Author Interview Thursday: Welcome Katy Evans! @authorkatyevans

Welcome to Author Thursday hosted by the Never Too Old for YA & NA Books group from Gooreads.

Today we welcome author Katy Evans!

(Click pictures to go to blurbs on Goodreads)

Books By Katy Evans on Amazon

Now let's welcome Katy and see what she has to say!

 When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

When I became hooked on Sweet Valley High and, later, all the romance novels that followed.

 How long does it take you to write a book? 
Real took me in a fever and it was an extremely fast story to write, so it only took me about a month. But sometimes I can't eat, breathe, sleep, and drink the story (because normal life gets in the way) and it might take me several months.

What do you think makes a great story?
Characters! 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 

I wake up, answer emails, get a big fruit smoothie, and get to work. Then I take a walking break, feed my family, and get back to it in the afternoon until late in the evening.

How do you balance family and writing?

It's tough. Sometimes your writing is being demanding and your family needs you too, or sometimes your family is overwhelming you and you struggle to find time to write. When I feel best is when I am able to achieve a balance and do both. Write for maybe 6 hours a day, in sets of about 2 hours each, and then also take care of my house, my family, and myself. :)

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 
I usually start with the hero and heroine, find out who they are, and what they want. Based on their story, I do research on their occupations, etc. and start writing their story to find out even more about them.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? 
I am always surprised by my books! With Real, Remington and Brooke kept surprising me, showing little tidbits of themselves I hadn't discovered before, etc. I love being surprised while I write! It's what keeps me glued to the chair . . .

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite? 
I have had practice writing before, entering contests and writing workshops under other names, but I always seemed to strive to get into a "line" or fit a certain mold the publishers were looking for. Self publishing freed me and allowed me to write the book of my heart, which is Real, and it is definitely my favorite.

Are your characters based on anyone you know?
Not at all!

Do you have a favourite place you love to write?
I have a study with big, beautiful windows and I love writing there.

How hard is is to get published?
Well it's known to be very hard! But with self publishing now it's so wonderful to be able to write what you want and be able to share it as you imagined with the world.

What do your family and friends think about your books?
Not all of them are readers, but they are just happy that I am happy, doing what I love.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love walking, baking, reading, spending time with my family. I'm a very intense and passionate person so any moment I give myself to relax is treasured!

Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they? 
Don't quit. Believe in yourself. Write what you love and what interests you. Chances are, your love will shine through and readers will respond to it. Find a great support group to help you through the hard times and cheer you through the great ones, and vice versa. There are so many things you can learn from your friends successes too. 

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 
First a teacher, then a veterinarian, then a secretary, then a zoo owner, and lastly a writer.

What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?
I admire all writers, truly! It is a very beautiful and difficult craft. But of course I have very warm spots in my heart for the first romance writers I read and authors like Linda Howard, Sandra Brown, Lisa Kleypas. My hat off to these fine, amazing ladies!

For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published?

Do be professional, courteous, and persistent. Do believe in yourself. Do sit down and write it. Don't expect it to happen overnight. DO keep going . . . if you keep going, you'll get there! :)

What are you working on now?

"Mine," the sequel to Real, and also "Remy,"  Remington's POV story. I can't wait to share them all!

Thanks so much for having me!!

THANKYOU AGAIN

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Katy! It was so great having you here!

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

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