Today’s interview is with the lovely and talented Kate Willoughby who just released as part of Phaze’s Samba line. Congrats to Kate! Here we go:
1. What is your favorite word?
My favorite word is probably “books.” I have always adored books. My parents’ “rule” was that when we went to a bookstore, I could always get a new book. I read every day and one of my greatest fears is losing my sight!
2. What is your least favorite word?
My least favorite word is “politically-correct.” Or is that two words? Heh heh. Obviously I’m not a grammar maven.
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
The thing that turns me on the most creatively is a challenge and/or competition. When I hear about a contest, like the recent Phaze Samba Contest, where there are parameters and other people vying for a prize, I really rise to the occasion. My need to be unique and stand out from the crowd bursts forth and I sometimes do my very best work. I think this can be traced back to when I was in fifth grade and we were making macaroni Christmas tree ornaments. Everyone was doing gold ornaments. No one was choosing the alternative color blue. So, of course, I chose blue. My mother still has that ornament, even though it’s missing almost all of the macaroni!
4. What turns you off?
If I look at what turns me off as a reader/writer of romantic fiction, most recently I’ve been highly annoyed when a character’s inner thoughts intrude too frequently in a scene. Like, Jane says something, and Matt thinks this and this. Then Matt replies, thinking such and such. As Jane says something else, we again are let in on Matt’s thoughts. Too much of this and I eventually think, “Jeez, will you just let them finish the damn conversation?” Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for deep POV. I really dig when I can share in the character’s innermost thoughts, but there’s a limit to how many times I can tolerate scene interruptions without becoming unglued.
5. What is your favorite curse word?
My favorite curse word is probably “stinkin’.” I was an elementary school teacher for many years and pretty much purged my vocabulary of the really juicy curse words. As a substitute, I used “stinkin’” as a modifier all the time. For example, “I’m too stinkin’ tired to do these report cards!” Now that I don’t teach anymore, I have been known to blurt out the F-bomb when highly provoked, like when I run into the open dishwasher door with my shin, or I drop a bottle of salad dressing on the floor. My two kids (11 and 12) are gradually coming to grips with the fact that the F word is not “fart.”
6. If you could live in any time period other than this one, who would you sleep with in that time and why?
Very interesting question! My first thought was to go into history and do a king. That would be kind of cool to fool around with a monarch. And hey, maybe there’d be issue from the union and I’d be the mother of a royal or if His Majesty was single, I could become a queen! Pfffft! Dream on, Kate! Anyway, I couldn’t think of any particular king that appealed. I thought about men from American history, but nixed that, too. Shakespeare might be interesting if he’d spout a sonnet to me afterward about the experience, and assuming he was pox-free. But in the end, I decided that it might be fun to jump in the sack with Gene Kelly. He’d be in great shape from all that dancing. Bet he could even do me standing up. And I imagine he’d be a gallant and considerate gentleman.
7. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three books would you like to have with you?
Ever practical, I’d like a book on survival in the wilderness. I’ve never read the entire Bible, so that would be valuable both for entertainment and spiritual purposes. Then, perhaps the complete collection of William Shakespeare. I’m really not that much of a Shakespeare fan, but if I were stranded, it would prove challenging to read, and I figure if his stuff is still popular these hundreds of years after he wrote it, it would be worth my time. When I eventually got rescued, I’d probably thank them in iambic pentameter.
8. What is the ugliest rejection you have ever gotten from a publisher/editor/agent?
I suppose I’m lucky in that the ugliest rejections have just been the form letters, but I flatter myself in thinking that I have a healthy outlook toward my writing. People with chips on their shoulders or their hearts on their sleeves, can see any letter, no matter how innocuous, as an insult or attack. When an editor points out a weakness in my writing, I usually look at it as an area that I need to improve, or as a failing in that particular manuscript, not in my ability to write, which is always developing.
9. What sound or noise do you love?
I love the sound of my kids laughing hysterically. I like the thud of a good book when I close it. I get all gushy inside whenever I hear the National Anthem.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“You did good, kiddo.” “That way to the library.” And, “Your maternal grandfather wants to meet you.”
Promo Info:
Leap of Faith
Phaze
Available Now
Paranormal Erotic Romance
Losing It
Liquid Silver Books
Available Now
Contemporary Erotic Romance
11. Your website or blog.
WEBSITE: http://www.kate-willoughby.com/
BLOG: http://www.katewilloughby.blogspot.com/
