Well one thing lead to another and we began to serialize a story about them. We named our hero Constantine and his lady was Cynthia, one of the Lusties. We gave Sir Constantine a brother, Sir Braeden and his lady is named Jane, another Lustie.
The story just evolved on a weekly basis with email scenes going back and forth until I had 100 pages.
We thought that was the end of the adventure until I decided to flesh out Constantine and Cynthia’s story and turn it into a 55,000-word book. I was fortunate enough to have the Wild Rose Press express interest in the novel and then publish it.
And yes, you’ll either love this or hate this, but the antagonist of the story is named after one of the American Idol Judges. I’m sure you can guess which one.
Where do you get ideas to write your books?
Ideas come from everywhere for me. I carry a journal and write down tidbits of life that inspire something in me.
I based a book – Blue Diamond – on the crash of the Air Force’s Thunderbirds in the early 1980’s and another – Falling For You – on my love of hockey.
I once wrote a song based on a Daryl Hall and John Oates song - Melody for a Memory. Great song, great title, awful book. It was the first one I ever wrote. I still have it on disk somewhere. Someday I’m going to haul it out, rework it and try to get it published.
Dreams are an especially fertile source of concepts.
How do you deal with rejection?
Rejection - ouch. I’ve had plenty of it, especially in the early days. It stings, I won’t sugar coat that. It’s like someone telling you “Your baby is ugly.” And I’ve had some mighty ugly writing babies over the years.
But you have to shake off the rejection, learn from anything constructive an editor or agent may have told you, rethink rework and go on. You never know how close you are to success unless you keep sending out your work.
Do you write mainly by day or by night?
Because I work, I have to write at night after dinner, but before 10PM. I met Janet Evanovich at a book signing of hers and she told me the best way to keep the momentum going was to write at least 3 pages a day. I have tried to do that. Sometimes it’s more; sometimes less. Sometimes life gets in the way and I don’t write at all. But if I can do about 75 days a month, I’m happy.
Do you ever get writer’s block and what do you do when that happens?
Article comments
1 - Caridad Pineiro
Awesome interview, Kathye. Your positive attitude is always an inspiration to me!
2 - Kelly Hoffman
I have read most of Kathye Quick's books and I have to say they are the best books I have read in a long time. She really keeps you interested. Great work Mrs. Quick.
3 - Jane Foti
This book was so much fun from the idea to the final product. I can't wait for book two since it is Jane's book. What will Kathye spin from our conversations to the pages!