication.

I started writing seriously with an eye toward publication in 2008. I joined a local writing group and absorbed as much information as possible. My first novel, a Regency set historical, was published in 2010 by the Wild Rose Press. A novella and a second book also set in the Regency period were published in 2012 (also by the Wild Rose Press).  I was working on my next book when the tumult of life threw me for a loop.   

It was quite a few years before characters began to talk to me again. I started jotting down the bits of dialogue and snippets of scenes that popped into my head, but really didn’t do anything with them except stick them in a folder. I finally sat down in 2019, took out that folder, and wrote a complete book, the first one since 2012. 

That book, Honor Bound, is the first book in a paranormal romance series about a military unit consisting of men with unusual abilities. I had planned on releasing it in 2020, then the pandemic hit and well, you know what they say about the best laid plans.

What do you find is the most challenging part of being an author? 

For me, the most challenging part of being an author is the marketing aspect of it. Whether you are published by a major publisher, a small press, or self-publish, marketing has become an important part of being an author. It’s almost as important as writing the next book. I try to schedule time to do marketing every week because I like connecting with new readers along with my current readers but I have to admit I don’t take advantage of every marketing option available.  For example, the new thing for marketing is to get on TikTok.  Personally, I don’t think TikTok is for me so I don’t have any plans join. 

What advice do you have for beginning writers?

My advice for beginning writers is to write on a regular basis. I’m not saying write every day, though I do, because I realize not everyone’s schedule is conducive to being able to set aside time to write every day, but try to write at least a few times a week. The more you write, the easier your story will flow from your fingers on to your computer/laptop screen. 

My second piece of advice is not to compare yourself and your writing journey to anyone else’s. I know it’s easier said than done. I still struggle with it at times. We all have different responsibilities that affect our ability to get words on the page. Just because you see Author A announce she’s publishing a new book every month and you only publish a new book a year doesn’t mean she’s a better writer than you are.  

What is your latest book and how did you come up with the idea to write it?

Honor Bound is the first book in the Echo Company series. I’m not sure how I came up with the idea as I collected bits and pieces of the story and the series in general over a number of years while I wasn’t actively writing. 

Let's get a blurb:

When honor meets temptation…

California “Callie” St. John learned the hard way just how much one night of rebellion can cost. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, she tries to be the perfect daughter by volunteering with various charities and keeping everyone at arm's length. After narrowly escaping a car bombing, she is forced to accept help from the one man who can get past her defenses, making her long for the impossible -- letting him into her life...and her heart.

 

 Lieutenant James “Hawk” Hawkins, a member of a Special Ops unit of soldiers with unusual abilities, is known for keeping his cool in any situation. Acting as a bodyguard to the daughter of one of DC’s mover and shakers is just one more mission like any other. When an enemy from his past targets the spoiled socialite, Hawk realizes she is more than she seems.

 

With his reputation on the line, he’s willing to risk everything to keep her safe. But succumbing to temptation isn’t an option…no matter how much he wants to give in.

What’s your next project?

The second book in the Echo Company series, Promises To Keep, was released in July so I’m currently writing the third book in the series. I don’t have a title for it yet. I don’t usually come up with a title until after the first draft is written. 

Here are Katherine's social contacts to learn more about her and her buy link:

Buy Link: Amazon - Honor Bound

Social Media Links:  Facebook    Bookbub   Goodreads

Thank you Katherine for being my featured guest on My Writing Corner and introducing us to the first book in your Echo Company Series, Honor Bound!  Does anyone have any questions or comments for Katherine?