Welcome back to the Diamond Mine. It's my pleasure to introduce you to a local-to-me author of romantic suspense, Kathy Harris.
About the Author
Kathy Harris is an author by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville music business where she has worked for 30 years as a marketing director. She sold her first Christian nonfiction story in 2007. Her debut novel released in 2012. She writes romantic suspense and women’s fiction. Visit Kathy’s website, read her Divine Detour blog or follow her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
SW: Welcome, Kathy. Thank you for taking time to visit with us this week. Let's dive right in to the interview with some would you rather questions.
If money were no object, would you rather buy your girlfriends a piece of jewelry or take them on a weekend getaway?
KH: Definitely a weekend getaway. Memories last longer than jewelry!
SW: Great answer (and I agree with you). Would you rather arrive overdressed or underdressed to an event?
KH: That’s an interesting question for me because I’m always the one wearing jeans. I think I’ve worn a dress twice this year, and once was for a wedding.
SW: I am so grateful dressing down is acceptable in society these days. I'm not a dress wearer either. What are three books on your tbr pile?
KH: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, The House of Sky by Ivan Doig, and Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley.
SW: I've read one of those three. Let's talk about your books. How has your marketing work with The Oak Ridge Boys helped (or hindered) your work as an author?
KH: It has definitely helped. I studied journalism/communications for four years in college. But I have studied marketing every day for more than 30 years at Oak Ridge Boys, Inc. I am blessed to continue to learn from some of the very best in the music industry, including Jim Halsey, who has guided the Oaks’ career for decades.
SW: Marketing is so daunting to many new writers, but I find it's something to embrace (then again, I'm the researcher in my crit group). Who are your writing mentors, supporters, and/or cheerleaders?
KH: So many… and that list has grown through the years. My late husband was always my biggest cheerleader. My first crit partner, Rebecca Deel, taught me a lot about writing romantic suspense. I was writing women’s fiction at that time.
My editor, Ramona Richards, is one of the best romantic suspense writers on the planet. She has also been my acquiring editor since 2012. First at Abingdon Press and now at Iron Stream Fiction.
I’ve also been blessed with two amazing literary agents. It was because of the encouragement of my first agent, Kyle Olund, that I finished my first acquired manuscript. And when Kyle went back to corporate publishing, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Julie Gwinn. Julie is someone I have long admired and working with her has been a treat.
I could go on and on and mention the support of many fellow authors, family and friends, and readers who’ve left encouraging reviews. The long-held idiom that writing is a lonely job couldn’t be further from the truth. Of course, we sit at a keyboard in a room by ourselves for hours/days/weeks at a time. But writing takes a village of supporters and encouragers.
SW: It's so true there are people who come around us to make us better writers and encourage us when we're doubting ourselves. yes, there are those lonely hours when we write and edit our manuscripts but we also know we can reach out to our writing friends at any time.
Where do you write? What does your writing space look like?
KH: Before 2020, I wrote mostly in coffee shops. Now, I write at home, usually in a comfortable chair with my MacBook Air in my lap. But I also write at my desk in my home office, at the kitchen table, and on my back porch during warm months.
SW: Ah, 2020, the year we all want to forget but
can't. Your Deadly Secrets series is set in and around Nashville. What are the top three must-see places for visitors?
KH: There are so many fun places to experience in Nashville! If you are someone who enjoys walking, as I do, I highly recommend Lower Broadway, especially at night. The sights and sounds are pure Nashville. If you can, park near Nissan Stadium and walk across the Cumberland River on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
During the daytime hours, check out the new Fifth + Broadway shopping and entertainment complex, which also includes the new National Museum of African American Music. I haven’t been to the museum yet, but I have heard that it’s incredible. And, of course, when you’re downtown, you’ll want to visit the Ryman Auditorium, which is also known as the Mother Church of Country Music, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Another walking adventure I recommend is Radnor Lake Park, a 1300-acre natural area inside the Metro Nashville City Limits. You can walk and hike there, and depending on the day you go, you will see anything from wild turkeys to turtles to eagles to deer.
For a more urban walking adventure, and one that’s all under roof, check out the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which has acres of gardens under glass. While you’re there, grab a burger at Stax in the Delta Atrium. And if you are visiting at Christmas, which is a great time to be there, make reservations to see The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas in Tennessee dinner show, which runs from November 24-Christmas Day this year.
SW: Oh, a couple new places for me to visit, too! Nashville is such a fun city to explore.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Deadly Connection?
This book, which is the second in The Deadly Secrets series, has some interesting characters. It was fun writing them. There’s Dixie Grace, who may be a lot like your favorite aunt. She provides the fun, the food, and the spiritual foundation for the story.
Hannah Cassidy is the heroine. She’s a successful singer-songwriter, who narrowly escapes being snatched from a parking lot in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village. But that’s just the beginning. Hannah’s hero is TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson, and together Hannah and Jake chase down a major player in human trafficking in Middle Tennessee. Along the way, they also find each other.
Other characters include Dixie’s six-year-old, autistic grandson, Brandon, and Dixie’s boyfriend, Roland Davis. They both play an important role in the story. But it’s the antagonist—whose identity isn’t revealed until near the end—who provides the biggest plot twist in the book.
SW: I enjoyed the book and loved Dixie and Roland (but really felt for the latter).
Let's wrap things up with the most important question: How can we pray for you?
Thank you for asking! I’m always in need of wisdom and direction, not only for my writing, but for life in general. I love to stay busy, and I tend to take too much on. I would appreciate prayers for decision making. Not only for myself, but for my elderly mother. I’m her sole remaining family guardian, and I want to be the best daughter I can be for her.
SW: We will certainly pray for you and your mother as well as direction in other areas of your life. Thank you again for taking the time out of your busy new release schedule to share a little about yourself with us.
About the Book
Will they uncover the secrets between them before it becomes deadly?
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