Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Although I’ve written since age 8, I didn’t start writing seriously for publication until 1986, and it took 7 years and over 600 rejection letters before I sold my first fantasy story. Since then I’ve sold 3 children’s books, a MG nonfiction, two MG fantasies, one YA historical fiction coming from Pauline Books & Media in January 2016, and am currently self-publishing a YA fantasy series. MERCY’S PRINCE is book 1, and book 2 (MERCY’S GIFT) will be released by the end of September 2015. There are 3 more books planned in this series. I’ve also written a MG historical fiction that is ready to be submitted to a publisher.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest release, MERCY’S PRINCE, was originally inspired by the 1988 movie “Willow” but as a reaction to the female lead. I wanted to write a story about a heroine who didn’t feel the need to kick the hero in the face and later kiss him. Unfortunately, the novel I wrote didn’t work, even after several rewrites, so I put it in a drawer until my Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2011. As a writing exercise to distract me from my grief while helping care for him, I threw away everything about that novel except the opening scene and gave myself permission to let the characters tell me their story. Finally it worked, because I was listening to the characters and not forcing an unworkable plot upon them. I dedicated this book to my Dad, because without that experience the book would never have been publishable.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to write all my first drafts by hand. My brain is connected to the paper via a pen or pencil, not a keyboard. I have TONS of spiral notebooks, but I’ve also written on napkins and receipts when a scene filled my head and I didn’t have a notebook handy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Katherine Kurtz’ Deryni series was a big early influence because of her wonderful characters and detailed world-building, but in more recent years Rick Riordan has influenced me by helping me write more simply and direct instead of using “purple prose.”
What are you working on now?
I’m into the fourth book of the Mercy series before I’ve quite finished the third. I guess I’m anxious to get to the end. I’ve even written down a few scenes from book five as they come to me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
With my MG nonfiction book, I always sold the most copies when I could give my presentation about the Navajo Code Talkers. I’m still trying to figure out how to market in the digital age. I guess I’m too “old-fashioned” and prefer to meet people face-to-face.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read prolifically, especially the best books in the genre(s) you want to write. Our brains absorb the patterns of language. Write every day if you can, even if you think it’s terrible. The more you write, the better you’ll become. And find or form a critique group, because we can never be objective about our own work. Participating with a good critique group is the best thing you can do to improve as a writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In Jane Yolen’s book about writing, TAKE JOY, she says to write because you love to write, not because you want to be published.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Lois McMaster Bujold’s THE CURSE OF CHALION, and I wish I’d read it sooner. It is one of the best fantasies, ever!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have so many story ideas floating in my head, I’ll never have enough time to write them all. But I’ll pen as many as I can.
What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book since I was 17 is Anne McCaffrey’s DRAGONSONG, the story of a gifted musician who has to run away from home because her father beats her for writing songs. I empathize with the main character so much, and of course, there are dragons.
Author Websites and Profiles
Katy Huth Jones Website
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Katy Huth Jones says
Thank you so much for a lovely interview! 🙂
Diane says
Interesting interview. I have read some of this authors writing and can’t imagine writing whole books out by hand anymore! I look forward to reading Mercys Prince and will keep this in mind as I read!