A Book(ish) Life: Kaye George
Featuring author Kaye George, who is celebrating the release of SOMEONE IS OUT THERE!
Hello friends! Today’s feature is fellow Sister in Crime Kaye George, who’s novel Someone Is Out There is out today, 4/15! Kaye was kind enough to stop by and answer my questions (and used one of my all-time favorite words in her answer…can you guess what it is?)
Welcome to Book(ish)! Please introduce yourself, and share a little bit about your latest book (or your work in progress, if unpublished).
Thanks for having me, first! I’ve been publishing mystery novels and short stories (16 novels, about 60 short stories) for a few years, but my next book is a departure, a suspense thriller. It was great fun to do something completely different.
Are you traditionally published, or self-published? What made you choose this path?
Both. Big five, small press, and some self-publishing. The industry is constantly shifting, it seems, so I do what seems right for my projects at the time. I’m happily publishing with MistiMedia and Rowan Prose at the moment. Previous projects have been with Penguin and Kensington.
Describe your ideal writing scenario. What would a perfect writing day look like for you? Where would you be?
I mess around in the morning, doing emails, online publicity and administrative stuff. Around 4:00 is a good time for my brain to be ready to concentrate and churn out some words. I prefer my home office. Don’t understand how people can write in coffee shops amid background busy-ness. Not me!
If your book had a themed scented candle made for it: what would it smell like?
For this next book, maybe some petrichor, the scent of rain, since there are storms. A lot of the action is in a hospital, but I don’t want a hospital-scented candle.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? How long did it take you to reach publication?
I’ve always wanted to be published, and I’ve always written. But in 8th grade, a teacher liked a piece I’d written so much that she read it in front of the class. That told me that I WOULD be a writer–a published one. After I retired from programming and my kids were all grown, it took about 10 more years of concentrated work to get an agent and a contract. It was a long haul!
How long does it generally take you to write a book? What does your process look like?
I give myself a year, and sometimes it takes less than that. I plan everything out using templates from classes I've taken, and my own spreadsheet method. I do a few weeks of prep work, then start the actual writing.
What are your favorite types of books to read? How do they inform your writing?
I read a lot of different things. Mysteries, of course. Also true crime, biography, history, and whatever looks good or is recommended by people I trust. Lately, reading psychological suspense was what let me to this latest book.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your writing career?
Don’t quit! Even if you’ve been writing your whole life (essays and literary fiction like me), writing a mystery is different and it takes time to learn how and to discover your own voice.
How do you celebrate your writing/publishing wins?
Well, sometimes I scream–with delight. Later, chocolate is usually involved.
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
Right now I’m looking forward to the release of my latest book, and to the Malice Domestic conference at the end of the month.
Anything else you’d like to add?
One more recommendation for those starting out. Find your group, your people. I found Sisters in Crime, in particular, the online Guppies chapter, and that’s the reason I’ve gotten published and had some successes in the field. Again, thanks for having me!
Thanks for being here, Kaye! I’m looking forward to seeing you (and so many others!) at Malice in a few short weeks!
About Someone Is Out There
Someone is stalking Darla.
She has a lot on her plate already. Dealing with a breakup. Her best friend shutting Darla out of her life. A handicapped mother. Her career as a hospital nurse. She doesn’t need slashed tires, threatening notes, or, least of all, a brick through her window.
She suspects her tormentor could either be her ex or her own father, who attacked and crippled her mother years ago. But she’s just not sure, and there’s no one but her dog to turn to.
Soon, she’s forced to rely on her own wits to protect her and her mother as the frightening threats become more and more frequent.
And are progressively more dangerous.
Thanks for such a great interview!