Catherine S. Buck

Author Bio: Degree in history, member of the American Folklore Society, writer, tarot reader and teacher for over fifty years. I am working on a YA fantasy.  In the works publishing name: The Awakening of Owlsbridge Green.

Author Interview:

1. What inspires you most to write?

Reading and research. Over the years, I have read thousands of books. I’ve also edited a few. I find that after reading a good book, be it fiction or nonfiction, I would ask myself : What if it could be interpreted this way? From what viewpoint and what location?

I have written mostly nonfiction, but I see the challenge of creating a world through a fiction story. I first started seven years ago with short stories. I now have a novel I hope to publish soon. Some have the background of dramatic crisis change. Some dealt with homelessness. Faith and fortitude give many characters strength.

2. What is your favorite genre?

I actually have not decided yet.

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

There are too many to list but I find young fantasy and sci-fi writers to be exceptional.

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

 I usually open myself up through poetry or quotes; it depends on what section of the story or book I am writing about. I also go back through notes or any additional information I have on hand. Sometimes you have to wait a bit but I suggest you write something everyday, even if it doesn’t apply to the project you are working on. It can open your mind to a different perspective.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

Always look over your contracts if you sign with a publisher. Most publishers do not expect you to be informed, especially if you are signed to a publishing house for the first time. Ask questions.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I have written three. One was quite popular but I self published. I actually had a contract with a publishing house for it but they asked that I doubled the wordage. Once I did, they said it was too mature (natural healing, folklore and folk magic) for their audience (17-24). It is still a good seller and has fairly stable royalties. My newest one, the YA fantasy fiction, I’m sending out to publishers.

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

Honestly, the only script I was upset with was in the Harry Potter series. I felt they should have told Snape’s and Lily Potter’s story. Many thought they were going to do that and they rushed to the theatre but to no good end.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

 There are some who will bootleg your books to make money for themselves. Make sure you have a copyright! Also: you can't please everyone so take heart. There are many readers who will enjoy your book.

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

My review with Writers Digest magazine, my written article for Appalachian History.com, my workshops on my nonfiction books and the wonderful questions my readers and students ask me.

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

A hot cup of tea and quiet. Still, once you get involved in your writing, the noise disappears anyway.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

 Write your interest. The words you put on paper are personal to you and can reveal anger, pain, sorrow or joy. We all have a story to tell.

12.  How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

Actually I typed in my page count and the computer gave me the average price for my kind of book in the year of publishing. Instead of changing that (You can), I went with it.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

With the non-fiction, it is verified information that is fun, easy to read and interesting. With my fiction, I try to show the character's point of view and tell a good story.

14. Did you have a book coach?

No.

15.What was your favorite subject in school?

 Literature and history (the real stuff).

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

Explained in #6.

Both books being published by Ingram-Spark and Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Granny-Bucks-Dibs-Dabs-Appalachian/dp/B08DC84KD8