JeanzBookReadNReview: AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?

Kathleen Barker was born in Baltimore, Maryland and currently lives in Timonium, Maryland

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

It was never my goal to have a career as a writer, but there were hints of it. I wrote for my high school newspaper and then for a company-sponsored magazine when I lived and worked in New Orleans, Louisiana. I wanted to be an English teacher, but the frequent moving involved in my former husband's military career short-circuited that.

When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"? Did it take a long time to get your first book published?

Not until I actually sat down and wrote "Ednor Scardens". It started out oddly. It struck me that I didn't know much about my mother's younger years and I was concerned that if anything happened to me, and my children had to give my eulogy, that they wouldn't know much about my youth. So, I sat down one night to put a few things down on paper and it just blew out of control as I added incidents and characters. I wrote nearly non-stop and in three weeks, I'd produced nearly 400 pages! I entered the story into Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award contest and made it through a few rounds before one of the last cuts. Then it was picked up by FIBP and offered as an ebook in the Spring of 2011. The print version is set for release in November 2011.

Do you work another job as well as your writing work? What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?

No, I'd taken an early retirement offer sever years earlier. "Ednor Scardens" is a coming-of-age story of a young girl set in Baltimore in the 1960's. Two brothers vie for her affections as a predatory priest stalks her.

Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?

Fantasy Island Book Publishing is the publisher.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

I finished the initial draft in three weeks, but spent months and months editing and test-reading it. I think that was an anomaly to finish a book that quickly.

Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others?

:"Ednor Scardens was easiest to write because it is filled with personal knowledge and incidents. I didn't have to create many fictitious characters or story lines.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

"Ednor Scardens" is the first book in a series called "The Charm City Chronicles." There are four books in the series that follow the original characters as they grow into adulthood, facing different trials and dilemnas.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Each book in the series will have a staggered release. I'm currently working on a book involving a group of college students involved in a scandal while playing for their university's lacrosse team.

What genre would you place your books into?

I hate classifying books, but I'd place them in Literary Fiction and the sub-categories of coming of age, romance, women's and young adult.

Do you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is it your favourite?

The first and third volumes of the Charm City series are my favorites because of the sub-plots they contain.

Do you have a favourite character from your books? and why are they your favourite?

I'd have to say Anita Collins is my favorite. She's the best friend of the main character, Kate Fitzgerald. Anita knows more than she should about boys for a girl her age, and she always looks out for Kate, who is rather naïve.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I began in 2009 for the reasons stated in question #3 above.

Where do you get your book plot ideas from?

The book is basically what I call bio-fiction, so the plot evolved my my own real-life experiences.

Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them?

Yes, I have a few friends who know me well enough to be frank and honest.

Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?

I haven't done that yet, but may in the future.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Absolutely. It's important for me to know what readers think.

What was the toughest/best review you have ever had?

That would have to be the one from a girlhood friend who was expecting a much more adult handling. I think she felt badly when I pointed out to her that it was never described as such.

How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books?Who designed the Cover of your books?

I grew up in a neighborhood called "Ednor Gardens", and the story concerns the things that left scars. Hence, the title, "Ednor Scardens". I worked with a very talented woman named Ceri Clark.

How do you market/promote your books?

Right now, pre-print release, I utilize social media such as facebook, twitter, Book review clubs and site, my blog and word-of-mouth. That will intensify as Fantasy Island Book Publishing grows as a company and we set up in-store signings at bookstores among other things.

What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller ?

First, I think it has to have a good story that people want to read. After that it's all marketing and promotion to get the word out.

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?

I have brief bouts of block, but I find that the best way to get around it is to have a regular time to put thoughts down on paper....if I prime the pump, the water usually flows.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I spend time with family and hit the gym.

Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you?

Definitely. That is the case with all four of my novels.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

I can't say there are hidden messages, but there are passages where I hope young readers will take something from the difficulties my characters experience. The importance of protected sex is the one that jumps to mind mainly.

Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?

Believe it or not, Stephanie Meyer was a big influence,

Which format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback, or paperback?

I can't say that I prefer one over another.

What is your favourite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

The "Twilight" series is one of my favorites. I couldn't guess how many times I read all four of them!

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst  book to movie transfer?

Some books translate well, but it all depends on the director's and producer's vision. It's a real art to know what to include and what may not be essential to a movie version. Again, I loved how the original "Twilight" transferred to the big screen. The casting was dead-on.

What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)

I'm currently reading Connie J. Jasperson's "The Last Good Knight" on my Kindle.

Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books?

I think that ebooks will continue to eat away at the print market, but there's room for both. It's such an individual choice.

Do you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read? and/or do Imaginative writing?

Even with the distractions of school and the lure of the internet and video games, I think the wild popularity of books like the Harry Potter series has shown that kids want to read. Imaginative writing is something that needs a much greater emphasis.

Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read but just couldn't finish?

I'm horrible at trying to read any in-depth analysis type books, like things that examine the economy. I'll fall asleep every time.

Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for them?

I have a growing stack of books by new authors. Alison DeLuca's "The Night Watchman's Express" was just impossible for me to put down. Danielle Raver's "Brother Betrayed", Dean Lappi's "Black Numbers" and Gary Hoover's "The Land of Nod" are all clamoring for my attention. These are immensely creative writers whose work I find truly thrilling.

Is there anything in your book/books you would change now if you could and what would it be?

No, I can't say there is anything I'd change at this time. Maybe when my grandchildren can read, I might not want them to know some of the things I did!