Katherine,
tell us a bit about Kat
Out of the Bag. This
mystery novel introduces me, Katherine Watson, international purse
designer/amateur sleuth. What a mystery it is. I was expecting rave
reviews about my purse museum's gala opening, not 'Murder at the
Premiere' headlines. The mayor of Bayside killed, and the murderer
escaped. Local cop Jason Holmes and his K-9 partner Hobbs are on the
case, but I have some theories of my own. Matching wits with Jason
can be aggravating, and intriguing but there comes a time when all my
focus must be on solving the murder or else I might become the
killer's next knock off.
What
made you choose purse design for a career? Katherine
Watson designs are celebrated around the world. Can you think of
anything more fun? More wonderful? Purses have been a passion of mine
since I was a little girl. It was my great grandmother who first
showed me that a woman's purse is a glimpse into her life and her
story. My Purse-onality Museum reflect women's stories through the
decades.
Knowing
what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick
with being a purse designer? Yes
definitely, but I do enjoy a little sleuthing on the side.
What
is your biggest fear? I'm
claustrophobic, even in clutch situations.
Who
is your favorite fictional character and why? Anne
Shirley. I admire her great imagination and her passion to live life
fully.
What
is the best piece of advice you ever received? Moonjava
is the museum's historian, and my mother. She created her own name
from the Universe, and I nicknamed her MJ. She tells anyone who will
listen the ever changing, daily meditations that she reflects on.
Often I'm too busy to take much notice, but one day she said
something that struck a chord – Sometimes you have to stop thinking
so much and just go where your heart takes you.
Thanks
for taking time away from designing purses, Katherine. We'd like to
chat with Wendy for a bit.
Which
writer or character[s], from either books or movies have had a major
impact on your writing?
I
am a great fan of the characters and cozy mysteries authored by Laura
Childs.
With
regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead
you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? I
am a purse fanatic, with my own small collection that has samples
from many past decades, and so it's a joyful topic for me. I am an
avid reader, especially of cozy mysteries. That was the initial
spark. I did research on a trip to the fabulous Esse Purse Museum in
Little Rock, Arkansas. Anita Davis, the incredible owner, and her
staff were very generous with their time as I investigated everything
about their museum. That trip honed part of the plot and some
characterizations. And another exciting aspect of research I did was
interviews at a police station, including an all night ride along
with an officer and his K-9 partner. This was so helpful in creating
my character Jason Holmes, who is a great counterpart and love
interest for amateur sleuth Katherine Watson.
Tell
us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them; what
influenced you to submit to them; how is the submission process; what
is the turn-around time from date of query to date of release? The
Wild Rose Press is home to over 3,500 active titles, and 500 authors
worldwide. It was founded in 2006 by RJ Morris and Rhonda Penders on
the belief that creating a quality product and taking care of their
authors is the only way to publish. They've created a garden where
writers grow. I heard about them at the Pacific Northwest Writers
Association Conference. I pitched my book to one of their editors,
and she was interested. Months later when I felt my book was ready I
submitted my manuscript to her. I think the turn-around time can
vary, but I know that whenever you hear that you're offered a
contract, that is the sweetest of all days!
What
are you reading right now? You
can always keep up with what I'm reading in my syndicated column,
Recommended Reads
- https://myedmondsnews.com/?s=recommended+reads&post_type=post
What's
next for you? With
fingers crossed, I've submitted to my editor a prequel novella to Kat
Out of the Bag. I'm
also finishing a first draft of the sequel. The working title is - A
Whole New Bag
To
learn more about Wendy Kendall_ and the stories she creates go to:
To
purchase Kat Out of the Bag, go to:
Katherine sounds like a fantastic character!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the new release from a fellow TWRP author.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn Baron
Loved the interview with both of you! Sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the interview! Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! Best of luck, Wendy!
ReplyDelete