Kate
September
Ahh, Mme
Enchante is a real geek at heart, you know? She puts on a front
of elegant sophistication, but give her an Mp3 Dictaphone and
she just leaps at the opportunity to have both hands free to
hold a glass with, while the prettily little gadget records her
interview for her... did I say geek? Perhaps I meant
hardened drinker...
Bonjour?
Bonjour Kate
I'm
glad we could connect
Me too! Okay so to start have
you chosen a room in The Rambler's INN where you'd like to have this interview?
I didn't know I had
options! Let me see...well, the bar is always a good place to start...
[laughter] Do you have a
setting you feel you'd like.. we have many different
rooms. A room with a
fireplace maybe?
Fireplace, leather chairs...I
think I'm liking this
Well If you'll follow
me to the rose room, I'm sure that our Bartender there Sylvain can get us a
table near the fire
Wonderful! As long as
there are martinis involved, I'll follow you anywhere.
[laughter] Definitely! So Kate I'd like you
to meet Sylvain, he takes care of the rose room. Sylvain, I'll have my
usual and Kate here would like a Martini please
A
pleasure!
You
know at Vassar, we used to have a room in the main building called the Rose
Parlour. They served tea and cookies there every day from 3-5. It was a really
civilized break between classes.
And
the martini? Vodka, shaken, straight up with olives, please.
[laughter] Well here it they
have pubs for a drink to unwind between classes [laughter] or to just find your physics
teacher for clarifications on the assignments
Physics - one subject
I escaped having to take, thank goodness!
[laughter] Well when you’re
a chemist you have no choice... Ah Merci Sylvain, so
shall we get started on the questions?
Absolutely
Do you use an Alias or
a Pen name when you write?
I use the pen name of
Kate September. And yes, there's a story to how it came about.
Care to tell us?
Sure!
When I first starting dipping my toes into online writing groups, I wanted to be
anonymous, so I chose the moniker "lazyseptemberdays" because it
represented Labor Day to me, my favorite weekend of the year.
Eventually, people wanted to know what my real name was, and I gave them Kate
(which is close enough), and when it came time to choose a pen name, I picked
September because I just love that month.
Interesting, sounds
like you enjoy your anonymity - and you picked an
unusual name, which make you memorable to your fans
I do enjoy my
privacy, [laughter] . I get mixed feedback on my pen name, but no one ever forgets it,
and no one ever misspells it...so mission accomplished. It's all part of
building a brand.
Definitely, it's all
about name recognition. So tell our readers a
little about yourself.
I am 31, married to a
wonderful man, proud mama to a wonderful dog (though Basenjis are not for
everyone), and relatively proud mama to an insane Beta fish. We live in the
heart of Boston in a lovely little brownstone. Right now, the city is under a
good foot of snow from the blizzard yesterday, so I'm going to put a fire on in
the fireplace in a little while.
Sounds like a nice
comfortable situation. So I understand you write hot historicals? How did you get into
that specific genre?
Historicals give me
the chance to give in to my geeky side and spend lots of time researching -
which is just an excuse to read lots and lots of books and articles. I never
really could get into fiction or romance with contemporary settings. I guess
I've always felt a real pull to understand what life was really like in whatever
time period I'm looking at.
so you like to immerse
yourself into the time period
I do, but I don't
like to overwhelm the reader with lots of description. I confess to skimming
long paragraphs of boring detail that a writer puts in just to prove they've
done their homework. The point of doing a lot of research is to use just the
right singular detail at the right moment to evoke an entire atmosphere or
ground a scene in reality.
Amen to that [laughter] Anything special the
readers should know about you?
Well, I do have one
dirty little secret.
Oh... please share...
better wait a second... Sylvain heard the word
dirty and secret and is coming over [laughter]
Ha! Nothing like a
bartender with good hearing...
No, no Sylvain I'm
fine. Kate do you need a refill?
Sure, why not? They
don't call martinis "loud mouth soup" for nothing!
[heavy laughter] , thank you
Sylvain. So, you were saying?
Well,
my dirty little secret is this - I can't stand reading most romance novels or
contemporary fiction.
Really, any particular
reason?
I think it is because
a lot of romance novels are so plot-focused that they just become rote
narratives of boy-meets-girl. I like my fiction to give me something to think
about, something to take back into my life and mull over. For example, two of
the sexiest, most romantic books of all times - Pride and Prejudice, and Jane
Eyre - they make you think long after you've put the book down. Also, look at
the erotica of Anais Nin and Henry Miller. The beauty of their work comes from
both lush, arousing prose and some keen, thought-provoking insights on love, sex
and human nature.
I'm a big fan of Jane
Eyre myself so I can understand that.
But it's not just the
alpha-ness of Mr. Rochester - it's the fact that Jane Eyre struggles with a
decision of self-worth and self-respect. That is a question that people deal
with every day. And Charlotte Bronte was not afraid to have her character lay it
out there as a real, existential debate. She didn't feel forced to subsume that
moral discussion in order to move the narrative along.
Merci Sylvain, oui je
suis certaine qu'on est comfortable.
Eh bien, Sylvain,
vous etes un merveil avec les boissons!
You really have to
watch out for him he's a true French flirt that one. [laughter]
[laughter]
- I've been
married so long that I think I've forgotten how to flirt!
Our Bartenders have been known to distract us to take over an
interview on occasion if the author in question is one of their favorites
Well, I'll be sure to
leave an autographed copy for Sylvain...have to cultivate the fan base!
[laughter] Good thinking. So
how long have you been writing?
Goodness, what a
question! I wrote my first poem when I was four years old. I almost got a
children's book published when I was 12. As of this time last year, though, I
hadn't even started writing my first romance manuscript. I got dragged kicking
and screaming into the genre by my friend Cindy, and when I sent out my first
manuscript at the end of September, I had a contract within 24 hours. It has
been an insane ride ever since!
Wow, sounds like it
I
have two published books, one published short story and contracts for three more
books, with another synopsis in negotiation right now.
I'm
in over my head!
[laughter] looks like
Sylvain heard you when you said you leave him with an autograph, he's making
room on his wall behind the bar.
Excellent! I will leave him an autographed book and photo! (which, by the way,
anyone can arrange for by contacting me via email).
Well I think it's very
brave to sell something that hasn't even been written yet.
Getting published is
addictive. And once a publisher knows your work and how quickly you can turn out
a manuscript, then selling a synopsis is not as risky a proposal as it might
seem. Though, I think I have enough on my plate for the moment...
[laughter]
Then I'm guessing
that you don't work outside of your writing?
I actually do hold
down a full-time day job and do freelance marketing on the side.
Wow! Were do you find
the time then?
Mostly in the
evenings. I get an hour or so between walking the dog and making dinner, and
then another two hours after dinner. Sometimes, I'll write on my lunch hour. I
squeeze in time whenever I can in order to hit my word count for the day.
You sound very
disciplined.
I'm
not by nature. I'm really lazy, actually.
[theatrical sigh] I vaguely
remember discipline and order [laughter] .
I am
a compulsive list-maker. Not
that it all gets done, but it makes me feel better to have a list!
[laughter]
oh sorry, I'm in
the midst of packing to move so it utter chaos at my house.
Packing?
which is why we have
the interviews here
I do.
I write adult fairytales/fantasy. My first is a book called "The Siren's
Bloom" that was published back in December. I have plans for a couple of
others in that same genre. But I'm really, really picky about my fantasy. I
don't want it to be just rehashed, renamed medieval England. It has to be its
own real world, with cultures and details. It takes a lot of imagining research
for me to do a fantasy.
And I
have plans for a contemporary mystery/suspense romance that just got signed by 4
Girls Publishing.
How do you keep all
your genres straight - do you work on more
than one book at a time?
In terms of authors
or people in my life?
yes exactly - For example I myself
have been influenced by MacGyver.
[laughter] I can see that!
[quietly] Oops! Sorry, I shouldn't have said that out loud...
[laughter]
In
terms of authors, I actually am influence by just a handful of folks - Jane
Austen, Charlotte Bronte, E.F. Benson, P.G. Wodehouse and Anais Nin.
And personally anyone
influence your writing?
With people, I am
influenced by my mother, who has been my most demanding editor, relentless
critic and most amazing partner in crime. My father has always been my biggest
supporter - he's the one who has always believed I would be published. And then,
there's my dog.
[laughter]
He
sits behind me in my chair while I write and snuggles me. When he thinks I need
a break, he comes around and sits in my lap and gives me kisses.
It
works out to about every 20 minutes or so.
[laughter] now that's what I call
motivation
Yup!
Attack of the Basenji kisses! You can see a teeny tiny picture of him on my
website, in the About Kate section. I couldn't resist having him make a cameo
appearance.
What books do you have
out? And do you have something new coming out? Where can they be purchased?
The works I have that
are currently available are "Portrait of Desire" - available at Siren
Publishing, "The Siren's Bloom" - available at Ocean's Mist Press, and
"Carta di Paradiso" - available at 4 Girls Publishing. The next two
books in the series with "Portrait of Desire" will be coming out this
spring - "Duet of Desire" and "Dance of Desire." I'm also
working on a book called "Mortalis Curo" which is a DaVinci Code-esque
romantic suspense that will come out from 4 Girls Publishing.
Very nice sounds like
you have quite a few title that will entice our readers
If
you have trouble keeping all that straight, I suggest bookmarking my website - http://www.kateseptember.com
. All my publications are listed there, and I update
the site weekly.
I
hope I have something for everyone!
And
most of all, I hope that I am telling meaningful stories that give readers
something to take with them in their everyday lives.
Where you aware that
Enchanted Ramblings is putting together a cookbook of romantic and erotic
recipes by various Authors?
No!
Did I mention that cooking is one of my hobbies? [laughter]
And
have I extolled the virtues of vodka-soaked olives at the bottom of a martini
glass?
All you need to join
in is a recipe, (doesn't have to be your own [laughter] ) a bio of yourself, and blurb of
your book and a book cover - but there is a catch
unfortunately the deadline is tomorrow
I can
do that! Tell
me where to send it. And
can I do more than one?
editors@enchantedramblings.net yup if you have more
than one recipe
Will do! I have
several sure-fire, hostess-failure-proof recipes!
The book will then be
a free pdf download from our site and any author who is contributing
I will get those off
to you tonight, as soon as I eat some dinner - all this talk of food is making
me hungry!
[sound of footsteps, someone approaching the
table, the chink of glasses being set down]
Seems we
don't have to ask for a refill...
Merci Sylvain
[giggles] Wow, another martini.
So just a few more
questions, if your willing?
Absolutely!
Do you have any advice
for aspiring writers?
Definitely.
Anybody can be a writer for a hobby. If you want to be an author, you have to
take the business of writing seriously - as seriously as you would any other
career. You have to do your homework on the industry, build your brand, put
together marketing materials, and follow through. The more professional and
committed you are, the more receptive editors will be.
Sound advice, and I
totally agree with it. You can't always rely on other to do your research for
you have to do some of it yourself
Absolutely. And it's up to you to be focused and disciplined about tailoring
each submission to a particular publisher's guidelines. You also have to really
get out there and hustle to promote yourself, because at the end of the day, it
is about sales. The more you sell, the easier it is to
get more work published.
I know you've
mentioned this but for easy finding do you have a website or a blog?
http://www.kateseptember.com
- Everything is there. I do have a blog that I post
to occasionally on the site. If I get more people interested in reading it, I
may update it more frequently.
Do you prefers for
your fans to mail or email you?
Either is fine, but
I'm really good and quick at responding to email.
Other than being a
writer, did you ever picture yourself doing anything else?
Well,
I'm a recovering marketing professional, [laughter] . I'm
much happier as a writer.
Recovering? [laughter]
Definitely recovering
from the dark side.
[laughter]
If you had time
off to do whatever you like, what would you do?
I love to hang out by
the ocean collecting beach glass. My dog is an expert beach glass hunter now. I
also love reading true crime, knitting, cooking and just walking around Boston.
Sounds nice
It is nice. Not that
I get much time to do any of that!
[laughter]
I understand that
all too well
*fishes for the olives at the bottom of the glass*
Is there a favorite
author you haven’t met that you’d like to?
Hmmm...interesting
question.
[laughter]
if Sylvain catches
you doing that he'll be over in a wink.
[laughter] !
I
just finished reading "The Collector" by John Fowles. I absolutely
loved it, and I think I would love to have a long talk with him about that and
some of his other books like "The Magus."
...and if I said living
or dead?
(hehe like I don't
know)
[laughter] !
Dead
would have to be...E.F. Benson - who wrote the "Lucia" series. His
handling of language is so deft and sly that I can read his books all the time
and still catch a new phrase that makes me smile.
...and that came right
out of left field [laughter]
[laughter]
I'm
an odd bird when it comes to literature. But I can't apologize for it. I am what
I am (didn't Popeye say that?)
[giggle] Yes he did
There, I got my pop
culture reference in!
Would you care to give
us an excerpt of your newest release?
Absolutely! I'll
email it to you at the address you gave me?
Wonderful! [laughter]
well is there
anything else we should know about Kate September?
Other
than I hate taking in the dry-cleaning and talking on the phone? [laughter] . I think
that about covers it...unless Sylvain has a whole bottle of Grey Goose he's
willing to donate to the cause!
[laughter] don't tempt him
[laughter]
He has an affinity for
authors
I
have an affinity for bartenders holding bottles of vodka.
[laughter]
I
think we'll get along beautifully.
Look like it
- Well it was very nice
meeting you Kate
Lovely to meet you as well! I hope to catch up with you again soon - maybe when
my next books come out this spring
... and if you'd like to
keep up on what is going on at Enchanted Ramblings, like other promotional
freebies we have occasionally [laughter] you should sign up for
our newsletter
I
definitely will!
And
what's more, I'll even read it! (unlike half the newsletters I get in my inbox)
[laughter]
[laughter]
Oops,
that's the martini talking.
Well don't forget our
zine that comes out every quarter...
[laughter] !
I'm now a devoted fan! Well
thank you so much! This has been a lot of fun! I definitely
will...
Many
thanks to Kate for joining
us!
You can find
out more about Kate on her website, here:
http://www.kateseptember.com
:-)
Excerpt from
Portrait of Desire
SUMMARY:
1901 promises to be the dawn of a new age, and
Vassar-educated socialite Charlotte Benington pursues her
dream of painting in
Paris, France. Despite the constant matchmaking
machinations of her chaperone, she has no interest in such
ordinary matters as romance, love and, worst of all,
marriage. All that changes when Paul de Sainte enters her
life and tips her narrow world upside down.
The handsome, aristocratic, passionate Paul is also an
artist, and he sets out to challenge Charlotte's
fundamental beliefs about life,
love, art—and desire. Charlotte finds herself both
attracted by Paul's talent and frightened by the intensity
of the hunger he awakens within her.
Passions run hot, and events spiral out of control when
obsession turns dangerous. Paul captures his beautiful
muse in a daring
escapade, determined to make her his wife. Will he be able
to convince Charlotte that her true freedom lies in his
arms...or will he scare her even further away?
EXCERPT:
"Now then, let's work on her body today," Paul
said, a ring of authority in his voice. "Some of your
lines are hesitant, especially
here and here," he added, reaching past her to point
at the nude's breasts and sex. "And the legs have
very little definition. But most
of all, there's no heartbeat in this body. There's no
sense that you've captured anything living."
"But I meant to paint her flat and lifeless,"
Charlotte protested. "I wanted you to feel suffocated
when you looked at her."
"You must first have life in order to make it
lifeless," Paul said. "Here, pick up your brush.
Let me show you."
Obediently, Charlotte took up her brush. To her surprise,
Paul wrapped his hand around hers and guided it to the
easel. She heard
him shift behind her, and looking down, she saw him
stretch his long legs, encased in their dark pants, on
either side of her. She felt
his chest press against her back and his breath on her
ear. His scent–warm, sharp, leather and paint–was
almost drugging to her.
She tried to focus on what he was doing, to follow the
movement of his hand as it guided hers. But she could only
focus on how strong
yet elegant the line of his hand was, and how utterly
distracting the paint smudges on his skin were.
"Do you see what I mean, Charlotte?" Paul asked
finally, releasing her hand, though not changing his
position.
Starting out of her reverie, Charlotte studied the
painting.
"How did you do that?" she exclaimed. "How
did you know that just a few lines of darker pigment on a
wider brush would make the curves look flat, almost
concave? It's like you're mocking the fact that in life
those are full and round limbs by over-exaggerating the
lines. It's incredible!"
Paul was silent for a moment, and Charlotte could feel the
tension in the air.
"Put grey on your brush now," he said quietly.
Her hand shook slightly, but she obeyed. Again, Paul
leaned forward and took her hand in his, moving her hand
over the canvas in flowing almost musical motions as if he
was conducting a symphony.
"A little bit of grey," he whispered into her
ear. "It turns the pallor of the nude cold, as if her
life was being pressed out of her by the pressures of her
grey existence and grey hopes. In painting you must not
just look, you must feel. Colors surround us. Everything
we touch, everything we are, everything we experience–it
is all the sum of colors and lines."
His words, spoken low in her ear, were hypnotic. Charlotte
could feel the rumbling of his voice in his chest as it
pressed against
hers. She could feel the enveloping heat of his body
around her. Her eyes drifted closed as she couldn't help
but surrender to the
sensation of his hand guiding hers in an eerie dance over
the canvas.
"Lift up your hand," he continued, taking her
free hand with his other one and extending her arm out to
the side. His grip shifted so
that his hand cupped the back of it, his strong fingers
loosely laced with hers. He gently moved her hand in a
sweeping gesture back
and forth through the air. "Feel substance and
movement in the air. You cannot see it, or touch it for
more than a heartbeat, but you
can feel it. And that is what you must put into your
painting."
His voice was like a spell that was winding around her.
Charlotte felt her head fall to the side against his
shoulder, her lips
slightly parted as he whispered his words now against her
neck. Her chest rose and fell with deep breaths. Every
inch of her felt alive
and almost possessed of a strange new energy.
"Painting is not something you do," Paul
whispered, rubbing his rough, stubbly cheek along her
neck. "Not if you're a true artist.
Painting is something you are. It is within you. You feel
it here," he added, releasing the hand he held in the
air, drawing his own
hand back along her arm and down her side until it was
splayed across her abdomen.
"You feel it here," he said, moving his hand
slowly up her chest, gently brushing over her breasts
until it rested over her heart.
"Oh, God, you feel it here, Charlotte," Paul
murmured, as if in agony, bringing in the hand that was
holding her brush-hand, cupping
her face, and gently turning it to him.
Charlotte dizzily
half-opened her eyes, then closed them as she felt the
nearness of his face to hers. Her body felt warm and
liquid in
his embrace, and her mind was incapable of doing anything
but wanting to feel his lips paint a burning trail on her
skin, to feel his hands learn the lines of her body, to
have those green eyes soak up her colors. She felt the
damp heat of his breath against her skin, and she
moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue, wanting
what she dared not put into words.
Before their lips could touch, there was a heavy footfall
outside the door and the murmur of low voices, men's
voices. Paul didn't
seem to pay any mind to it, but Charlotte jumped up and
out of Paul's embrace, ripped from her reverie and
blushing furiously. She
looked down at Paul, feeling utterly confused and upset.
But it was nothing to the pleading and torment in Paul's
eyes as he met her
gaze and held out his hands as if to ask her back into his
arms. The look only added to the terrifying tumult of her
feelings.
The door opened and Master Lafonte walked into the studio,
followed by Raoul.
"Yes, she's usually in here in the mornings," he
was saying. "In fact, there she is! Bonjour,
Mademoiselle Charlotte! You have a visitor."
http://www.kateseptember.com
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