SpotLight: Katalina Leon
Author:
1) Tell us about your latest book?
I recently released two very different books back to back. “Beautiful Stranger” is a contemporary love story with a twist, about an older professional woman taking on a younger man as a lover and as a work mentor. It’s really about becoming comfortable with life’s surprises and accepting plan “B” as perhaps the best plan.
“Owned By Rome” is a historical that takes place in ancient France following the defeat of the Celtic tribes. I choose this pivotal moment in history because it drew an invisible line in the sand where new influences such as Christianity had not yet spread north but unrest and lack of Roman vision for what the Celts were capable of set the stage for modern Europe. My heroine Rutila who is a Celt and Atellus who is a Roman magistrate represent the best, worst and strongest qualities of Celtic and Roman culture. They learn to see the truth in the other, love each other, forgive and move forward. It’s a love story with a strong theme of forgiveness.
2) Describe your workspace?
Calm and brown—many soft shades of brown. I had a glue stained plywood worktable that I covered in several yards of faux crocodile pleather and hammered heavy brass nails around the edges. Now I have an imposing leather desk… (you gotta love those home decorating shows! lol) I live near a flower farm, so I always have a vase of fresh flowers on my desk, a brass griffin next to my computer and lots of framed photos of family and friends.
3) How did you get started as a writer?
The ability to write and entertain people is something I’ve always loved and admired in others. First and foremost I’m a reader and a fan. It took me a long time to work up the courage to write my own stories. A little over three years ago I taught myself to type and started writing with a goal in mind. So I’m a rank beginner and definitely still in learning mode.
4) Who are your fave authors?
I love so many my list would turn into a catalog! Laura Kinsale’s “The Prince of Midnight” with Fabio on the cover was my first romance novel and it will always have a special place in my heart.
5) Tell us three crazy things about yourself?
I’ve remarried the same man so many times we’ve lost accurate count. Some legal, some not. Our last re-marriage was a double ceremony with friends. We dressed as pirates and got remarried by a pirate chief at a pirate festival. We hand-fasted and jumped over my husband’s saber.
6) Your advice to other writers?
Enjoy yourself. It’s your life. On your deathbed you’ll never regret the time you spent creating something.
7) What are the best and worst parts about being an author?
The best part is you get to be your own boss and make your own hours. The worst part is you have to be your own boss and submit to those hours.
If you had not become an author, what career would you have chosen?
I refuse you chose! I wear a few hats. I never give up a career I just keep adding them on top of what I’ve already got, Jack of all trades master of none.
9) What types of books do you prefer to write?
I love writing erotic romance because it allows for a big, full spectrum, emotional experience. I think of it as a very honest genre because it allows writers and readers to honestly express what they wish for within a fantasy setting of pretend, so there are no limits.
10) If you could work with any author, who would it be?
A few of my top choices are already dead so I’m happy to wait a bit longer on meeting them face to face…
11) What is your fave part of a book?
I love the love scenes! They can be difficult to write but in erotic romance they have to work, so I give in and enjoy where they take me.
12) When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?
I try to pick names I love and have good associations with. A name is so important and a writer has to type it so many times! It’s a hardship halfway through a manuscript to realize a name should be changed and go back… ouch. I’ve noticed names come in waves. I’ve unwittingly shared character names with many other authors often the same month our books are released. So my question is when we zone out and stare at the wall are we all really going to some cosmic writer’s central and being handed the default packet?
13) Who is your inspiration?
My grandmother the original Katalina, inspires me. She was a brave, multi-faceted person who was absolutely impossible to know. Years after her death I’m still discovering amazing facts about her and how rich her life was. She inspires me to think bigger.
14) How long did it take you to publish your first book, after you started really trying?
I got very fortunate at Ellora’s Cave and got a contract for “Blue Apples” on my second submission. Ironically “Beautiful Stranger” was my first rejected submission to Ellora’s Cave but later EC contracted it along with the addition of 22k and the subtraction of a baby…
15) Have you written a book that you just love, that you have not been able to get published?
Of course I do! I have a pen and paper, six large spiral note books, only half-typed and already 400 pages long, monumental historical and I’ll bet I’m not alone.
16) Do you use your own experiences?
I write about what I’m interested in or something I’ve experienced and I exaggerate the setting.
17) Did you go to any professional organizations?
I do but we’re not very professional or organized. Cheeseburgers are often involved. I get together about once a month with several friends who write. We get together to brainstorm about writing and provide moral support but we end up doing a lot of laughing and always stray off topic.
18) Can you list your websites, blog pages, social connections for people to contact
I love hearing from readers, aspiring writers and fellow authors.
Please visit me at:
http://katalinaleon111.blogspot.com/
http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com/
http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com/?zx=2836391c7190adaa
http://www.youtube.com/user/KatalinaLeon
19) Where can people buy your books?
Ellora’s Cave Jasmine Jade Enterprises.
http://www.jasminejade.com/m-569-katalina-leon.aspx
Amazon Kindle ebook store Katalina Leon.
Thank you so much Sharon. I really enjoyed this!
XXOO Kat
