Exclusive Interview with
Kathleen Kaska
When did you start writing?
I started writing in the early 1990s after I settled into my teaching career.
What makes writing your passion?
Writing is a powerfully creative outlet. What I love most is developing my characters. When I began writing my first mystery, I struggled because I was focused only on the plot. However, as soon as the characters appeared, introduced themselves, and shared their stories, the process became easy and enjoyable. All I had to do was listen and write.
How long have you been writing?
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
My first book was the Agatha Christie Trivia Book. I signed with the first agent I contacted, and three weeks later, I received a contract. I was elated! It doesn't always happen that quickly, and I was so grateful I did my research before I started querying.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I write two mystery series: the Sydney Lockhart Historic Hotel series set in the 1950s and the Kate Caraway Animal Rights series set in the present. Both of my main characters are strong women trying to overcome obstacles. Sydney is determined to make it as a private detective in a man's world, while Kate fights for the rights of animals in various crises.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I typically work on multiple novels simultaneously. If I get stuck on one, I switch to another. This approach allows me to write for several hours each day.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
When my readers ask me when my next book will be released, I feel inspired to keep writing. I have six mysteries in my Sydney Lockhart series and three in my Kate Caraway series. These two characters have become a significant part of my life; I can't just let them go and move on. They always have another story to share. My advice to new authors is to keep refining their craft and to read—extensively.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Chill out!
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
If a reader takes the time to review my book, I feel it’s important to read their review. Fortunately, most of the feedback is wonderful. I have rarely received a genuinely bad review. When that happens, I remind myself that I can’t please everyone.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
When I get a good review, I know I did my job.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
There’s always a bit of me in Sydney and Kate. Sydney and I are both birdwatchers; we love shoes, and have a tendency to push the envelope. I have a paralyzing fear of heights, and so does Kate, which makes for a few harrowing scenes.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Absolutely. The cover has to reflect the genre in which you write. If you have feedback on designing your cover, consider what your brand will portray.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
Writing gives me great joy, but I also write for my readers. I enjoy connecting with them through book clubs, social media, library presentations, newsletter feedback, and book signings.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It makes my day, but it’s also a humbling experience.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I have several favorites. They are all character-driven, and most are lighthearted and humorous. Here are a few: Carl Hiaasen, Martha Grimes, Elizabeth Peters, Laurie R. King, Alan Bradley, Spencer Quinn, and, of course, Agatha Christie.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I would love to have a ranch near the ocean where I could have as many dogs and horses as I could feed.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Fortunately, I haven’t encountered many. I believe readers can tell when someone slams your book just for the sake of it.
What would you say to your readers?
I enjoy hearing their comments when I post on social media.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I’m a Texas gal. Other than an eighteen-month break living in New York City after college, I have lived continuously in the Lone Star State for fifty years. Since then, Texas has been a mix of hits and misses—a little hit, but mostly a lot of misses. There was a time when I thought I would happily settle down in Austin, Texas. But circumstances, and especially the weather, changed that. Now, my husband and I spend most of the year on Fidalgo Island in Washington State, enjoying a view of the bay and the mountains. When I feel homesick, we listen to Willie Nelson, who incidentally grew up just five miles from me. We’ve been married for almost forty years, and the fun part is that we are still getting to know one another.
What is your day job if you have one?
I retired from teaching middle school science fifteen years ago, yet I still teach. Now, I coach new writers who are just getting started.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I’m blessed to have three lovely sisters, who are also my best friends. Spending time with them is a true gift. I love running marathons, hiking in the woods, birdwatching, and reading, especially Sherlock Holmes.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I grew up in a small town in Central Texas, and both sets of grandparents had large farms where I spent much of my childhood. I have more than sixty first cousins. That alone brings a lot of joy.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I recently finished a quirky British detective mystery and a hardboiled mystery set in Manhattan in 1945.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
This question would take too long to answer. Therefore, I’m simplifying it: emphasize the importance of reading.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I like various music: old rock, new country, and opera.
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