When did you realize you wanted to write novels?
After years of writing for others with commercial radio commercials, presentations, and PBS television series, I desperately wanted to write something on my own.
How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?
I was published traditionally by Kensington about two years after I began part-time…writing in the evenings after my day job.
Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?
I’m traditionally published and have done some indie publishing.
Where do you write?
I write in my dedicated office – with book covers on the wall to remind me I can do it.
Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?
I like to write in total silence. Far better to hear those voices in my head!
How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?
Most of my plots and characters come from my imagination, although I’m certain this is formed by observation and eavesdropping. Yes, writers eavesdrop!
Describe your process for naming your character?
Sometimes, very rarely, the name of my character, or characters, is just there. But other times as the character grows, the name needs to be changed to fit the character more appropriately. When I’m truly at a loss for a name, I go to Ancestry and find an ancestor’s name…keeps it all in the family! I used to have baby name books, but now the internet furnishes those when needed.
Real settings or fictional towns?
I use fictional town names, but my settings are important. I like to feel and see them while I’m writing, therefore they’re usually places I know well.
What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
My heroine Kathleen has a Harm Avoidance disorder. Which is unfortunate since she’s threatened on every level at her new (old apartment with stuffed fish on the wall) home in Paradise Key.
What’s your quirkiest quirk?
I start a writing project then tell myself it can’t be done. Hours or days later, I go back to the computer and do it.
If you could have written any book (one that someone else has already written,) which one would it be? Why?
I would have liked to write anything Susan Elizabeth Phillips has written. Her books are witty and romantic. Her characters are skillfully developed. I like Julia Quinn’s historical novels as well. (I’m a positive Pollyanna type!)
Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What’s yours?
I wish I’d paid more attention to the business aspect of writing. And changed with it as it has changed over time.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People claiming to be best friends with my late husband, who weren’t.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
I would love the sun and quiet but would want my family, books, and fine wine with me.
What was the worst job you’ve ever held?
I worked in a bank for maybe three weeks. My boss was in therapy, and it wasn’t going well.
Who’s your all-time favorite literary character (any genre)? Why?
Scarlet O’hara of course! Even her flaws contributed to her unique and awesome personality.
Ocean or mountains?
Definitely ocean!
City girl/guy or country girl/guy?
I enjoy the country for respite, but at heart, I’m a city girl.
What’s on the horizon for you?
I’m currently working on a women’s fiction book which has family ties.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and/or your books?
My biggest supporter was my late husband, Dave Madden. He always promoted me and the books. His memoir was the only nonfiction book I’ve ever written. Dave and I met in college and did not marry until years later. By then, he was known as Reuben Kinciad, the manager of The Partridge Family. He urged me to write as Sandra Madden before I was a legal Madden. Part of his plan, I believe. Dave was a very kind man…but sneaky!
Kathleen Cassidy's transition from uptight Boston babe to barefoot island warrior begins when her newly inherited sleek, go-fast boat explodes. Soon the intrepid redhead is questioning her father's death under the watchful eyes of a rugged Miccosukee fishing guide who is definitely not her type, an attractive marine archeologist who definitely is her type and perhaps...a killer.
Cassidy is plainly a fish out of water and way down on her luck when she arrives on Paradise Key to claim her inheritance, a cool o-fast boat and a battered old bar called the 'Gator Hole. Items bequeathed by the father she barely remembers, a man her mother referred to as "Wild Bill" - when she was being kind.
Joe Scipio, ICE undercover agent and full-blooded Florida Miccosukee, lives on his boat docked behind the 'Gator Hole. Although he'd promised her father to look after Cassidy, he considers the headstrong beauty supremely unsuited for the Keys lifestyle. Struggling with his attraction to her, nevertheless, Joe constantly urges her to return to Boston where she belongs. To no avail. Mystery, romance, humor and a cast of wacky Keys characters come together in this wildly entertaining novel!
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2 comments:
Loved this interview!
Such a wonderful person, and such a talented writer!! What a gal!❤️
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