Interview with Author Cathy L. Collar!

Please help me welcome, author Cathy L. Collar, to Jemsbooks Blog Segment, Interview an Author. Thank you, Cathy, for stopping by to introduce your wonderful books to my readers.

Cathy L. Collar

1. Please tell us something about yourself.

I am a true nature lover. When I am not writing I am usually outside working in my flowerbeds or vegetable garden. Since I live in a small town of only 300 people, I get to enjoy every aspect of what God has given us to enjoy, including our eight wonderful dogs, one cat, and two horses. Yes, I am an animal lover too.

2. When did you know that you wanted to be an author?

I have enjoyed writing all of my life, but never really thought about becoming an author until after my children had left home. It was then that I began to wonder if I could write a children’s novel. Since I had been out of school for such a long time, I took a children’s writing course and after passing that was ready to begin my new venture.

3. What process do you need in order to write?

I write by the seat of my pants, which for those of you who are not familiar with the term, means that I write as the story comes to me. I have two muses; my fairy muse, who wants to turn everything I write into a fairy tale and my rhyming muse, who wants everything I write to rhyme. They both love to work late at night, so this is when I get my best writing done. The house is quiet and I am curled up on my couch with my computer on my lap, my cat on my shoulder, purring, and a glass of wine nearby.

4. Please share your books with us and a synopsis of each.

A mysterious golden chest in Grams’ attic, a stained-glass window that never ages, and a strange dream. What do these three things have in common? MAGIC. This magic sends twins, Katie and Billy, and their two best friends on a quest into Fey in pursuit of a stolen talisman, The Dagger of Truth. In the hands of dark magic, this mighty talisman can be transformed into The Dagger of Malice and possess the power to destroy both Fey and mortal Earth. The friends are guided on their mission by four good fairies, a Brownie, Sun Fairy, Sphinx, and The Green Lady. Armed with magical weapons, gifted from the Dwarfs, they go in pursuit of the thief, a Soul Shrinker, and his mother the Queen of the Dark Fairies. Come along for the ride as “The Chosen Ones” step into an exotic land full of danger, magic and mystery.

Let’s take a trip into the Land of Enchantment where everything is magical and always unpredictable. The Land of Fey has both intrigued and inspired humans since the beginning of time. Finding Fey brings you a new breed of fairy tale. One that reintroduces you to old myths and legends in a family friendly way. These stories and poems are meant to be read, remembered and shared for the pure enjoyment of Finding Fey. So let us begin. Look into the twilight at the end of day and find the lighted pathway into the Land of Fey.

5. How do you come up with ideas for your stories?

My mother introduced me to the Land of Fey by reading to me from a book of fairy tale poems called, Silver Pennies. This book made me fall in love with fanciful writing. My inspiration comes from my surroundings and my love of nature and lore. Both play an important part in all of my stories. I also like to watch and read anything that has to do with magic. It amazes me to see the talented plots brought about by sheer imagination.

Jjspina: I am certainly happy that your mother did. Your books are magical.

6. What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working on two projects. My second book in The McCory Chronicles series, Katie McCory and Destiny’s Diamond, and an anthology based on stories told from one of my dog’s point of view, Tessy’s Tales. I also write poetry whenever it comes to me. You can see samples of Tessy’s Tales and my poems on my blog @ http://www.creationsmystique.blogspot.com

7. What do you expect to accomplish in 2015?

I will be doing book signings for the next two months at craft shows in my area. With all of the holiday’s coming up this will finish out my year. I am more than halfway through my first draft of Katie McCory and Destiny’s Diamond, so after the holidays and when I have time I will be working on that book.

8. What hobbies do you have when you are not writing?

There are really too many to list. I like to stay busy. As I stated before, I love to garden, ride my horse, and play with my dogs. I also make jewelry that I sell at craft shows and on my online store @ http://www.mystiquestonemagic.blogspot.com.

9. What is your target audience for your book?

The McCory Chronicles Series is written for middle grade readers, but I have many adults that also have enjoyed it. Finding Fey is written for all ages. It is a book of 13 fairy tales and fairy tale poems that was written to bring the reading of fairy tales back into the family.

10. Please share your links and where to purchase your books.

Here is the link to The McCory Chronicles: Katie McCory and the Dagger of Truth .

Here is the link to Finding Fey.

11. What advice would you give prospective authors?

If you love to write, write. Don’t doubt your ability. Write what you enjoy writing. It is never a good idea to try to write what you think people want to read. If you are not passionate about your topic it will show up in your story. Also, I think it is very important to find a support group to give you constructive criticism. The key word here is constructive. Also always have someone else look at your final draft before you publish it. I recommend that everyone hire a good copy editor.

12. Is there anything else you would like to share?

This is an exciting time for new writers. When I first started writing and submitting the only people out there were the big publishers and getting through that door was nearly impossible. Believe me, I knocked on it several times with no luck. With Indie publishing and all of the small presses available now you can get your story published. All it takes is passion and a willingness to work hard at selling yourself.

Thanks for having me on our blog, Janice.

It was a pleasure to have you here, Cathy, and now to be part of Jemsbooks Blog family.

I read both of your creative books and enjoyed them. Here are my reviews:

Finding Fey: 5 Stars on Amazon on February 20, 2014

What a lovely and magical book of fairy tales. Children of all ages will love reading these delightful stories. In between the stories are creative and flowing poems of magic and mystery. This endearing book enabled this reader to feel like a child again.

C. L. Collar is a truly talented and artistic creator of magical things and an incredible storyteller. After reading this book you, too, will believe in fairies and the Land of Fey where anything is possible! I love the absolutely beautiful cover which captures the essence of the tales and attracts the reader. I look forward with great anticipation to more captivating stories by this amazing author!

Katie McCory and the Dagger of Truth: 5 stars on Amazon on June 12, 2014

This is a lovely story of The Land of Fey or fairies. Children will thoroughly enjoy the magic and mystery and adventures that Katie has along with her brother and their two friends. They learn some magical things and meet some strange and mysterious creatures. They realizes they have powers of their own like the magical creatures they meet on their journey into Fey. Their powers will be put to the test in this creative tale.

This is the first installment of a series which will surely delight and captivate children. What child does not believe in magic and fairies when they are young? It was a fun story for this adult too. C.L. Collar is a talented storyteller who will have many more surprises and enthralling stories to come.

Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read about this creative author, Cathy L. Collar. Please stop by her links to check out her lovely books.

Blessings!

-Janice-