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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Kathleen Y'Barbo

I'm pleased to once again spend time with my good friend Kathleen Y'Barbo. We're introducing her first trade-sized novel, Beloved Castaway.

Kathleen, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Actually, I rarely write myself into my books. I do, however, borrow heavily from friends, acquaintances, people I stand behind in line at the grocery story, and just about anyone else I find interesting. So, beware!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

What an interesting question. My Granny always told me that quirky is in the eye of the beholder. If pressed to choose, I would have to admit that I once ...no, I can’t tell that one.

I can't believe you did that to us. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I was 6. It was Valentine’s Day in Mrs. Carnahan’s first grade class and I realized the love of my life – a certain dark-haired boy named Dennis – deserved better than the run-of-the-mill Flintstones card. Thus, I created a heart-shaped masterpiece that required a paragraph devoted to my love for him. I’ll never forget my dad trying to keep a straight face while he helped me spell “My heart beats for you.” Sadly, the relationship didn’t make it past lunch, but my love of romance and a pretty sentence continues.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love good writing of all kinds. Currently I’m switching between reading THE TIPPING POINT by Malcom Gladwell and Jane Orcutt’s ALL THE TEA IN CHINA. Some of my all time favorites are the classics: GONE WITH THE WIND, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Another favorite is AND THE LADIES OF THE CLUB, a book I read some 20 years ago that remains with me today.

Very eclectic tastes, just like mine. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have sold 29 novels and novellas as well as countless books and proposals that will never see publication.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

’ve found sanity is overrated! Actually, I love watch the decorating shows on HGTV or a great old movie. Reading is always a great escape, although I never seem to find enough time to do it. Guess I’m watching too many episodes of HOUSE HUNTERS.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Most times the characters tell ME what their names will be. I do have a list of names in a file on my computer and sometimes I will pull from that list. I’ve got a couple of names right now that are begging to have their stories told.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My children.

And what wonderful children they are. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

My you ask the most interesting questions. I think I would have to choose a dog, specifically Leona Helmsley’s pampered pedigreed pet. I could certainly use the $12 million!

Couldn't we all? What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Bananas Foster. Unfortunately, that delicacy is relegated to birthdays and the occasional treat.

Ah, yes, I remember when you introduced me to that wonderful delicacy. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

The worst problem I’ve ever had with my writing was getting out of the way and letting God do the work.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Never stop learning...A writer who thinks he or she has it all figured out is one who is likely nearing the end of his or her career.



What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

BELOVED CASTAWAY was years in the making. I first proposed the book to Becky Germany in 2003. The lesson is never give up on the book of your heart.

Kathleen, how can readers find you on the Internet?

My personal site is www.kathleenybarbo.com. In addition, I am a publicist and also have a page on the Books & Such site at www.booksandsuch.biz.

Kathleen, thank you for spending this time with us. It was too short, but perhaps the readers have gotten a glimpse into you life and mind.

Readers, if you would like to win a copy of BELOVED CASTAWAY, remember that all you have to do is leave a comment on this interview.

You can still leave comments on these interviews:

Lynette Sowell, Carrie Turansky, Gail Sattler, Vasthi Reyes Acosta - A Big Apple Christmas
Miralee Ferrell - The Other Daughter
Irene Brand - Colonial Christmas Brides


If you don't want to miss a single interview or chance to win a book, sign up for Feedblitz in the right column under my profile.

21 comments:

  1. Oooh, this looks like a good book.

    And I'm glad I'm not the only HGTV addict around. How is it that those decorating and house hunting shows can be so gripping?

    :D

    DeAnna Julie Dodson

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  2. great interview! i'd love to win!

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  3. Anonymous7:25 AM

    I'm looking to expand my horizon on authors I look for when I want a good book to read. I'd love to win a book by you. This one sounds like a great place to start in tasting yours. Please enter me in the drawing.
    Pam

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  4. Anonymous8:35 AM

    Hi Lena (and Kathleen, if you're lurking). Colorado is mighty cold today, and a novel like Beloved Castaway would be a nice addition to a spot of tea and a roaring fire...Kathleen, you know I love ALL your books (and even some of those proposals that haven't launched). Truly, anyone who wins this book will be might blessed! Love you Texas gals! Miss you like crazy!

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  5. Great interview! I enjoy Kathleen's books. Would love to win this new one.

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  6. Anonymous10:39 AM

    This looks like a wonderful book. One I'd like to read. Pick me.

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  7. Anonymous11:42 AM

    Sounds interesting! Would love a copy.

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  8. Anonymous3:16 PM

    Thank you all for the kind words. Beloved Castaway is truly the book of my heart, so I'm thrilled that people are enjoying it. I started doing the research that led me to plotting it back in the late 90s and actually began writing it in 2002. The book was presented to Becky Germany at Barbour in 2003. It's been a long journey, but I'm thrilled that the story is finally coming out. I will begin working on book 2, Beloved Captive, next month.

    Kathleen

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  9. Anonymous3:49 PM

    I've would love to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win it!!

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  10. Always fun to learn about others. I have no idea what a banana foster must be- loaded with fat and sugar I guess : ) I'll have one after I lose 30 pounds.
    The book sounds interesting. And I love the cover.
    Patricia

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  11. Good interview. I like what she said about needing to get out of the way and let God work. Good advice for all of us.

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  12. Thanks to two of my favorite Texans for this great interview. Kathleen's words about writing the book of your heart and getting out of the way to let God work were just the words of encouragement I needed to hear. I hope to win and can't wait to read this book! rose

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  13. Anonymous7:25 PM

    this sounds like a great book!
    please add me :)

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  14. I would love to win this book - please enter me.

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  15. Beloved Castaway sounds like a great read. Please enter me.

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  16. I'm dying to win this book! Enter me in the drawing:)

    Beth

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  17. Anonymous6:08 AM

    Please, sign me up for the drawing. I've read several of Kathleen Y'Barbo's books and enjoyed them. Besides, she has a lovely name (wink, wink).

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  18. Please enter me in the drawing.
    forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  19. Hello! Please put me in the drawing for this wonderful book. Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes@hotmail.com

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  20. Looks great - please enter me!

    Janna
    ryanx6@msn.com

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  21. Another wonderful contest for a fabulous book to sink one's teeth into! Please enter me in this contest. I appreciate it! Cindi
    jchoppes@hotmail.com

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