I’ve always gone for the popular books but in the last year or so my heart has really gone out to indie’s. So, I’m trying to read more indie books & – when I especially love their writing – give my readers more info so that we can support them together.
With that in mind, I picked up Hot Flash a while back & I loved it! So I hunted down the author, Kathy Carmichael, to learn more.
1- Kathy, I hate to say it but this is the first book I’ve read of yours. I can’t believe I’ve missed so many. What is your favorite of the books you’ve written and why?
Thank you so much, Regina. I’m so glad you enjoyed Hot Flash! My favorite of all of my books is Angel Be Good because it’s dedicated to my stepfather and the angel in the story, Leonard, is named for him. My Len is in heaven now and I like to think of him smiling down on his book (and me).
But you know, I suspect every author’s favorite book is the one he or she is writing at the time. I’m working on Southern Fried Bride right now, so of course it’s my favorite at this moment. And I’m having a serious love fest with a minor character in the book — a love-struck goat named Sir Isaac Newton.
2- I laughed the entire way through ‘Hot Flash’ are all of your books so much fun?
Making people laugh makes me smile inside and out, and I hope all of my books are fun.
When I envision my readers, I see them as having their tongue stuck firmly in their cheeks as they read and I try to include little extra fillips that I think my readers will especially enjoy.
Even though my books have a comedic tone, I always use underlying themes to give them depth. For instance in Hot Flash the main underlying theme is that what you think you want isn’t necessarily what you need. I used symbolism (with the skillet — which I thought would be a humorous symbol) to chart the heroine’s progress on the theme. My books generally have multiple themes and symbols – but, like any good chef, I refuse to give all of my secrets away 🙂
Laughter is cathartic and I hope reading one of my books will brighten a reader’s day.
3- What’s coming next?
I am writing two books at the same time, so be on the lookout for these: Southern Fried Bride and Someone Like You. Southern Fried Bride is the third book in my Texas Legacy Romantic Comedy series and several readers have emailed to let me know they are impatiently waiting for it. Someone Like You is a comedic romantic suspense — it’s a bit of a hybrid because I find it hard not to be funny, even when I’m trying not to be.
I have a list a mile long of books I want to work on and it’s hard juggling what will come next. Each new book idea is shiny and bright, so choosing is hard.
Must-learn-to-write-faster.
4- How can we find out more about you and your releases and, more importantly, where can we get your books?
One way to keep up with my latest doings is to “like” my author page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kathycarmichael
Please visit my website http://www.kathycarmichael.com/ to find out the latest news on my books. Once there you’ll find excerpts, book trailers, videos and links to other fun things. You can also find “buy” links on my site to take you to where you can find my books. And, of course, most of my books are available in print through your favorite bookstore.
Again, thanks for having me as your guest today, Regina. Usually I spend a lot of time talking to myself — so having the opportunity to talk about myself and my books was a welcome change.
Well, I must say – that was fun! Kathy, you can stop by here anytime. I SO want to hear more about the goat. My daughter has always wanted a pet goat. Until then, I guess I’ll just need to grab Angel Be Good…
Do you have Kathy’s books? If not you’ll want to go grab one here:
I can’t wait to read Hot Flash! Great interview!
Thank you so much, Deb!
Great interview, Regina and Kathy! My first Kathy Carmichael book was your Magic Touch, which I enjoyed thoroughly and the premise had me smiling the whole way through. You’re voice and stories are a real treat, Kathy!
Thanks, Regan. I’m so glad you enjoyed Your Magic Touch 🙂 🙂
Had to comment on this. I loved Hot Flash and often use it as a whale of a way to open a book. (It has a killer first line.) And I love the skillet in the story. Wonderful symbol.
Very touching about ANGEL BE GOOD. Thanks for sharing, Kathy.
Blessings,
Vicki
Thank you so much, Vicki!
Great interview, Kathie! Your wisdom and understanding of a story simply shine through!
Thank you, Peggy! You are such a sweetheart!
Thank you all for stopping by to visit with us!
I agree, I guess I need to add Magic Touch to my list. There was so much about Hot Flash that I just adored but Angel Be Good was cute, too. So I’ll just have to keep on reading!
Gina,
Thank you so much for interviewing me today. I had so much fun and thoroughly enjoyed it!
You stop by anytime! I had a blast!