Today's Darklight On is with Kathrine Leannan. Welcome, Kathrine!
How did you come to write speculative fiction? What attracted you to the genre?
I have always looked to the universe for guidance. I believe in magic and Karma. I write fantasy stories because I love everything paranormal.
Please tell us a little about your road to publication.
It has been long and bumpy, but very rewarding. I started with an idea for a story of a Scottish family (I love everything Scottish). After 4 rewrites, the story is now very changed from the original work, although some of the concepts still exist. My publisher loved the story from the outset but recognised my propensity to the narrative, given that is how I am required to write in my other life. Her advice to me was, yes you can write, now go away and learn to write fiction. I joined RWA and haven't looked back. My work has greatly improved because of this advice and the support I have received from the Darksiders.
Blood of the Scottish ancients honed her courage and her strength. The Katana, sword of the Samurai will ensure she need never again be afraid.
Her first cry summoned them – her clan – who have waited two hundred years for the girl child of the prophecy - of their blood.
Connor Macdonald, so named for her ancestor is unique, for she shares the blood of the Highland ancients – the horse masters.
Brutality found her and robbed her of her innocence. Her cries resounded into the night, her spilt blood the awakening spark for the ancient Samurai.
The Katana found her, gave her courage and purpose.
Clan justice befalls those who would harm a Scots kin.
Those that spill the holy blood of the Samurai will feel the bite of the sword.
Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in-between?
Initially I was definitely a Pantser. Now, I write chapters based on Conflict, story arc and hook. So I guess now I am leaning towards being a plotter, which is much less stressful than waiting for divine intervention to make sense of my manuscripts.
Do have a favourite of your characters?
Oh yes. I love my heroine and her black Friesian stallion Hades.
What are you currently working on?
Warrior Born – Book 1 of the Katana series
Daughter of the Sword – Book 2 of the Katana Series
Blood of the Gods – Book 3 of the Katana Series.
4 x books of the Dark Mirrors Witches Coven Series
A book of non-fiction.
What is your favourite part of the process of writing?
The buzz when a chapter idea hits me like a bomb. I keep a writing pad in every handbag I own, plus a pad and pen beside the bed. I have been known to leap out of bed like a gazelle in the middle of the night when a chapter idea hits me.
What can we expect from Kathrine Leannan in the future?
Great stories that appeal to women who like strong heroines and fantastic horses.
Who are your favourite authors?
Karen Maree Moning, Kresley Cole, Diana Gabaldon, Tracey Harding, JR Ward, JK Rowling
What are you currently reading?
Iced – Karen Maree Moning
Casual Vacancy – JK Rowling
Do you have a favourite spec fiction movie or TV series?
I have little tolerance for television, unless it is the Big Bang Theory. I so get Sheldon, we could be twins.
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Thanks, Kathrine.
Kathrine is also part of the Hotter than Hades authors.
I agree about RWA - it's been one of the best decisions I ever made to join. I wish I could jump out of bed like a gazelle to write by ideas. I scramble along like a zombie, with sound effects and all.
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