Post date: Jun 19, 2016 3:27:46 PM
Kate Charles interview with David Alan Binder
Shortened bio from her website: Kate Charles grew up in the U.S.A. then transplanted to the U.K. and found in the Church of England the fertile ground of inspiration for writing the books I’d always wanted to write.
My first book, A Drink of Deadly Wine, grew out of a fascination with a group of characters, David Middleton-Brown and his circle of friends. Each of those books explores some issue in the Church of England: A Drink of Deadly Wine is about ‘outing’, before that term hit the news; The Snares of Death deals with the High Church/Low Church divide, and related issues of extremism and fundamentalism; the problems of a cathedral and its battling personnel are detailed in Appointed to Die; A Dead Man out of Mind focuses on the ordination of women; and Evil Angels Among Them explores the consequences of the Church’s financial crisis. It is has been reviewed as, “A bloodstained version of the world of Barbara Pym”
Open-heart surgery in 1996 triggered a change of direction in my writing that novel was Unruly Passions, still set within the background of the Church, and containing recognisably Kate Charles characters, but with a different sort of emphasis and form. Unruly Passions was followed by Strange Children and
Cruel Habitations.
Later I discovered a great new love: Italy particularly Venice. Commissioned to write a short story for an anthology which was published as Murder Most Catholic, I decided to set my story in Venice, the story titled was, ‘Through a Glass Darkly’. I became increasingly committed to support of the ministry of women in the Church of England, and began to feel strongly that I wanted to write a book exploring some of the issues which women face in the Church. The result was Evil Intent, a book as timely as today’s headlines.
Following on from Evil Intent is Secret Sins then the next Callie book, Deep Waters and False Tongues continues Callie’s story
Website: http://www.katecharles.com/
False Tongues by Kate Charles Available from Marylebone House & Poisoned Pen Press
1. Where are you currently living?
Ludlow, England - a beautiful market town on the Welsh borders, nestled in the South Shropshire hills.
2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
Don’t take anything for granted. Publishing has changed so much in the last twenty years, and there are no guarantees.
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
I hear people talking in my head. Is that a quirk?
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
I’ve been around long enough (call me old-fashioned) that I have a real bias towards traditional publishers. They may not always get it right, but if they think enough of your work to take you on, it means something.
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?
American publisher: Poisoned Pen Press, Scottsdale AZ
British publisher: Marylebone House (SPCK), London
5. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
Whatever works for you - different strokes etc. Personally, I love both print books and e-books.
6. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
Don’t submit something that is unedited, misspelt, grammatically mangled, or sloppy in any way. Professional is as professional does.
7. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
I used the Writer’s Yearbook directory and looked for an agent who represented someone I admired, whose work might be similar to mine. I wrote a carefully crafted cover letter and sent what was asked for.
8. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
I have found Scrivener writing software to be invaluable for so many reasons. If you haven’t tried Scrivener, do give it a go.
9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
It takes a long time to be totally done with a book! They keep coming back - edits, copy edits, proofs etc.
10. How many books have you written?
Twelve published to date. Working on the 13th.
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)?
Read, read, and read some more. A writer who doesn’t read is like a chef who doesn’t eat.
12. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
Think about what the reader might be expecting, and then give them something different.
13. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
A story – and characters – that linger in the mind long after the book has been read.
14. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
I give talks on subjects related to my books. I’m not very good at blowing my own horn, so an oblique approach works the best for me.
15. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
I wish I could write faster, but I have no real regrets.
16. What saying or mantra do you live by?
The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Seriously, as a writer, I believe that generosity to other writers is not only the right thing to do, but you never know how it might pay off.
Donations are appreciated. You may be the only one that gives. Do be an angel, please.
(Just think of me as the poor man’s PBS or NPR, LOL!)
Please contact me at dalanbinder at gmail dot com or ab3ring at juno dot com
If you a published author or in a band with or without a book or an up and coming celebrity and want to garner following or get your message out there then I’d like to interview you and feature you and your book(s) or message on this web site in one of my blogs.
Of course, I’m always looking for authors to interview. If you know of one, send them to me, please.
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