Let's start off with an easy one. What TV series or movies have had an impact on your career as a writer and why?
I really enjoyed The Closer [now in re-runs] and Longmire [on Netflix]. The variety and depth of characters in both shows is fascinating. And I could look at Lou Diamond Phillips all day long.
Steel Magnolias grabbed me and never let go. The Official Story, about the consequences of Argentina's Dirty War, broke my heart and reinforced that there are always two sides to every issue.
The Accused with Jodie Foster marked my conscience.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel?
"Crime Victim Services. How may I help you?”
The caller's voice was low, husky, and exquisitely male. “Do you know the difference between a barracuda and a victim advocate?”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Lip gloss.”
“Well damn,” Kee muttered. “You already heard it.”
“An oldie but a goodie, pal.”
“Aren't we all. How you doin' on this gorgeous February day, gorgeous?”
Bringing his handsome face to mind took no great effort. They had worked together for more years than either cared to count. When the relationship progressed beyond professional Meg felt they should keep things under the radar. At first Keenan agreed, claiming he wasn't in the mood tor any crap from his peers about exploring his feminine side. But after a while he began to push for something more permanent. And she wasn't so sure she was ready for that, especially marriage. Meg liked being able to come and go as she pleased, responsible only to herself, and for herself.
Even though she heard the tease in his voice now, she was still smarting from last night so proceeded with caution. “Not too bad. How's by you?”
“Lemme tell you, cara. If I was any better, I'd scare myself.”
The Accused with Jodie Foster marked my conscience.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel?
The hotline call which is featured in the excerpt really happened, though not the personal relationship. I was manning the hotline one day and found a cop at the other end of the line who needed to discuss a case. The usual amenities led to the “if I was any better, I'd scare myself...” comment. It was one of those days when a woman needs to laugh till her sides ache and that man kept me going for a good three minutes. I'm sure the cop figured he'd was talking so some looney but to this day I still smile when I remember that call.
What project[s] are you working on now?
What project[s] are you working on now?
I'm finishing up the edits on a new venture for me: self-publishing a trilogy of novellas united by the theme of a high school reunion. I am scared to death.
No need to be, you'll be awesome! Beyond that, what's up next for you?
No need to be, you'll be awesome! Beyond that, what's up next for you?
I'm working on a secret baby/marriage of convenience story, geared for the Vintage Rose line at Wild Rose Press. It is set in the late 1980's in the Lake Placid area of the Adirondack Mountains. You know: Miracle on Ice and all that stuff.
Ahh...Miracle on Ice + secret baby, I get it. Well thank you for joining us today. Now let's find out some more about FOR KEEPS!
Blurb ~
Meghan Muldoon is at a crossroads: struggling to balance the demands of a high stress vocation as an advocate for victims of violence with her feelings for Keenan Rossi, a man who wants to make their relationship permanent.
On Valentine's Day, a series of routine crises force Meg to question staying in a profession which fulfills her both professionally and spiritually—or devoting the rest of her life to the one person who completes her.
Which one is For Keeps?
On Valentine's Day, a series of routine crises force Meg to question staying in a profession which fulfills her both professionally and spiritually—or devoting the rest of her life to the one person who completes her.
Which one is For Keeps?
Excerpt ~
"Crime Victim Services. How may I help you?”
The caller's voice was low, husky, and exquisitely male. “Do you know the difference between a barracuda and a victim advocate?”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Lip gloss.”
“Well damn,” Kee muttered. “You already heard it.”
“An oldie but a goodie, pal.”
“Aren't we all. How you doin' on this gorgeous February day, gorgeous?”
Bringing his handsome face to mind took no great effort. They had worked together for more years than either cared to count. When the relationship progressed beyond professional Meg felt they should keep things under the radar. At first Keenan agreed, claiming he wasn't in the mood tor any crap from his peers about exploring his feminine side. But after a while he began to push for something more permanent. And she wasn't so sure she was ready for that, especially marriage. Meg liked being able to come and go as she pleased, responsible only to herself, and for herself.
Even though she heard the tease in his voice now, she was still smarting from last night so proceeded with caution. “Not too bad. How's by you?”
“Lemme tell you, cara. If I was any better, I'd scare myself.”
Writing under the pseudonyms Kat Henry Doran and Veronica Lynch, author Kathy Cottrell uses her experiences as a forensic nurse examiner, victim advocate, malpractice insurance investigator and nurse-paralegal for background in her award winnings novels and novellas. For setting, she has chosen her favorite places on earth: the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains, as well as the historic Thousand Islands regions of Upstate and Northern New York State.
When not writing or chasing grandchildren, Kathy spends her time designing and creating tote bags and aprons to custom order.
Contact Information:
Blogs: www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com
www.ApronsWithAttitude2.blogspot.com
Facebook: Kathy.Doran.944@Facebook.com.
KatsKarryAlls2@Facebook.com
Goodreads: www.Goodreads.com/Author.VeronicaLynch
And Veronica has been sweet enough to offer one lucky commentor a Valentine's theme [hand-made] jewelry caddy! So be sure and leave your email address so we can contact you when you win!
Welcome, Veronica! Glad we could have you on today!
ReplyDeletethanks, MJ
DeleteI love working with you
Veronica
Hi, MJ & Veronica! Lovely to visit with a fellow Candy Hearts author. Great excerpt, and I'm mega-impress with your work experience, Veronica! I bet you can tell us some stories... :)
ReplyDeleteHi Monique
Deletethanks for stopping by. I really enjoyed the CH series. The variety of plots and settings is amazing.
Veronica
Yes! There's great chemistry even in this short passage! Thanks for joining us, Monique!
DeleteAnother great interview. I really, really need to get this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margo
Deletealways a treat to communicate with you!
V
I know. It interests me on so many levels. The relationship between the two, the whole victim's advocate role...sounds great! I appreciate you coming by, Margo! Have a great weekend!
DeleteHey Veronica and MJ, fellow Candy Hearts Romance gals. Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteVeronica, congrats on Candy Heart Romance For Keeps. Isn't the series a lot of fun. I'm working my way through reading each one. Only wish I'd read them in order. LOL I loved For Keeps. That's quite a resume you got there, Veronica. Best wishes for lots of sales!
Thanks, Tena
Deleteglad you could stop by.
Veronica
Yes, I totally love this concept! I wish I had come up with it! It really is brilliant! Thank you for adding to the conversation today, Tena! And have a fabulous weekend! (My favorite part of the week!)
DeleteI love the victims' advocate role--never knew it existed. What a great setup for conflict! Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteconflict? whoa baby. A whole set of issues created by violence and betrayal.
Deletebut that's another story . . .
thanks for stopping by, Susan
V
Yes. There are all kinds of interesting roles out there. Take, for instance, the life of a lunch lady like myself. A thrill a minute! Will we have enough mash potatoes for all of the classes? You just can never be sure. I could tell you more, but I'm saving it for my autobiography. ;) Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to stop by, Susan! Enjoy your weekend!
DeleteLove the teaser and excerpt. Very cool that it was inspired by a true phone call. :) Congrats and best wishes...sounds like an awesome read!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ali
Deletethis was a fun story--one that almost wrote itself.
thanks for stopping by.
Veronica
Thank you, my friend! I appreciate your visit!
DeleteGreat interview and excerpt!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God's blessings.
PamT
Thanks, Pam
Deletealways a treat talking with you.
Veronica
Hey, Pam! Glad you could join us today! Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!
DeleteThis sounds absolutely delish. Can't wait to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Diane.
DeleteI really appreciate the support.
Veronica
It does sound like a lot of fun, doesn't it? Keenan sounds like he has a great sense of humor! Thanks for popping on in today, Diane!
DeleteLoved the excerpt. Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite movies. My mom is from the South so maybe that makes me predisposed to liking movies about strong, southern women. :o)
ReplyDeleteHi, Katherine
DeleteOuiza Boudreau is my hero: ". . . just been angry for a very long time. . ."
thanks for stopping by.
Veronica
And how about that Scarlett O'Hara? Thanks for joining in the conversation today, Katherine! And come back anytime!
DeleteSounds like a great read. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteGlad you could join us, Diane! Have a great weekend!
DeleteWhat a great blurb and excerpt. I'm looking forward to another great read. I love how you bring all your knowledge and experiences into play and produce such moving and emotional stories. And best of all your heroines always have a come back and back bone yet are have that underlying vulnerablity. Wishing you much success with this one, upcoming ones and your venture.
ReplyDeleteWhen people can bring their life experiences to their writing, it makes the story so much more real for the reader. Thanks for stopping in, Beverly!
Delete