An Interview with Kat Martin

Q. Tell us about how you came up with the story for Heart of Honor?

I have to say, the story for Heart of Honor came completely out of the blue.  I woke up one morning and there it was.  That was at least seven or eight years ago.  I've been wanting to write it ever since.

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

The Viking information took a great deal of research, what life was life in Viking times, what a Viking man might be like.  I knew the characters well, since I had thought about it for so long, but the research was difficult.

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

Leif's character--no question.  He was incredibly intriguing, so smart and yet so hard-headed-- a complete macho male.

Q. Heart of Honor is the 1st book of a trilogy, tell us a little bit about the next second book.   

The Second Book, Heart of Fire, is Coralee's story.  When Cora's sister dies in a mysterious accident, Coralee is convinced it's murder--at that the notorious Earl of Tremaine is the man responsible.  All of Corrie's friends appear in the story.   The final book in the trilogy is Thor's story, Leif's brother.

Q. Who was your favorite character in Heart of Honor, and why?

Again, Leif was my favorite, hands down, though it was fun to write a woman like Krista, a little out of place in her society.

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

All the information I dug up on Vikings was amazing.  They were intriguing people and putting them in 1842 London--wow that was really an interesting twist.  If readers like the book, I may return to Draugr Island for Leif's other siblings stories. 

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

I think maybe the humor...which was unexpected as I wrote it.  It  just happened out of the story itself.  It made the book fun to write.

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, 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 Medievals and westerns.  I have a new trilogy set in Victorian England coming out January 1.  

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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