Interview with Kathryn Lively

Published 2013-09-16.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest book, KILLING THE KORDOVAS, was inspired by a number of events. If you read the story, you'll pick up on the general frustration with reality television and the people who gain fame through dubious circumstances. I came up with the idea after visiting a comedy club - I had suffered writer's block, and I asked myself what would happen if a frustrated writer, tired of rejection, vents on an amateur night and becomes a hit? What would happen if her emotions become so strong she entertains dangerous thoughts upon learning a reality star got a book deal just for being famous?

KILLING THE KORDOVAS has its share of dark humor. It's a bit of a departure from the cozy mysteries I've written in the past, but as I wrote it I decided I wanted to go bold for a change and see where I could take the story.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I don't really consider myself an indie author - I like to think of myself as an author, period. I have published with small houses in the past, and I have self-published, and when I finish a story there's a different reason for the method of publication.

My first novel, LITTLE FLOWERS, was published by a small press that folded in 2002. I was able to place the work elsewhere, but that house (which mainly pubbed romances) turned out not to be a good fit. I chose to publish it myself to better reach its intended audience.

I published THE GIRL WITH THE MONKEE TATTOO on my own because I wanted the book ready for a specific event. I published KILLING THE KORDOVAS on my own because of its uniqueness. It's not a mystery in the traditional sense, or a horror novel. There is suspense and humor, and I suppose I felt I should see it through the journey every step of the way.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Truthfully, most of my time is spent writing, since it's part of my day job. I write content for a romance community portal and assist authors and publishers with promotional opportunities through All Romance. When I'm not working or writing my own stories, I'm helping my daughter with her homework or reading a great book.

I try to travel when I can as well. We've taken many trips along the East Coast and plan to go further west next year.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I wrote my first story in elementary school, about a girl who meets the ghost of Thomas Jefferson. The eighth graders at my school voted it the best in my class, so you can say the writing bug bit early.

My first paid publication happened at 19. I sold a short story to a Colorado magazine, and I haven't looked back.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, not too far from where NAS Cecil Field was situated. Naturally, I attended school with a number of children from military families - in many cases, when I seemed to bond with some they'd move away. The area of town where I lived is portrayed in my book PITHED - Andy Farmer's school is loosely based on my high school, and in two mysteries I write as LK Ellwood (SAINTS PRESERVE US and PRAY FOR US SINNERS) there are Jacksonville settings.

Living in Jacksonville helped me appreciate living in a warm climate and helped with my patience. In large cities traffic is inevitable, so I've learned to keep my cool.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy for me is when the world around me fades to a mere buzz and I'm in that zone. I write and suddenly word counts no longer matter, and soon I'll look up to see I've written a thousand words. I would love more days like those.
What do your fans mean to you?
Even a short note that says, "I loved your book" makes my whole day. To be honest, I appreciate notes from readers who weren't enamored by my work. It shows that people are reading my stuff! Really, the worst review an author can receive is silence.
How do you discover the eBooks you read?
I have to say social media is a prime resource for book recommendations. I'll see notice of an interesting title on Facebook or Twitter, Goodreads or AReCafe, and soon I'm investigating it. I also subscribe to numerous e-mail newsletters dedicated to free and discounted eBooks, but I find I don't buy as much from them as I do from other sources.

Sometimes if I see an appealing cover or title, or know the author's work, I'll have a look. I also look for books relevant to my interests - music, history, and mystery.
What do you read for pleasure?
I'll read anything. Memoirs, Tudor history, romance, sci-fi...I must have the most varied TBR list ever.
Who are your favorite authors?
Over the years, my list of auto-buy authors has changed. Growing up, I read Lewis Grizzard's humor column religiously, and I've read most of his books. On the mystery side of things, I've enjoyed Dick Francis and James Ellroy, Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich.

Lately, I'm reading a variety of genres and have discovered Jean Plaidy in historical fiction and George R.R. Martin in fantasy.
What are you working on next?
My next work falls under the magic realism genre. I don't want to divulge too much as it's in the planning stages.
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Books by This Author

If You Want It
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 65,190. Language: English. Published: March 10, 2017 by Decadent Publishing. Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Erotic
Retired NFL star Cory thought coming home would be low key, but people treat him like a celebrity. At least Winnie is still in town, gorgeous and funny. He wants to get closer, but she’s suspicious of his motives. While comments about her weight don’t get to her anymore, she keeps a tight hold on her heart. Cory will use every play in the book to win it.