I’m
delighted to welcome Katie
Ginger to my blog.
Hello Katie. It was great to
connect with you through The Romantic Novelists’ Association and I’m looking
forward to reading about your writing experiences and some of your personal secrets
that you are willing to share with us. But first, before you tell us about your
latest release Summer Season on the
Seafront, here are a few questions which will hopefully give your readers an insight
into some of the things that matter to you.
Arabella: Are there any
organisations, writing, or reader groups, you belong to? And, how do they
support or help you in creating such wonderful, inspirational novels?
Katie: Hi
Arabella, and thanks for having me on your blog! I belong to an online writing
group called Scribophile, which I love. Though I'm not on there as much as I
would like at the moment, but they were incredibly supportive and helpful when
I was just starting out writing. I also belong to the Romantic Novelist
Association and was recently shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the
Year for Little Theatre on the Seafront. This is another incredibly
knowledgeable and supportive group, perfect for writers of romance.
Arabella: Where do you read? Sofa
or bed or ____?
Katie: Both!
I love flopping on the sofa and reading at the weekends while the kids are
playing. But I also love stretching out in bed with a good book at the end of
the day!
Arabella: In your latest release, Summer
Season on the Seafront,
who is your favourite character and why?
Katie: I
think my favourite character is my main character, Sarah. She's overcome an
awful lot already and I throw even more challenges at her! Throughout it all
though she's strong, funny and independent.
Arabella: Which do you prefer to
listen to: Classical, Rock, Country, or____?
Katie: I
love 90s Britpop! My formative years were spent listening to it and so the
Absolute 90s radio station is on most weekends! If I'm not listening to that, I
love a bit of Pink Floyd. They're my all time favourite band.
Arabella: When writing a novel, how
do you work? Are you a plotter or pantser?
Katie: Definitely
a plotter through and through! I can't imagine sitting down to write without a
plot all figured out. I start with a notebook but once I've got the idea of the
story sorted I transfer the plot points to a spreadsheet. I also map out my
characters and their emotional arcs so I know what I'm doing. If I didn't I'm
pretty sure I'd have a meltdown!
Arabella: Which do you prefer to
wear: beach shorts and top, a long evening skirt and blouse, pyjamas and
slippers?
Katie: Pyjamas
and slippers! Every chance I get I'm in them! I will literally get the kids
home from school and change into pj's at four in the afternoon! They're the
ultimate way to relax.
Arabella: We all have a long list
of books we keep meaning to read but never have the time for --- which book is
a must read for you this summer?
Katie: The
Flat Share by Beth O'Leary is definitely on my list and I'm really looking
forward to The Family Secret by Terry Lynn Thomas. It's been on my list for a
while but I'm determined to make time.
Arabella: What about your future
plans? Any books or series in the making?
Katie: I've
got a Christmas book coming out in October but that's a stand alone. I'm hoping
to pitch an idea for a series to my editor within the next couple of weeks so
cross everything you've got! I'll let you know what she says!
Thank you for joining me on
Arabella’s Blog and Chit-Chat, Katie. As a plotter you seem to be very meticulous
in your work method. A spreadsheet - WOW! Me…I never know what is happening to my characters from
one paragraph to the next. J
Oh…and Katie, do remember to let us know what
your editor thinks of your proposed idea for a series. I'm sure your readers will be more than interested.
All
the best and wishing you lots of happy-ever-after writing…
Arabella
Sheen
About Katie Ginger
KATIE
GINGER lives in
the South East of England, by the sea, and apart from holidays to very hot
places where you can sit by a pool and drink cocktails as big your head, she
wouldn't really want to be anywhere else. Summer Season on the Seafront is
Katie's second novel. Her debut novel The Little Theatre on the Seafront was
shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year award. She is also the
author of some cosy mystery short stories. Katie loves making her characters
either fall in love, or killing them off - it depends on her mood!
When
she's not writing, Katie spends her time drinking gin, or with her husband,
trying to keep alive her two children: Ellie, who believes everything in life
should be done as a musical number from a West End show; and Sam, who is
basically a monkey with a boy's face. And there's also their adorable King
Charles Spaniel, Wotsit (yes, he is named after the crisps!).
For more
about Katie you can visit her website: www.keginger.com, find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KatieGAuthor, or follow her on Twitter:
@KatieGAuthor
Join Lottie in the sequel to The Little Theatre on the Seafront
for another perfectly heartwarming read!
PRE-ORDER:
Katie, thank you for being a fab guest on the blog. I hope your book release goes well and don't forget to keep us posted about what's to come.
ReplyDeleteArabella