Kathy Harris Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. How about a few quirky tidbits? I’m a reformed introvert. I’m still inherently shy but through the years I’ve taught myself to speak up, and to start conversations with strangers in grocery stores—probably because I moved to the South, where everyone is friendly. I’m a non-reformed perfectionist, who still doesn’t get it right most of the time but has to stop when I run out of time. I’m also an optimist, both by nature and by faith (Romans 8:28).

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. I’ve dreamed of writing books since I was a young girl. That dream continued through high school and in college, where I majored in communications (journalism/advertising/English).

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. In the 1970s, I took a job in the Nashville music industry. For a number of years, I also freelanced artist bios and wrote, as well as ghost-wrote, music-related news stories and columns. Throughout my career I’ve written press releases, newsletters, and advertising copy.

In the late 1990s, I realized that, if I was going to write the books I’d dreamed of writing, I’d better get started. Not long after that I finished my first manuscript, which was women’s fiction. Then I heard about the American Christian Fiction Writers conference, which just happened to be in Nashville that year. I signed up for the conference and pitched my manuscript. It didn’t take long to realize that I had a lot to learn. Fortunately, I met a number of local writers at the conference, and it was through that new group of friends—most of whom are still very close today—that I slowly began to learn the craft of fiction. It was also through those friends that I would eventually meet my agent(s) and my editor.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Deadly Commitment?
A. Deadly Commitment is an inspirational romantic suspense set in Nashville. It’s also the first book in a new series from New Hope Publishers. Here’s a quick synopsis:

Danni Kemp fears she’s being stalked—but the truth is much more deadly. Her fiancé, Robert Evans, has a dangerous secret, and the homeless man who is stalking her, Caleb Samuels, may prove to be her only escape from the seedy, underground world of illicit drugs and crime that has intruded upon her life. Will Danni discover in time that neither Robert nor Caleb are who they appear to be, and the one person she fears most may be the one person she needs to trust?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Deadly Commitment?
A. I wanted to write about how we sometimes make decisions without thinking them through. I’ve been guilty of that myself sometimes. It could be a quick monetary commitment. Or a spur-of-the-moment declaration that you’re leaving your job or quitting school. It might even be the decision to marry the wrong person. We may think, “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll get a divorce… Or, sell the house… Or, go back to school.” Sometimes, a hastily made decision works out. But many times, it leads to regret. I wanted to explore that idea to the extreme—and when I did, a suspense plot was born.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A. That it’s never too late for a second chance.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. Deadlines. Ha.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I’m working on Deadly Connection, Book Two of The Deadly Secrets series. The hero is an agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, who believes he can never love again. The heroine is a singer-songwriter with a past that still haunts her.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. Spend time with friends and family. Explore my hometown area—from parks to downtown. I enjoy walking and hiking, going to music concerts, and finding new and unique local restaurants.