Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Katalina Leon is in the house!




Please give a warm welcome to my dear friend and fellow EC author Katalina Leon. She was kind enough to allow me to delve into her world for a bit. Enjoy her interview. :)

Q: Tell us about your favorite character from your books.

Katalina: I’m still having a love affair with my latest Hero “Atellus” from “Owned By Rome”. I was able to really get inside that character’s head and he’s lingering with me.

Q: Does travel play in the writing of your books?

Katalina: Does time travel and short excursions to other dimensions count? The WIPs I’m currently working on go all over the place! Lol

Q: Tell us about your current release.

Katalina: My latest release is “Owned By Rome” it’s part of Ellora’s Cave Legend Line. It takes place in Western Gaul 64 AD. I chose that time period because Rome had reached the height of its technical achievements but was beginning to loose its political grip on its empire. I chose one disillusioned Roman magistrate and one disenfranchised Celtic woman to represent two clashing forces that eventually learn to love and respect each other.

Q: Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?

Katalina: I don’t mean this to sound spooky but several loved ones who have passed on have been very active in helping me find stories. They literally hand over the goods-especially abuela Katalina!

Q: Does your significant other read your stuff?

Katalina: Yes, but I don’t let my husband read anything until the story is completely finished. We do talk about work in progress and it’s always a big help to get a male point of view.

Q: Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

Katalina: The real question is how can a writer AVOID critique partners. Once friends and family know you write everyone becomes a critique partner whither you want the critique or not lol My sister is my beta reader-she’s pretty tough to please…

Q: Who are your books published with?

Katalina: I’m exclusively with Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

Q: Do you hear from your readers? Tell us about your favorite fan letter you’ve received?

Katalina: When my first ebook “Blue Apples” was published last spring a very sweet fan sent me a necklace with a tiny blue apple covered in crystals. I was so touched. It felt like the best good charm in the world. Other readers have sent personal video-messages through YouTube, which I treasure. “Noblesword” brought me some male fans that were convinced I had written about them in the bacchanal scene…Naughty boys. “Adult Education” brought me a wonderful video request for a sequel from a young lady dressed in a fuzzy college mascot costume! I absolutely love hearing from readers. I’m always surprised by what details catch a reader’s attention.
Amber: How awesome...I'm jealous. I've never received anything from fans - well unless you consider fellow authors fans.

Q: What do you think makes a good story?

Katalina: Emotional involvement and a learning experience. We read and reach out to the world to learn something about ourselves.

Q: Plotter or Pantser? Why?

Katalina: I try so hard to plot! I really do have good intentions and I always start off with a structured plot line but as I write the wild horses run away with me and soon I’m lost and at the mercy of the muses…lol

Q: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Katalina: I take a long walk everyday-if possible with my husband, son and dog. It’s part of our family time together.
Amber: Very nice. My hubby and I do the same.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?

Katalina: Yes, be tough with yourself, be loving toward yourself and invest the necessary time and effort in yourself-you’ll be glad you did.

Q: What would we find under your bed?

Katalina: Medieval looking fur-lined leather wrist-cuffs strapped to the headboard (They’re hidden from kid’s view, just knowing they’re there makes me happy!) and a beautiful old-fashioned leather suitcase covered in travel stamps and filled with toys and erotic goodies to play with.
Amber: Hmmm ;)

Q: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Katalina: Thank you for your love and support, I’m so grateful!

Thanks for being here today Kat! I had fun.

3 comments:

  1. Katalina, don't try so hard to plot. :) We pantsers flourish on the unknown. If it's hard, don't do it. LOL.

    Awesome interview you two.

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  2. What a sweet gift! Blue crystal apples, how cool! You think you might ever branch out with other pubs? Just asking...

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  3. Thanks for the visit Katalina...I can't wait to check out your work.

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