I'm thrilled to introduce another debut author to my blog -
Cathy Cole's book Where There's Smoke is published today by Fireborn Publishing.
Please join me in congratulating her and wishing her a very Happy Publication Day!
I 'virtually' met Cathy on a writers forum in May 2015 and we then connected on Twitter. It's been great to share the road to publication together, and it means a lot that Cathy agreed to do this Q&A for me!
So, over to you, Cathy!
How long did it take to write Where There’s Smoke?
Quite a few years. I started it back in 2003, working on and off for about a year. At that point I was only really playing at being an author, then a close family member died and I had a cancer scare ... it hit me then that if I didn’t do this now I would never do it. After that, I settled down and wrote the whole thing in a couple of months.
Editing took a whole lot longer!
What was your first draft like?
It was pretty well organised, but rough. Having other people read it gave me a fresh perspective. Beta readers really are worth their weight in gold.
Can you tell us your journey to publication?
In the beginning, I wasn’t that bothered about getting the book published, I was just happy to have finished it. It wasn’t until a few beta readers told me how good it was and that I should definitely try publishing it, that I decided to do something about it. Being a total newbie, I started subbing to publishers, having no idea I should try and get an agent first. I had a lot of rejections and a few requests for fulls, which kept me going. When nothing came from the fulls, I shelved the book for a while. Then, last year I decided to start subbing again. I immediately got two offers of contracts, and the rest, as they say, is history.
I've no idea why, after so many rejections, the book finally started to get offers. Maybe it was timing? I am a member of a couple of writing sites, and the writers there helped me craft and refine my query and cover letter until they were the best they could possibly be. That’s the thing about most writers, they’re generous with their time and advice - not many professions can say the same.
What do you need in order to write?
I definitely need my own space. I can't work if I'm stuck in the middle of somewhere noisy - unless I'm people watching, then I love crowded places, they're a writer's smorgasbord. My oldest son moved out a few years ago and I was able to turn a small bedroom into an office. It’s nothing fancy, but I love the freedom of being able to leave my stuff out when I'm working, and having everything neat and tidy when I'm not. I work with background noise only - TV and/or music – and I mainline coffee. And snacks. I love snacks, especially of the chocolate variety.
What’s your favourite stage of the writing process?
Oooh, good question. I have to say I like all stages - even editing. But if pushed for an answer I'd have to say the first idea. Getting that initial idea down on the page, fleshing out scenes and characters...there is no feeling like it. It’s like starting up a brand new friendship with someone you know is going to be very important to you.
What’s your least favourite?
Finding out right at the end that you have an enormous plot hole. That happened to me with this book and it took me ages to figure out how to rewrite the story.
Why do you want to write – what’s your motivation?
I think, like most writers, I began at a very early age, putting my ideas down on paper, hoping to be the next Enid Blyton. (I loved her books as a child.) Later, when I took up writing again, I was doing something similar - trying to empty my mind. I had to give up work because of my AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) and found the days very long. Being able to write stopped me going mad. Or maybe it was just being able to put my madness on the page that helped.
What are you most looking forward to as a published author?
Seeing my book in print. I got such a buzz from seeing the cover art when it was first done – thanks Sheri McGathy- I still do every time I see it. I can't wait to hold that physical book in my grubby little hands.
Five things you can’t live without…
My family – who have always been there for me, my friends - who were there when I needed them most, books – they kept me sane on many a dark, lonely night, writing – murdering people on the page is so cathartic, and last, but by no means least, chocolate and Chinese food - although I do draw the line at eating them together.
What’s next for you?
My next book - The Hungry Ghost - is out with Beta readers, so I shall have a lot of editing to do soon. I'm also working on a new novel. It's still in the 'idea' stage, so it's a first flush love affair at the moment.
***
Thanks so much, Cathy!
Now, here's the blurb for Where There's Smoke:
Firefighter Jo Woods is struggling to hold onto her job and her sanity. Banished to the backwater town of Mourne Lough, she vows to stop making waves, admit her family's death was an accident, and that the guilt she feels is plain old survivor guilt.
Then she finds the roses and everything changes.
The killer hasn't stopped. He's here. In the same town. Stalking her. And once again, no one believes her.
After seven years of avoiding family and friends, Jo is alone and friendless in a strange town. In order to survive and, more importantly, bring the killer to justice, she must overcome her fears and embrace her new life. And she must do it quickly, because the killer has his sights set on her and he's willing to kill anyone who gets in his way.
Enter Ian "Coop" Cooper, who sets Jo's pulse fluttering and her antenna into overdrive. Does she dare trust him?
One thing Jo is clear about: this killer destroyed her life once before. No way is she going to let him do it again--no matter what it takes.
To buy Where There's Smoke - here are the all-important links - just click!
Amazon.com
Fireborn Publishing:
It can also be purchased from:
Smashworlds, Barnes & Noble and Bookstrand
Here's more about Cathy:
Cathy Cole lives in Northern Ireland with her husband, two sons, and Dexter, a dog who thinks he’s her third son. Her debut novel Where There's Smoke—published by Fireborn Publishing—was inspired by the bravery of firefighters everywhere, but especially by those who gave so much on 9-11. Cathy has drawn directly upon her family's experience in the fire brigade in order to bring realism to her story.
You can connect with Cathy on Twitter: HERE
Good luck with the novel, Cathy - and thanks again for joining me!
