Exclusive Interview with
Kat Canfield
When did you start writing?
I started writing in high school but never thought of it as a career. In 2012 I decided to take the story ideas rattling around in my head and put them on paper, (well, in the computer). From there it took off.
What makes writing your passion?
I write what I would like to read.
How long have you been writing?
I'll not disclose my age!
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Euphoria
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Cleaning horse stalls.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Just keep writing. Each story makes you better as a writer. It might not be until title 100 but you get there!
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
You can be a published author but you have to keep at it. Don't listen to what anyone tells you about how you'll never make it. Keep dreaming and someday the dream comes true.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Just like in the horse show ring, "It's one person's opinion on that day." You can't please everyone so don't try and read the good reviews five times.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
It makes me very happy to know I wrote something that someone enjoyed.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
I am a retired police officer so yes, I have used real incidences in the plots of my stories. Only the names and places have been changed to protect the innocent.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
In Running With Horses, Dee is my personality when I worked as a groom for several good dressage trainers. I had the opportunity to witness the bad ones.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The cover is a first impression. It makes you want to pick up the book and see what's inside.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I'm old school, so I like to interact in person. I'm still learning the social media aspect.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It is humbling to be recognized, yet a total adrenalin rush.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Nora Roberts has always been my favorite. I'd love to be as good a story teller as she is.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
James Patterson.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
My first published novel, just because I have learned so such about writing since it came out.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Kathy Reichs
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.
Old saying: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words will never hurt me. It's just their opinion.
What would you say to your readers?
Read the story and you be the judge.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Wellington, Florida with my husband. I have two horses and show dressage. The horses and my cats are my children.
What is your day job if you have one?
I help my trainer take care of a stable of horses.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Horseback riding in all its forms. I am also a car racing fan and would love to jump behind the wheel of a fast car.
Did you have a happy childhood?
yes
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
The only thing children should be learning in school is reading, writing, and math. Those are the things that will take you far in life.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Best selling author
Olympic Equestrian
Stay young forever but have all the knowledge gained through age
What is your favorite music?
Disco and Country (I grew up a Donnie and Marie fan)
Share a secret with us 🙂