I have had the privilege of reading Kate Collins’s book, Daughter of Hauk, in a genre, I will admit, that’s not in my usual zone. Kate’s adventure, character development, and plot twists have the reader satisfied and looking for more by the end of the book. Which is good news for you sci-fi lovers, because another of KateMarie’s books, Mark of the Successor, is due out soon! Read more about Kate, her books, and get the information for links to her blog and where to get her books below:
For the orphaned elf, Arwenna, life had treated her kindly. Her human foster parents raised her well, preparing her for life as a cleric of the God, Silas. The illusion shattered when she was convicted of treason by the Paladins of Silas and executed.
Death wasn’t the paradise she expected. Tortured by demons, the layers of lies that had clouded her mind began to peel away. She’d been tricked into betraying Senyan, a man she thought she loved. Her skills had been used to bind the Demon Lord, Corse, to him. She was never intended to serve Silas. Arwenna bore the mark of a Daughter of Hauk.
Would Hauk give her the chance to stop Corse from fully manifesting in the world? And would she be able to save Senyan from the abyss she helped send him to?
IHere is a quick blurb to her next highly anticipated novel- Mark of the Successor-
MARK OF THE SUCCESSOR
Dominated and controlled by an abusive mother, Lily does what she can to enjoy fleeting moments of normality. When a break from school only provides the opportunity for more abuse at home, the sudden appearance of a stranger turns her world even bleaker. Disappearing without a trace, he has left a lingering fear in Lily. His parting words to her mother, “Have her ready to travel tomorrow,” is something her mind refuses to accept. Running away is the only answer. But before Lily can execute her plan, a shimmering portal appears in her room. Along with two strangers who promise to help keep her safe. With time running out, she accepts their offer for escape and accompanies them into a brand new world. A world in which she is the kidnapped daughter of a Queen, and the heir to the throne of Tanisal.
Can she find her own strength to overcome both an abusive past and avoid those who would use her as a means to power?
KateMarie and I had a chance to share a few words. Read all about KateMarie below:
What can we expect from you this year?
My second novel, “Mark of the Successor”, is going to be released! It’s a stand alone fantasy novel, suitable for all ages.
What genre do you like to write? What genre is your favorite to read?
So far, I’ve only written fantasy. There’s something about being able to create an entire world and society that appeals to me. I’m a huge fan of the genre, too. At least 90% of the books I have on my bookshelf are fantasy.
Where do you get your ideas?
My first novel, “Daughter of Hauk”, began after a Dungeons & Dragons game I played in ended badly. I really wasn’t happy with it, so I took some of the characters and asked myself what I thought would happen next. For “Mark of the Successor”, it came from the online writing group I’m part of. We do challenges, where someone tosses out a subject and we write very short stories about the topic. Once I did that, however, the main character I created would not shut up until I wrote an entire novel.
What was the best thing ever said to you about your work?
I get amazed with every good review! I had one that remarked “this book is destined for the big screen”, and that really blew me away. It would be surreal and exciting at the same time if that came to pass.
Do you have a system to writing? Favorite place? Time? Music playing? Quiet? Food/Drink?
In my office, with the stereo cranked up. The music depends on what characters I’m writing about. Protagonists tend to be more celtic or movie soundtracks, whereas the antagonists demand my heavy metal albums. A bottle of water, maybe some finger food to nosh on during a short break. When I really get going, I have my eyes closed. I’ve found I can visualize a scene really well in my head and let my fingers find the right words.
Do you have people read your book before submitting it? Or do you keep it a secret?
I’ve got four beta readers, and three crit partners. The beta readers will let me know about gaping holes in the plot, or areas they really get confused on. My crit partners, though, are truly amazing. They’ll do very extensive, in depth line edits that make me think even deeper about the characters.
Who is your favorite character and why?
Arwenna from ‘Daughter of Hauk’. There’s a lot of me in her, and I put her through some situations that I’ve experienced to a lesser degree. Finding the words to get her to work past the after effects really helped me do the same.
What is the hardest thing to write? Setting/Character Development/ Climax or Intense Scenes…
Emotionally charged scenes are the hardest for me. I get so involved in what my characters are going through that I have to take time afterwards to decompress.
Name some of your favorite authors or people who influence your writing.
David Eddings, for one. He had this way of being able to make his characters seem like real people, had dialogue that was something I could say to someone. I really admire the naturalness of his work. I also love Nick Pollotta. That man can make me fall off the chair laughing from a single sentence!
What other hobbies do you have besides writing?
I’m a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, make candles, chauffeur my daughters, sew, read, play D&D, and love visiting comic book stores with my hubby. I’m a geek and I know it!
Is there anything else you want readers to know about you or your books?
My cat, Athena, is 15 years old but doesn’t even weigh 5lbs. She has a set amount of time she insists on napping on me every day, usually when I’m at my computer trying to write. It took several tries, but she can curl up across my shoulder and take her nap and leave my hands free so I can keep working.
Author Bio:
Born in the late 60′s, KateMarie has lived most of her life in the Pacific NW. While she’s always been creative, she didn’t turn towards writing until 2008. She found a love for the craft. With the encouragement of her husband and two daughters, she started submitting her work to publishers. When she’s not taking care of her family, KateMarie enjoys attending events for the Society for Creative Anachronism. The SCA has allowed her to combine both a creative nature and love of history. She currently resides with her family and three cats in what she likes to refer to as “Seattle Suburbia”.
Book links:
Solstice: http://www.solsticepublishing.com/default.aspx
Solstice – my book: http://www.solsticepublishing.com/downloads.aspx?categoryid=123
Amazon – Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Hauk-Raven-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007KDWYP4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331798695&sr=1-1
Amazon – Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Of-Hauk-KateMarie-Collins/dp/1475230338/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335468615&sr=8-1
Twitter: @DaughterHauk
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/KateMarie-Collins/217255151699492
Blog: http://www.katemariecollins.wordpress.com