October 27, 2011 by Fifi Flowers
Katherine has been telling
and writing stories since she was old enough to pick up a pencil.
She has traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoys bringing her knowledge of 18th-and 19th-century British and American cultural history into her work. She currently resides with her husband in Central Texas.
She has traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoys bringing her knowledge of 18th-and 19th-century British and American cultural history into her work. She currently resides with her husband in Central Texas.
annnnd now to learn even MORE about Katherine...
Where are you from?
I was born
and raised in Rockford, Illinois.
I currently reside in Central Texas.
Tell us your latest news?
My husband
and I recently returned from a holiday in Italy! It’s one of my favorite places. I’ve been there quite a few times, but this
was my husband’s very first visit, so it was even more fun for me — to see it
for the first time again through his eyes.
When and why did you begin writing?
I first began
writing when I was about 8 years old. I
still have some of those first little stories that I wrote, each one stapled
between two pieces of construction paper to make a “book”. Even back then, I wrote historical fiction, although
I wasn’t old enough yet to label it as such.
The stories were always set in some kind of “long ago” time. As I
matured, and especially in my teenage years, I began to write primarily in the
format of scripts for plays and screenplays.
I was very involved in theatre and acting in local plays, so it was a
natural format for me to adopt for my writing. Also, writing scripts allowed me to focus on
dialogue and character development, which were my favorite story elements.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes,
definitely. My writing style is very
literary. I grew up reading the
classics, and my language is naturally reflective of the more literary style
I’m accustomed to reading. I love and
appreciate beautiful language.
How did you come up with the title?
Grosvenor
Square
was not the book’s original title. While
I was writing it, the working title was “Hypocrisy and Love” (which is taken
from a quote in the story). Even when I
first started sending the manuscript out to agents, I still maintained the
“Hypocrisy and Love” title. But I got
some mixed feedback from focus groups.
Some associated it with Jane Austen’s titles like Pride and Prejudice or Sense
and Sensibility, which was fine, since my novel is written in a formal 19th-century
style, and I want the readers to associate it with the classics. But other readers thought the title was too
vague and didn’t adequately evoke the right sense. Some thought it sounded more like a romance
novel title, and I definitely didn’t want that!
So, I decided to stick with simplicity.
The story centers around the central characters’ house in Grosvenor Square in
London, so I decided
to title the book simply Grosvenor Square.
Is there a message in your novel that
you want readers to grasp?
The book is
Literary Fiction, and there is definitely the substance of social commentary to
it. I want the book to make readers
think more than I want to hammer home a specific message. Of course, as the author, my own opinions and
values are bound to be revealed in my writing, but I think that Grosvenor
Square raises more questions than it does
present answers. That’s what I hope for
anyway!
How much of the book is realistic?
Well, the
historical and social context of the narrative is accurate, but the story
itself and all of the characters are purely fiction, pulled out of my
imagination.
What books have most influenced your
life most?
Wow, this is
a good question! Usually I’m asked which
books have influenced my writing, but I’m not used to thinking about it in the
broader context of my whole life. I
suppose that one of the books I often cite as influencing my writing would also
apply to my life, as it set me on the path to loving classic literature; that
is George Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss. Certainly, as much as reading is an integral
part of my life, that book forever changed my reading preferences. It was the first “real” classic I ever
read. I was just a teenager at the time,
but I immediately latched onto it. I
loved the historical setting, the themes of love, family, romance, tragedy, and
sacrifice. Those themes have guided me
through my journey as a reader ever since.
And of course I loved Eliot’s beautiful prose.
What book are you reading now?
I just
finished reading Laurence Sterne’s Tristram
Shandy. I’m currently writing a
story that is set during the time of the American Revolution, and I thought it
would be fun to read some literature from the 18th-century. I learned that Tristram Shandy was a favorite book of Thomas Jefferson’s, so that
made me curious to read it myself. Its
unique non-linear style sets it apart from other literature of the era.
I’ve just
begun reading Thomas Costain’s The Silver
Chalice, which is popular historical fiction from the mid-20th
century. Since I just returned from Rome, I was in the mood
for reading something “ancient Roman”, and that seemed to fit the bill. My mother always had it on our bookshelf at
home when I was growing up, so I borrowed it from her. Unfortunately, I have so little time to read
for pleasure these days, it may take me a while to get through it. Hopefully Mom won’t need it back anytime
soon!
Are there any new authors that have
grasped your interest?
I was previously
an elementary school teacher, and I find that there is really amazing
literature being written for youth these days.
Authors such as J.K. Rowling, Lois Lowry, and Cornelia Funke have
written exceptionally high-quality literature for young people. I’m so pleased that children have the opportunity
to experience not only mesmerizing stories, but also to experience such fine writing,
which in many ways seems superior to a lot of the “grown up” commercial fiction
I’ve picked up recently. The caliber of children’s
literature is just getting better and better, which is wonderful and important. Hopefully when these young readers start
writing their own books, the quality of their words will reflect their exposure
to these outstanding authors.
What are your current projects?
I’m currently
working on a story set during the first year of the Revolutionary War in America. It’s about a Patriot spy who must uncover the
identity of a traitor.
Do you see writing as a career?
For myself,
no. Certainly many writers desire a
career in writing, and some are successful at it. But for me . . . no. I like to write only for pleasure, only for
myself. When it comes to my writing, I’m
far too selfish to be willing to hand any creative control over to anyone else,
or to write according to anyone else’s standards. I love the freedom of writing without
pressure, without deadlines, without rules, without having to please anyone. If other people happen to enjoy my writing,
I’m thrilled to share it with them. But
if it’s not for them, that’s okay, too. At the end of the day, it’s just something I
do for fun, and I want to keep it that way!
Do you recall how your interest in
writing originated?
I don’t
specifically remember why I first wanted to write. I think it’s fair to surmise, though, that,
like many authors, my childhood love of reading spawned my interest in writing
stories of my own. My parents did a
great job of creating a language-rich environment at home when I was a
child. We owned tons of books and read
together every day. I remember my mother
taking me to the public library every week, where I could pick out any books I
wanted from the amazing wealth of choices in the extensive children’s section. I loved those trips to the library! I’d get to fill up my library tote bag with a
mix of old favorites and new and interesting storybooks, then my parents or my
siblings would read them with me at home.
When I was old enough to read them by myself, I would read aloud to
whomever would listen (sometimes it might be an actual person, like my mom, and
sometimes it might be a doll or stuffed animal!). I loved to read aloud. I would even take books with me in the car
and read aloud in the back seat. I also
loved to play “pretend” and act out stories I’d read or heard. Once I graduated from picture books to
chapter books, I continued my love of reading and reading aloud. So, my head was always filled with colorful
stories. I had quite the
imagination! It seems natural that I
would want to capture those stories that were inside my head and put them on
paper.
Who is your favorite author and what
is it that really strikes you about their work?
I tend to
have favorite books rather than favorite authors. My favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, which is really just
pure escapism, but I love it! It’s
perfect in terms of everything that makes a book compelling — twisting plot,
suspense, romance, tragedy, adventure, and best of all: a delicious cast of characters. Characters are the most important element for
me when it comes to loving a particular book.
There must be at least one character I latch onto. If I don’t get attached to a character in the
book, I won’t get emotionally involved.
Of course, it’s always nice when it’s the main character, but there are
definitely books where it was a supporting character to whom I grew attached.
Do you have to travel much concerning
your book(s)?
I travel a
lot, but not necessarily concerning my books.
In fact, it’s usually the other way around; my travels spawn ideas for
my writing.
Do you have any advice for other
writers?
Ignore the
old adage of “write about what you know”.
Instead, write about what you love.
It will bring you the most fulfillment and your passion will translate
to your readers.
Do you have anything specific that you
want to say to your readers?
I’d like to say,
graciously and humbly, “Thank you.” Your
willingness to share in my stories and embrace my characters truly awes and touches
me. And I love to hear from you! Hearing your reactions and responding to your
questions is my greatest delight, so please continue to keep in touch!
______________________________
Thank you to Katherine Ann Meyer for doing this interview
and donating a copy of her book for a giveaway!
and donating a copy of her book for a giveaway!
Simply leave a comment.HERE or on Facebook... and Tell a Friend about Reading is Fashionable!!!
Deadline to enter is November 3, 2011 @ NOON California time...
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Bonne Chance - Good Luck!
Bonne Chance - Good Luck!
