Hi Readers,
Recently, I had the opportunity of interviewing this fantastic author: Katherine Smits. Check out my interview with her and her latest book, just in time for Valentine’s Day!!
** 1. Tell me a bit about one of your favorites that you wrote.
Wow! Starting right off with a hard question. This is kind of liking having to pick one child as a favorite. Right now, Water Desires is the story I’m most focused on because release day is March 4. However, Water Dreams was my debut novel, so that’s like my first born. And my other books and stories, both published and not yet published, are all special in their own ways, so really I could pick any of them to talk about. Since Water Dreams is the first book in the Love’s Siren Song series, I’ll tell you a little about it.
Water-phobic Nik discovers mermaids and mermen plan to make her a lab experiment. They can’t take no for an answer and will go to any lengths to get what they need.In the small Florida town of Tarpon Springs, Greek-American Nik Aronopulos avoids water. She never goes to the beach and shuns restaurants with views of the Gulf of Mexico. So, why would merfolk want to study her? When a gorgeous, dark-haired, infuriatingly arrogant merman tells her it’s her ability to stay out of water that interests his people, she’s stunned. There’s nothing special about her… or so she thinks. Bas is the merman tasked with obtaining Nik’s cooperation. He needs her to help his people overcome their greatest weakness—the need to rejuvenate in the Gulf so they won’t dehydrate and die. Although they can shapeshift to look like humans and have advantages over land dwellers, their dependence on water keeps them from freedom. There’s just one problem – the girl he’s meant to capture is hooking his heart.
When Bas is shot by a bullet meant for Nik, she must face her greatest fear to help him. Her decision plunges her into a desperate journey where her desire for self-preservation is weighed against her growing feelings for this merman who once meant her harm and what this might mean for all of them.If you like the mystery and suspense of the television series Siren, but you want more romance, Water Dreams will sweep you away.
** 2. Writing is a difficult endeavor.
What makes you continue to write?I wanted to write from the time I was old enough to read. However, I put it off while I raised a family and pursued my career as a clinical social worker. After I retired, I decided to try writing a novel. The experience was so amazing, I never wanted to stop, and I still don’t. Writing is difficult, but it’s the kind of hard work that provides immediate rewards. I see the results of my efforts right away. Unlike, say exercise.
** 3. What do you look forward to every day?
I look forward to sitting down to the computer and coming up with new characters and new plots. The best times are when the characters take over and the words flow. Hours pass in what feels like minutes and I’m as surprised as if I haven’t written those words. It’s exciting!
** 4. How do you define success? What makes you successful?
To me, success is finishing the project. Holding a physical book that I have created out of nothing is one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. Knowing that I’m leaving this legacy for my grandchildren and greats who may never know me in person, humbles me. I’ll be present in those books in a real and tangible way.
** 5. Any tips for a newbie writer?
Everyone says this, but it’s the only thing that really matters: read. Read novels in your genre. Read novels in other genres. Read nonfiction. Read books about writing. Read advertising on your morning cereal box. Read everything and use it all to help you hone your craft.
Water Desires is the second book in the Love’s Siren Song series. The books don’t have to be read in order, but book two contains some spoilers for the first book.
When an unknown Nerei (merman) carries an unconscious and badly injured Bas in from the Aegean Sea, Nik realizes she must get him to an island in the Atlantic where a hidden spring of healing water will restore her Nerei lover. At the same time, her adoptive father is dying from a boating accident in her home town of Tarpon Springs, and he’s asking for her. While battling a weird illness which antibiotics won’t cure, Nik must figure out a way to save Bas and get home to help her father.
When Bas follows Nik to Florida, he is forced to keep his distance from her. He has already escaped one death sentence for having a relationship with a human, and he can’t risk another one. Still, he’s furious when Nik turns to her old friend, a mage Bas dislikes, to help her unravel the hidden truth behind her father’s accident.
Water Desires is Book Two in the Love’s Siren Song Series. The thrilling sequel to the award-winning Water Dreams will drag you under and not let you up for air until the end. If you like mermen, mages and magical romance, you’ll love this book.
Preorder Water Desires here: http://bit.ly/mermaidromance
