Kat Martin interview with David Alan Binder

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1.     How do you pronounce your name? 

My name is Kat Martin.  Kat...you  know, like fur, feet and a tail?  Only spelled with a K. instead of a C. 

 

2.     Where are you currently living? 

I’m one of the fortunate people who gets to live in to places:  Montana in the summer and the beach in California in the winter.  Best of both worlds.

 

3.     What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? 

Never give up!  As long as you keep trying, keep working to get better, you have a chance to achieve your dream.

 

4.     What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?

I write very sparsely.  As evidenced by my answers to your interview questions.  I don’t write a lot of fluff.  I don’t add a lot of details.  I try to tell the story as concisely as possible.  No many authors write that way.

 

5.     Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher? 

In order to reach the most people, you need a traditional publisher.  They can get your books in print and out on book shelves.  On the other hand, self-publishing allows you to reach an internet audience, but it is extremely difficult to penetrate that audience to any degree.  The upside is, you will actually be able to see your book published and available to readers. 

 

a.     Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?  Currently I work for Kensington Books in New York City.

 

6.     Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?      

The only tip I have is to get the manuscript out to editors and agents.  Attending conferences is a good start toward doing that.  Once you have met these people face to face, they are more likely to remember you and give your book a read.

 

7.     How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent?  Any tips for new writers on getting one? 

Best to attend conferences.  That is where I got my first agent.  (I’ve had six different agents at this point in my career).  Join a writers’ group like Mystery Writers, Thriller Writers, or Romance Writers.  They can help you get your work in front of an agent. 

 

8.     Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?  

If you are in the process of writing, I would suggest joining a critic group.  Other writers are invaluable in helping you improve your writing skills and helping to keep you from getting discouraged.  If the book is completed, as I said, conferences are a great place to move forward.  Make editor/agent appointments whenever possible.  In the meantime, keep submitting your manuscript to companies who are publishing the sort of book you have written.

9.     What was one of the most surprising things you learned from your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating? 

The thing that constantly amazes me is that I am actually a writer!  One who has had a number of books on the New York Times bestseller list and makes a very good living.  A writer’s greatest challenge is to maintain a strong belief in his own self worth.   It’s daunting at times even after all these years.  

10.                        How many books have you written? 

Over 65 novels to date.

11.                        Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)? 

Study the craft.  Read books on how to write.  There are some great ones out there by very successful authors.  Stephen King has one.  So does Dean Koontz.  I read them both and many more.  Books on craft were a great help in teaching me how to write.   Again, attend conferences and go to the classes they provide.  It’s a great way to learn and also helps you make connections that can be valuable in your career later on.  Join a critic group, get others writers’ feedback. 

 

12.                        Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story? 

I would suggest watching a lot of TV.  Read a lot of books.  Get ideas from newspapers, things that happen in real life.  There are some great articles out there on how to come up with twists and turns in a story.  I write down possibilities and eliminate them as I go along.

 

13.                        What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?  

Each writer has a talent.  Once you figure out what special talent you have, you can play on that in your writing.  I like to use emotion in my stories, but I also like to keep the reader guessing.  Plus I guarantee a happy ending.

 

14.                        What are some ways in which you promote your work?  

I do a lot of social media.  I run Facebook ads, ads in professional writers’ magazines.  I do contests on my webpage and constantly grow my email fan list, which I use to stay in touch with my readers. 

 

15.                         What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why? 

I might stay with a publisher longer.  I might--but I’m not sure.  I’ve changed often over the years.  I’m not sure it was a benefit.  Hard to know what has actually helped my career move forward.  Overall, there isn’t much I would change.  There isn’t that much an author actually has control of. 

 

16.                        What would you like carved onto your tombstone?  Or what saying or mantra do you live by? 

RIP Kat Martin, a very hard worker.

 

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