Author Interview ~ Kathy Harris

Kathy Harris is an author by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business. After graduating with a Communications degree from Southern Illinois University, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to work in the music industry.

An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the publicity officer for Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, she lives near Nashville with her husband and their two Shiloh Shepherd dogs. She regularly interviews literary and music guests on her blog.

Abingdon Press released Kathy's Christian women’s fiction debut, The Road to Mercy, on September 1, 2012.

Hi, Kathy! Welcome to The Borrowed Book. Tell us a little about yourself. How did your writing journey begin?

I’ve wanted to write books since I was a child, but life took a turn and I ended up with a career in the music business. It’s been challenging and fun, and I’ve been blessed. But I decided a dozen years ago that it was time to also concentrate on my writing again. And I’m not sure anything could be more fulfilling, at least for this time in my life.

How long did you write before you sold your first book?

About ten years! It took four years to finish my first manuscript, another four to finish the second (which became my debut book). My personal story is a bit unusual in that I signed my manuscript with an agent before I’d finished it. It took another six months to complete it. Within about a year we were talking seriously to a publisher. About eighteen months later, the book was released!

Now, that's persistence! Many people who never get their books published gave up way too early! :-) What book(s) are you reading, or have read lately?

I’m one of “those” people who loves to read e-books because I can read on the go. I read on my iPhone, which means I always have a “book” with me. And I often read more than one book at a time. Usually a fiction and a non-fiction. Sometimes a writing craft book.

Right now I’m reading and loving The Prayer That Changes Everything: The Hidden Power of Praising God by Stormie Omartian. And I’ve just finished Krista Phillips’ fun new contemporary romance, Sandwich, with a Side of Romance.

At the top of my TBR stack is Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert. Krista’s and Kellie’s books released from Abingdon the same day as mine. It’s been fun “celebrating” with them.

Mother of Pearl is near the top of my list, too! Which fictional literary character most inspired/inspires you?

What contemporary woman doesn’t love Scarlett O’Hara? : ) Her famous, ‘I’ll think about that tomorrow’ line has inspired me on many days! haha

Now that you are published, do you still experience rejections? If so, how are these rejections different or similar to the ones you received before becoming published?

I think writers are notoriously insecure. We worry about rejection, even when we haven’t been rejected yet : ) I recently pitched a story idea to Love Inspired Suspense and the editor gently told me it didn’t fit their guidelines. A detour, for sure. But not a dead end. I’ll rewrite the manuscript to trade length and see what happens from there!

As writers, we just have to move on and write a “new ending” : )

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Tragedy, love, and secrets meet on a journey of faith.

Dr. Ben Abrams, rescued as an infant from a fiery crash that killed his family, turned his adversities into success but lost his heritage of faith. Fifty years later, Josh and Bethany Harrison face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth's carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death, even as she's pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Abrams urges her to abort the baby to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and
continue the pregnancy.

During the next few months, Josh, a contemporary Christian singer, struggles with his faith while Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.

If you could only share one line from THE ROAD TO MERCY, which one would you choose and why?

“I have faith the road doesn’t end here, and when the Lord calls us to the other side of the hill, the view will be completely different.”

Great line!! What inspired you to choose the setting for your novel?

The prologue was inspired by something that happened when I was a young child. The main part of the book is set in Nashville, where I live, and in the music business, where I work.

What kind of research did you have to do for this book? Can you share some articles or website links you found particularly helpful?

Lots! Mostly medical websites because my female protagonist has a serious medical condition. I also consulted with doctors early on to make sure my story was feasible. As well, I consulted with women who had related or similar medical issues.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I have several manuscripts in the works—in different stages of development. Oh, to have all the time in the world to write! But no one does, so setting priorities is necessary. My first priority is to finish the final draft of the romantic suspense I mentioned above. Then, it’s back to work on another women’s fiction story, which is partially drafted.

What is the one question you were afraid I would ask…and how would you answer?

As odd as it sounds, that question would be, “How did you react when you found out you were going to be published?”

My answer is “I was in denial.” : ) I delayed celebrating, because I kept thinking it wasn’t really happening. Finally, on release day, my husband and I went out for a quiet supper at one of our favorite restaurants to celebrate!

Where can readers connect with you?

I love to connect with readers! My blog is www.DivineDetour.com. My author site is www.KathyHarrisBooks.com. My Facebook author page is https://www.facebook.com/KathyHarrisAuthor. And my Twitter address is @divinedetour.

Thanks for hosting me at The Borrowed Book!