Please help me welcome Author Catherine Fowler to my blog today!
Here is my interview with her:
What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)?
I use my mother's maiden name Sabatina as my pen name. She died of breast cancer aged 52. Sabatina is an Italian name and has a lovely sound to it. I decided to use her name out of respect for her and because she loved to read.
Tell me a bit about yourself:
I teach exercise to music for a living and tutor. I started writing about five years ago. I discovered I was dyslexic in adulthood which was a great weight off my shoulders as I soon discovered that I was dyslexic and not stupid! it gave me a great confidence boost. I enjoyed writing stories when I was little but my English gramma is weak, however improving!
What type of genre do you write?
Urban fantasy/chick lit. I'm a great fan of all things that go bump in the night! That particular genre has always fuelled my imagination.
What genre to you personally read?
I'm quite eclectic when it comes to reading. I still read Agatha Christie and I enjoy Dan Brown novels. I enjoy Marian Keys novels and Helen Fielding.
I enjoy stories about vampires and witches, spirits and ghosts. In addition stories set during WW2
Tell me about your latest?
Love" is an extremely powerful emotion and can therefore cause all sorts of problems even for the most skilled of witches. Love can tie a person into knots, throw you off guard, put you off your dinner and turn you into nothing but a giant mush ball. No, no Adrianna Jasmine prefers to keep her head firmly on her shoulders and out of the pink, fluffy love clouds thank you very much.”
Adrianna Jasmine Mariposa Poppleapple Forthright-Punch is a thoroughly modern witch living the single life in London; a master baker she dreams of owning her own cake shop one day and lives happily with her cat Jupiter 10; unsuspected by those living around her that she possesses magical powers. Despite being a bit of a strudel she is un-vain and totally unaware of the effect that she has on men and is disinterested in love. All she cares about is cooking and bringing happiness into the lives of others, which is her passion and expertise.
The book propels the reader on with new excitement and surprises in each chapter and with a deliciously funny narrative and the all-seeing-eye captures every detail of the lives of a group of extraordinary women.
The tone of this book can go from a light a frothy photo shoot to a dark and sinister kidnap in the pace of a few pages. Adrianna Jasmine is a likable character part Nigella part Sarah Jessica Parker and her supporting cast of witches, including her unstoppable and irrepressible mother, make this a veritable pantomime of a book. And Taylor of course is the ultimate leading man.
What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?
I was brought up on Agatha Christie who is the queen of unpredictability and therefore decided that my book should be filled with twists and turns. Characters are very important to me, as
there are so many stories around where you forget the names of the characters. My characters have become something of an enigma to my fans and they almost wish that they exist!
Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?
No, but authors have effected the way I write. Great character authors such as Dickens, Christie, Shakespeare, even Rowelling as they are great character writers. When you have strong characters the story can go anywhere.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
Yes, it's all about women being strong and taking back the control. That love is complicated, and be careful what you do unto others!
What challenges have you faced in your writing career?
Dyslexia, not knowing how to produce my book so having to learn as I went on. Trying to get people to stand up and listen to me. I've learnt that the writing world is hard! Having to switch from writing head to exercise to music head, I can't stay in my zone as I have to shut the lap top and teach legs butts and thighs!
What has been your best moment as a writer?
My book signing in my local Waterstones and my first book launch at my leisure centre where I teach. The amount of people who came to support me was overwhelming. And we all had tea and cake!
Who is your author idol?
Agatha Christie
Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
My mane character is someone who I would love to be, but sadly I am not like her
Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?
No I've got a long way to go, it's frustrating at times. People keep telling me that I've achieved so much but I feel I'm not where I want to be.
What does your workspace look like?
Ha! The couch!
Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?
Oh yes, I often think what are you doing. The industry is far too complicated and tough. It's tired me out, trying, trying, trying. Then I get wind In my sails all over again and I have the energy to start all over.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Teaching my classes,
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Gosh I'm not sure. The industry can be very crushing. Listening to positive reviews and try to always believe in your book.
Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?
When I was a little girl. I've kinda done a full circle there. I love to be artistic and creative, writing helps me to express. Also when people first read the book and loved it, I thought hmmm maybe I should keep plugging away.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Got a story then write! It's much easier these days with the self publishing industry to get your book out there. Don't expect to make money just yet though, be happy that people enjoy your work. I dislike the snobbery between published authors and self published authors. What are we meant to do when no publishing house will even give you two minutes, give up? I say no do it yourself! It's also extremely hard work and requires a lot of skill, it took me a year to produce my first book!
After this book, what is next?
To have the sequel Sweet Jasmine, Cakes and Magic out by May 2013.
I hope to write a third in the Sweet Jasmine series and to write books on the individual characters. To teach English as a foreign language and to tutor aspiring fitness professionals.
Your website?
Your blog?
Other websites?
Where can your book be found?
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
Waterstones, Castlepoint Bournemouth
Gardners
My web site direct
Please thank Catherine for joining us today! Please check out her websites and buy a book or two. Good luck!
Keep Writing!
Jodie Pierce
Great Interview. I too grew up on Agatha Christie :)
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