An Interview with Kat Martin

Q. Tell us about the events that inspired you to write Scent of Roses?

Scent of Roses was inspired by a story I began hearing in the summer of 1995.   It was the story of a pregnant young Hispanic woman who had begun to see the image of a little girl standing at the foot of her bed warning her that she should leave the house.  During that summer, we found out that a little girl had been abducted from the home the young couple lived it and was later found to have been murdered.  It was an incredible story, one I remembered for years, one I wanted to write someday.  Of course I added a number of elements, including Elizabeth Conners, the heroine, and Zach Harcourt, the hero.

Q. What elements of this book were the most difficult to write?

Actually, this book flowed more easily than most, as it was a story I had been thinking of for almost ten years.  I had come to know the characters and most of the plot by the time I started writing.  I wish other of my books came so clearly into my mind.

Q. Who was your favorite character in Scent of Roses, and why?

My hero, Zach Harcourt, was my favorite in the book.  He is a true bad-boy--reformed, of course, or at least as much as a bad boy can reform.  I saw him clearly and loved his outspoken views--including those on sex.

Q. Tell us a little bit about the research you did for Scent of Roses.  Were you surprised by any of your findings?

I did a great deal of research on the farm setting, which is in an outlying area of the San Joaquin Valley. I made up the towns, but based them on real places.  The name Scent of Roses was always there.  I was surprised when I finished the book and ran across a news article that said that the actual murderer in the story had roses tattooed all over his chest!

Q. Do you think you will write another paranormal or ghost story? Explain.

I am currently doing a series of three paranormal stories.  Each of them involves an ordinary woman who experiences an extraordinary event.  I have always wanted to do this as I know so many women who have themselves experienced unexplainable occurrences.

Q. Without giving the story away, what will readers love about this book?

I think they will enjoy the relationship between the hero and heroine--both of whom are strong-willed people--as well as the mystery itself.  It’s an eerie tale but fascinating, I think, because it is based on something that actually happened. 

Q. You're known for your wonderful alpha heroes. Are they your favorite to write? 

Absolutely my favorite. I don't think I've written a hero who wasn't pretty much of a manly man. In Heart of Honor, my next historical, I write about a Viking who is out of time and place. He is definitely a macho man.

Q. How do you stay motivated?  What drives you to keep writing? 

I enjoy putting the puzzle pieces together.  And I can't imagine just sitting around doing nothing all day.  And I am a terrible golfer!

Q. Which is your favorite time period to write about?  Why?  

I like writing Regency England, Victorian England.  I like Med-evils and westerns.  I have a new trilogy set in Victorian England coming out January 1st.  

Q. Your husband writes too.  What are the pros and cons to having a writer for your spouse? 

Mostly good, I think.  We know the same people.  He understands my problems and I understand his.  He is a great help to me in plotting and researching my novels.

Q. What do you attribute your success and longevity in the industry to? 

A positive attitude and a very strong drive to succeed.  I think a writer has to have a thick skin and a lot of determination. 

Q. What’s the best and worst advice you ever received? 

The best, “Keep after it.  Don't give up!” The worst, “Why would you want to quit your job and be a writer?  That's a really bad idea.”

Q. What are you dying to try next? 

My husband and I are currently working on producing a TV show.  That is exciting for both of us, makes it sometimes hard to concentrate on writing, but so far so good.

Q. What’s the best thing about being a writer? 

The challenge.  You get to manage your own time and meet interesting people. 

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