Don't forget to check out all the interviews I did with many of the above authors, and of course, support your next favorite indie!
In Conversation With: Kim Catanzarite
Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author Kim Catanzarite. Can I offer you anything to drink?
Yes, I'd love an unsweet iced tea with some Stevia sprinkled on top. Thank you.
As an editor, what's the one error we writers make that really bothers you? Wait, before you answer, I'll confess that I like splitting my infinitives, ending a sentence with a preposition, and adore the Oxford comma.
So…are we still friends?
Ha ha, yes, we're still friends. Copyediting is more flexible than people think. We editors try to go with the flow as much as possible while also adhering to the rules of grammar and style. Believe it or not, splitting infinitives is acceptable most of the time, as is ending with a preposition, and who doesn't love the Oxford comma? I know I do.
When did you fall in love with reading?
I was a late bloomer when it comes to loving to read. I liked short stories in college because they were quick and artistic. Novels appealed to me later, when I settled down and my attention span grew. I enjoyed movies more than I enjoyed books until I realized that the experience of entering a book world was often far more fulfilling.
What authors influenced you?
I went through a period of about five years where I went to the library and borrowed nothing but writing craft books and writing advice books written by classic authors. I wanted to learn from E.M. Forster, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Gardner, Dorthea Brande, Brenda Euland, Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde. They were my inspiration. I think I've been influenced by every writer of every book I've really enjoyed.
Do you have a favorite book?
If it has to be one book, then no, I don't. I could never narrow it down to one. I do have a few, however: Rebecca, A Room with a View, Never Let Me Go, Big Magic, The Secret History. To make my favorites list, the book has to stand the test of time. Some of my newer faves are Normal People, The Gargoyle, The Midnight Library, and Remarkably Bright Creatures.
Your book, They Will Be Coming for Us, takes place in Kirksberg. I know there was a famous UFO sighting in Kecksberg. Did you use the name just so you can make up streets and stores without having readers nitpick?
Yes, I did. I used a fictional name because I wanted the setting to come across a certain way, and I didn't want real life to dictate what I could do. Kecksburg really does have a UFO Festival each summer, which I also have in the book, but do they have an ice cream shop and a part of town where the Jovians have built their mansion, not to mention Starbright International, the aerospace company? I don't think so. So it couldn't be Kecksburg. However, Kecksburg does make an appearance in a couple of places later in the series when a certain multiverse aspect comes into the story (you'll have to read the series to find out).
When you wrote it, did you plan on it being a series?
I planned for it to be a duology, but when I reached the end of the two books, there was so much to keep the story going that I simply couldn't stop. It'll be five books when all is said and done, and I'm writing Book Four now, so I am starting to see how the end will shape up.
Let's chat about music. What is your preferred genre of music to listen to, and do you have any favorites to recommend?
Years ago I listened to classical music while I worked because I love classical music, and for two other reasons: 1) No words. I cannot write with lyrics flowing through my mind. 2) I read articles that said music by Mozart made people smarter, and according to research, it does, so, I thought why not get smarter while I work? Now I listen to focus music that I get from my Headspace app. It keeps me going.
Are you a sports fan?
Yes. Hockey is my favorite. New Jersey Devils are my team. But I also like tennis, and I enjoy watching the Olympics.
Are you ready for the lightning round?
Yes. I am ready.
Farthest from home you have ever been?
Russia
Last binged show?
Resident Alien. How perfect, right? I'm still watching it, as Season 3 just came out.
Oddest food you have eaten?
I don't like odd food. I think my cousin made me try escargot once, but ugh. No.
Favorite city?
Florence, Italy
Favorite outdoor activity?
Walking through the woods. If it's snowing, that's a big plus.
Favorite indoor activity?
Writing, of course
Scariest animal you have encountered?
Lions that I saw at a very small zoo. They were kept in a fenced enclosure. A rickety, ordinary-looking fence. And there were about twenty or more lions in there, looking very restless and bored. That was not my idea of fun.
This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?
Thank you! I enjoyed your questions very much. Here are my links:
https://www.authorkimcatanzarite.com
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kim-catanzarite
https://www.instagram.com/author_kim_catanzarite
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Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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