Catherine, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a former school teacher, business owner, wife, mother, and Nana. Like Thoreau, I moved to the mountains to escape city life. I am an avid hiker and outdoors woman.
Can you please tell us about your book 'The Way' and why you wrote it?
"The Way" came to me in a vision. I am a Reiki Master Teacher and I am open to the other side of reality. I also am an observer of life and current events helped push this book along. Sometimes I wonder if art imitates life or life imitates art.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Jenny is based on a friend, who sadly managed to kill herself. Lori is many people I've met addicted to alcohol. Melissa is based on a woman whose daughter was murdered. Wanda McBroom functions as the wise woman archetype. My family had a second home at Lake Tahoe, the setting for the novel and I spent every summer there. I know every cove and hiking trail. Currently, we live on the other side of the mountain, but keep a sailboat up there named Serenity. There is something about the mountains for clarifying one's soul.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your writing habits? Do you have a special routine?
My writing habits: Because I own and operate my own business, I write in the corners of my life. In the off-season, I try and keep writing days, which are days I do not venture down the mountain and stay in my studio all day long. I have found that scheduling time to write helps and I watch very little TV.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your book?
I don't think I'd change a thing. I'm kind of like Ernest Hemingway: when the book is done I move on to the next project because art is never really done and I could keep rewriting and rewriting.
How and when did you first start marketing your book?
I did a launch for the book in July and ended up a number one best seller on Amazon. I also write a daily blog that promotes the book: www.supernovel.com/blog You can follow the blog and watch my struggles as I follow the seven steps.
Who are some writers who have made an impression on you?
As a writer, I am an avid reader. I have too many favorite writers to list, but I will say that Carl Jung, Madeline L'Engle, Anne Morrow Lindberg, Thoreau, Emerson, and Ayn Rand have been wonderful teachers. Growing up, books were my teachers.
What's next for you?
Seasons of the Vineyard: This book is set on vineyard and deals with soul mates, wine, and Alzheimer's.
