Interview with Kate Hart

Today's interview will make you smile. No really, it will! Not only because of the brilliant content, but because of the awesome interviewee. Say hello to the wonderful Kate Hart.

Hello, Kate! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a history nerd married to a fellow history nerd. I taught preschool for a few years, then middle school Spanish, and now I write grants and marketing materials for a local non-profit. I have two little boys, an oversized garden and a fairly strong Southern accent.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote all through high school, stopped completely during college, and just picked it back up a year ago. Going to SCBWI LA at the end of July was like an anniversary celebration for me.

Well then Happy Anniversary! :) What is the name and genre of the manuscripts you're currently pitching?

I'm querying two YA manuscripts: REFUGE, a paranormal, and AFTER THE FALL, a contemporary.

Let's hear your pitches.

REFUGE: "Varsity Blues" with witches
AFTER THE FALL: Raychel is sleeping with two boys-- her best friend... and his brother.

Wow, excellent pitches. Sweet and to the point. How did the story ideas come to you?

REFUGE is set in southwest Oklahoma, where my grandparents live. I was talking to someone about witches and the paranormal, and started considering how a real family of witches would get by in that region.

AFTER THE FALL just appeared fully formed. A local hiking accident got me thinking about how my own group of friends would have dealt with that situation. But I neither slept with my best friend nor his brother, in high school or any other time! LOL

Sounds like your muse follows you everywhere. Cool! What else do you have in the works?

I have a few SNIs, some YA and some middle grade, but nothing has declared itself "next" yet.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a fantastic group of betas. My husband and my best friend both read multiple drafts of each MS, and my girls at YA Highway read various rounds of drafts and queries as well. I also have several other friends from Absolute Write who are indispensable, both for crits and general support.

What’s the hardest part about writing for you?

Not being competitive. It's the hardest part of life for me, period.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I go through ridiculous amounts of iced tea and Dr Pepper when I'm writing.

Mmm, Dr Pepper rocks! So, if you could have any super power, what would it be?

This question has some Freudian implications, right? What does it mean that I can never decide on an answer?

LOL, it probably means you WANT THEM ALL, but who could blame you, really.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: robot, yogurt, and glory.

If you can beat these guys in a robot contest, I will reward your glory with frozen yogurt.

That's so awesome!


Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. To whom would you like to give a shout out?

My husband; my best friend Catherine and her husband Chris; all my meese at YA Highway: Kirsten, Kristin Sr, Michelle, Kaitlin, Amanda, Lee, Kristin Jr, Kody, Emilia and Leila; my girls Kathleen, Cory and Deb; and my family.

And finally, where can people find you online?

My personal blog is at www.katehart.net. I also write the weekly industry roundup at www.yahighway.com, and my Twitter is @Kate_Hart.

Kate, it was a pleasure talking with you. Thank you for letting us get to know you a little more. I wish you lots of success with all your publishing endeavors.

Thanks Dorothy!