Today I have the pleasure of speaking to Catherine Anne Collins. Hello Catherine, how are you today? We at FAR, along with the readers, are anxious to hear about Catherine.

Hi, Linda. I’m doing wonderful, thank you for asking and thanks for having me here today. I’ve loved your site ever since Jaymi gave my first book the most amazing review. Now I’m baaaack, but this time for an interview.

Catherine, why not begin by telling us something about yourself?

Hmmm, where to begin? It was a dark and stormy night…ooops, no clichés allowed. Sorry, but you seem to have caught me in a strange mood today. Usually I’m straight forward and to the point. Oh, well, let’s keep going and see what comes out of my mouth, er, from my fingers. In a nutshell, I’m a writer, martial artist, animal lover and vegetarian. I believe in love at first sight and the fact that just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it’s not there.

We would love to hear about your latest. Would you enlighten us please?

My most recently published book, A Witch’s Lament, is based on the Salem witch trials. With a past/present timeline, I tried to stay true to events and people in the past as well as the city as it is today. My publisher, Crescent Moon Press, loved the book so much that they asked if I’d like to write a sequel. Since I deliberately left the ending open for a sequel, I didn’t see a problem with saying yes. So, I’m now working on A Witch’s Legacy and should be finished soon.

Do you see yourself in any of the characters in your books?

Not intentionally, but certain personality traits do seem to creep into some of my characters.

Besides writing, is there anything else that you enjoy doing every day?

Oh, gosh, you’ve opened Pandora’s Box. There are a lot of things that I enjoy doing, reading, hiking, archery, photography, but where I spend most of my spare time is down at the barn with my goats. Yes, goats. My husband and I received two baby goats as a farm-warming gift and I’ve been collecting new kids ever since. I now have eleven. Eight of them have been bottle fed by me, and all of them are spoiled and loved. You can see photos of them on my website. Oh, and there are photos of my husband there as well.

What are your plans for future WIP?

I mentioned my current work in progress above, but once I’ve finished A Witch’s Legacy, I’m anxious to return to another manuscript that I’ve spent some time on already. The story begins at the crucifixion site of Christ where a lone man who is there to pay homage ends up with a splinter of the One True Cross and drops of blood from the body of Christ. Long story short, the blood and wood are a legacy given by Christ to this man to guard until such time as their power can be used for the benefit of mankind. Templar Knights, curses, immortality, a Scottish castle in a town that hides in the isolation of the Scottish highlands all come together to make a very interesting story. One I can’t wait to get back to writing.

Do you have to go through many drafts/edits to get it polished just right?

No. I have a thing—my husband would call it a “Monk thing”. For anyone who has seen the show, Monk, you’ll understand the reference, for others, Monk is a television character who has so many phobias that he has to hire someone to follow him around and deal with day to day events. Anyway, any time my husband closes an open cupboard, or I fix the bed sheets so they’re just perfect, we say it’s a “Monk thing”. Back to your question, though, when I write I have to write the scenes sequentially and I have to write a very clean first draft. I can’t move on until I’ve got the current scene complete. As a result, it might take me longer to finish the manuscript, but when I’m done, there’s very little editing involved.

As an author, do you think it is important for a writer to stay in touch with his/her readers, and the growing trend of what they really like to read?

Absolutely, it’s important to stay in touch with readers. As for following ongoing trends, I’m not so sure. Some people say just write what you feel, write what is driving and motivating you to get your butt in the chair. If it’s a compelling story, people will read it. Other people follow the trends and write what’s currently popular. *Shrug* I lean towards writing the story that’s pushing to be written, whatever the current trend.

Is there a book you have read that left a strong impression you will never forget?

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Good news, your book has been chosen to be made into a movie and now you get to go on TV to talk about it. You also can choose any person to help promote your book. Who do you choose to help with this great event?

Hmmm, you’ve got me on that one. I have no idea. But I love that my book has been chosen to be made into a movie.

Which room in your home would you say is your favorite?

The living room because I can sit in my favorite lounge chair, computer in lap, and look out the picture window while I write. The view is of our front yard, surrounded by cedar trees, the hay fields beyond and birds flitting around everywhere.

Where would you classify as your most romantic place to visit to gather some story ideas?

Usually a walk in the woods or a visit to the barn will do the trick. We have 50 acres of beautiful scenery to enjoy and that’s where I get my motivation.

If you could be a character in any Disney Movie, which movie would you choose?

Wow. Tough one. I think I’d have to say The Chronicles of Narnia. The idea of stepping through the door in a wardrobe and into another world is so cool. Where can I buy one like it?

Do you have a favorite nursery rhyme you will always cherish?

No, not really, I love them all. But I do think that they should be left alone and not rewritten for political correctness. Jeesh.

Your editor just phoned and said she needed you to host a banquet dinner tomorrow and she needs you to prepare enough food for sixty guests, plus do a book signing. Do you stay calm? And what menu would you delight the guests?

I read this question out loud to my husband and he said I should answer cheese and crackers. As much as I love cheese and crackers, I’d go a little more elaborate. I’d make a lasagna or spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. Dessert would be apple crisp or pumpkin pie with ice cream. Oh, boy, am I ever getting hungry.

Catherine could you please give us your website, myspace, Facebook, or Blog, please?

www.catherineannecollins.com
www.mythicalauthor.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/merlinsmuse

Catherine, I have enjoyed our talk and thank you for taking time to share some insight with us into your life and writing.

Thanks again for having me. I enjoyed answering your questions. Have a wonderful day.

Interviewed by: Linda L.