What
genre do you write and why?
After 40 years spent writing
nonfiction for publication and producing 40 published books, and after 20 years
editing other authors’ fiction, I decided to write a novel. It was a birthday
gift for myself—time spent dabbling in fiction-writing. After much thought and
many false starts, I wrote a light mystery involving cats. Thus, the Klepto Cat
Mystery series was launched.
Tell us about your latest book.
Since
I started writing fiction, I’ve published three books in the Klepto Cat Mystery
series, Catnapped, Cat-Eye Witness
and Sleight of Paw. Book number four,
Undercover Cat, should be available
as a Kindle book by April 1 and The
Colony Cat Caper will follow within the next few months.
These
stories feature Rags, an ordinary cat with a most unusual habit. He’s a
kleptomaniac. Often, the things he finds are clues to the current mystery or
crime. While Rags’s habit can cause problems at home, he has proven to be a
boon to local law enforcement. In book one: Catnapped,
Savannah Jordan Savannah
Beloved neighborhood cats are
missing—the community can only guess at their fate—and Aunt Margaret’s life is
being threatened. Is it because she has a clue to the missing cats or is it
something more sinister? Of course, as in all of the Klepto Cat Mysteries,
Rags, an ordinary cat with a most unusual habit, has a paw in saving the day.
What marketing methods are you using to promote your book?
I’ve been contacting reviewers that typically
review cozy or light mysteries and/or fiction involving cats. Consequently,
I’ve had quite a few reviews posted at Amazon and other places. I have two blogs,
one is dedicated to cat topics and my cat books www.matilijapress.com/catscapades
and a facebook page for my fiction, www.facebook.com/kleptocatmysteries
I use my Twitter account to promote the book series as well. I had bookmarks
made and I distribute them generously. I’ll promote the books and sell the
print version at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in April and other
such events that come along. I participate in interviews such as this one, I’m
guest blogger at other blogs and I’ve done one blog tour so far, which resulted
in book sales doubling that week. I talk about my books wherever I go and
always have bookmarks handy to hand out. I also have announcements posted in
affiliate organization newsletters and so forth. I’m the executive director of
SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) and belong to other such
organizations. I try to make use of the promotional opportunities for members.
What formats is the book available in?
All of the Klepto Cat Mysteries are
on Kindle and two, so far, are also in print.
What advice do you have for other writers?
I’ve spent the last twenty years or
so writing for authors—preparing authors for a more successful publishing
experience. I’ve published hundreds of articles in key magazines and
newsletters. I’ve travelled and conducted workshops and presentations before
hundreds of people and I’ve produced a dozen or so books for authors. I always
advise hopeful or struggling author to study the publishing industry before
getting involved. Too many authors pursue publishing and promotion as if it is
an extension of their writing. The truth is, writing is a craft and publishing
is a business. Authors must, MUST enter into the world of publishing with a
full understanding of the industry. They must know how the industry operates,
what their options are and what their responsibilities as a published author
are.
 |
| Patricia Fry and Lily |
What's the best thing about being a writer?
Everything. I established a career
as a freelance article writer in the early 1970s. I’m probably one of the most
prolific writers you’ve ever met. I tell people that I can’t not write. Over the
years, my career has morphed. Currently, I write fiction and work with other
authors to refine their fiction and nonfiction books. I also help authors to
develop their book proposals. It thrills me when I can guide a good writer
toward a more successful publishing experience.
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
Who designed
the cover?
Bernadette Kazmarski is the artist who
painted the covers for all of the books in the Klepto Cat Mystery series.
Where
can a reader purchase your book?
Amazon.com. Here’s the
Klepto Cat Mystery book page http://amzn.to/1kAI8I2
When
you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
I’ve discovered throughout my
life that I must be involved in something creative. I used to do a lot of
sewing and needlework. I’ve even made leather chaps and a wedding dress as well
as ski sweaters. Currently, when I’m not writing (which is rare), I’m
gardening, photographing birds or other animals or simply chilling our three
cats, Lily, Max and Sophie. I also enjoy family—I have 6 grown grandchildren
and two great grandchildren with twin great grands on the way this spring. I
also spend a couple of days each week with my 92-year-old mom.
