Looking Out the Window: Kathy Neely Talks about Her New Book, In Search of True North. Gives Away a Copy

 

 A Warm Welcome to Kathy Neely

Kathy will giveaway a  USA - print or digital copy; INTERNATIONAL - digital copy only. 

Hi Kathy, tell us a little about yourself.

I am happily married, the mother of three grown sons, and grandma to two adorable little boys. I love being retired and enjoy writing, reading, meeting with church friends and family. We enjoy game nights and cookouts. Before retirement, I worked as an elementary principal. Prior to that, I taught school. When I retired from my position as a school administrator, I knew I needed something to fill those hours. I told my husband I was going to look for a retirement job. I fancied myself scanning purchases in one of my favorite stores like Hobby Lobby or World Market. He cautioned me not to be hasty. What good advice that turned out to be. I joined a local writers’ group and dusted off my neglected manuscript. That was four books ago!

My novel, The Least of These, won first place in the fiction category of a Fresh Voices contest. That bolstered my self-confidence.  Today I celebrate the release of my fourth novel, In Search of True North.

Were you an avid reader as a child?

Surprisingly, I was not. That happened as a young adult. Once I learned the love of stories, it never stopped. I curl up with a book most evenings. I believe that all authors launch their writing journey from a love of reading.

Tell us about your latest book.

In Search of True North is a story about a mother’s love, yet it’s so much more. When 16-year-old Mallory discovered she was pregnant, her parents urged her to give the child up to her barren sister. It proved to be the hardest decision of her life. She lost more than just her son. In Search of True North is about peeling back the layers of grief, learning to accept responsibility, and understanding that other people are fallible despite their good intentions. Healing takes a slow journey to reach the heart; twelve years in Mallory’s case.

What an amazing story. What do you love about this book? And what do you hope readers will tell others about it?

Mallory Carter is real. She’s not a perfect, beautiful, too-good -to-be-true protagonist. She comes to us bitter, passive-aggressive, and insecure, always protective of the wall she built around herself. It takes a twelve-year-old boy to break through—not to mention a little help from his handsome uncle.

 How do you get to know your characters?

I love this question because characterization is the heart of fiction. I do a number of things to bring life to my characters. My husband knows that when I’m sitting silently, staring at nothing in particular, I’m actually hard at work. I see scenes and watch who immerges. I also have my main characters journal. When I write from their perspective in a journalistic fashion—free writing, no concern for form or mechanics, pouring out feelings and emotions—it helps me to stay true to each character when my writing returns to the manuscript. Have you ever read a novel where you just want to scream at the main character? Don’t go there! Stop saying that. That’s a bad decision. That’s why authors need to build a strong profile—so readers will understand WHY a character does what they do.

What kind of novels do you write?

I have never liked categorizing my books into genres. Women’s Fiction. Romance. Mystery. Etc. I know that my books will find more appeal to female readers, yet I’ve had a number of men read and enjoy my stories, particularly The Least of These with a male protagonist. One man who works with the homeless and was brave enough to admit his emotions, told my friend that he fought tears as he read it. I don’t claim to write romance, but always include a romantic element. It adds a nice flavor and is true to real life. I wouldn’t say I write mystery novels but any good work of fiction holds a little mystery. I can honestly claim Contemporary Fiction, yet this fall I’ll have a time-slip release that spans 150 years.

Does your faith affect your writing? If so, how?

 As a Christian, my faith defines everything I do. True faith is not something that can be compartmentalized. However, I don’t set out to write a novel about faith. I allow it to enter when it’s appropriate for the story. Otherwise, it feels forced and detracts from a good work of fiction. In Beauty for Ashes readers will find a more overt Christian message because the setting is an afterschool ministry for teens, and because Nathan is in great emotional turmoil. Regardless of whether my story includes a message of faith, I offer good, clean reads.

 How do you research for your book? What sort of research did you do for this latest release?

When writing, I love sub-topics. In Beauty for Ashes, Angie was an amateur violinist. Del a basketball enthusiast. In The Street Singer, we walked through the old farmhouse renovations which had little to do with Trish and Adda’s dilemma. These sub-themes add another dimension to our characters, helping us to know them more deeply. They teach us while we read (and write!) In Search of True North includes Mallory’s love for astronomy. I had to do some research on the design of the telescope, positioning of constellations, star systems, and meteor showers. Since then, I’ve found myself visiting a local science center planetarium. Mallory’s fascination was contagious.

I’ve discovered that many people love to share their areas of expertise with authors, and they appreciate a thank you in the acknowledgments. 

What are you working on right now?

Look for a new release this fall. Arms of Freedom, my first timeslip novel, is a different style for me. The dual timeline includes a contemporary setting and looks back to Civil War Reconstruction. Annie and Charlotte lived 150 years apart, but are tied together in so many ways.

Additionally, I’m currently working on a story about a troubled marriage.  At the same time that Kate and Ryan separate, she begins to experience some significant neurological concerns. As the symptoms increase, she is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She refuses to tell her husband, knowing he will return out of pity.

I live with PD, and have long wanted to write a character with this disease. This story is in the final stages but needs a little more fine-tuning. I’m excited about the possibilities.

If you could interview any character in one of your books which one would it be? What shocking thing might that character say? Why?

This is so easy to answer. I would love to sit down with Adda from The Street Singer. She’s an old lady now, the daughter of a Mississippi share cropper who grew up dirt poor. She made it to Nashville and went on to become one of the first Grammy nominees, yet ended her years as a penniless street singer. I don’t believe that Adda can shock me anymore than she did in the pages of my story.

What is the coolest, wackiest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done? 

I’m definitely not cool or wacky. One fun thing I’ve done is being part of a flash mob. Fun, fun, fun. I’d say that writing is risk-taking. We pour our heart out on paper, then ask everyone to rate it and post a review for the whole world to see.

You're actually pretty cool. Introduce us to the main character in your new book. 

 I’m pleased to introduce you to Mallory Rose Carter. Actually, please skip the middle name Rose. Although her mother insisted on the full name, Mallory deplored it.

If I had to describe Mallory in three words, they would be bitter, passive-aggressive, and insecure. I know that sounds like a downer, but please don’t stop reading. It’s a starting place with room to grow. After all, who wants to be remembered for attributes from teenage years?

As layers of bitterness begin to unfold, Mallory finds hope. When circumstances allow her to be a mother to the child she gave up in her teen years, Mallory discovers a fiercely protective maternal nature. It’s not easy for her to trust. Too many people have failed her. The question Mallory must answer is this. Can Brady Donaldson be trusted? Will she allow him to pierce the self-protective armor that she’s worn for a dozen years?

 Where can folks find you on the web?

Here are some ways to contact me:

 Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Author Bio:

Kathleen Neely is a retired elementary principal, and enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading.

She is the author of The Street Singer, Beauty for Ashes, The Least of These, and In Search of True North. Kathleen won second place in a contest through ACFW-VA for her short story “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance”. Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, The Least of These, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions.

 Kathleen continues to speak to students about writing and publication processes. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.