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!
