Welcome Cate Masters

Good Morning Cate.
The sun is shining, the dogs are asleep, so we can book chat in peace! First of all, here is a bit about Cate.

Cate Masters writes fantasy/dark fantasy, historical, contemporary and speculative fiction, described by reviewers as “so compelling, I did not want to put it down,” “such romantic tales that really touch your soul,” “filled with action scenes which made it a riveting story,” and “the author weaves a great tale with a creative way of using words that makes the story refreshing to read.” The proud mom of three adult children, she currently lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Lily the dog, their dictator-like cat, Chairman Maiow, and dozens of characters inhabiting her imagination. Visit Cate online
Blog
or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.
Email cate (dot) masters (at)googlemail.com

Cate loves to hear from readers.

I know you have written a lot of novels. Kudos to that! But what made you write your first novel?

First, thanks so much for having me at your beautiful blog, Margaret! To answer your question: Probably to prove to myself I could! I’d focused on short stories for many years because I’d read it was good practice for creating concise stories. Every story can’t be short, though. Once I had the idea for a novel, and began researching, I found I could truly create a novel, chapter by chapter. I still love short stories too, but finishing a novel is very satisfying.

I am inspired by life to write. Every person or building shouts ‘story ‘ to me lol. Who or what inspires you to write?

Anything, really. My muse is a mystery to me. She suffers from attention deficit disorder, I’m convinced! I can be in the thick of a story, and she’ll come tugging at me with something completely different than what I’m working on. Inspiration can strike at any moment, really. I never really know the source, but I’m certainly glad for it!

I think a lot of your readers are too lol. What made you write your latest release.

Ah, this is easy. For many years, I lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and often drove past the Army War College. Inside its gates are rows of white headstones bearing names such as Lucy Pretty Eagle, there’s even a George Harrison! This graveyard both saddened and intrigued me. Over several years, I visited the graveyard, then visited the county museum, which has a wonderful display of artefacts from the school. Dickinson College in Carlisle had an amazing exhibit of students’ art. Researching Lakota traditions intrigued me as well, and I wove it all together into Follow the Stars Home. http://www.eternalpress.biz/people.php?author=240

Come on tell me more. What is it about?





In 1879, Captain Pratt opened the Carlisle Indian Industrial School for Native Americans. He travelled through the reservations, bringing back boys and girls as young as five, then commenced brainwashing them against their culture. The accounts I’d read of the school’s opening shocked me, and I knew I wanted to place two fictional characters in that setting. Because I didn’t want to offend any Lakota, I made up names that suited my characters.



Have you got a blurb. I’d love to read a bit about it.

What’s left for the Lakota when everything around them is changing? Quiet Thunder and Black Bear fear for their tribe’s welfare when buffalo and other game become scarce. A military captain named Pratt promises to teach them white man’s ways so they can become successful. Quiet Thunder follows Black Bear to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to the Indian Industrial School. The school’s rigid schedule allows little time together, and Black Bear grows more distant as his confusion over his identity grows. Can Quiet Thunder make him believe her love is as eternal as the stars?









In your new release, who is your favourite character and why?

I have such difficulty choosing favourites! All my characters are like dear friends and family. I love Quiet Thunder’s strength and determination to preserve her Lakota heritage. Black Bear’s deep love for her endeared me to him, although he nearly loses himself at the school. I can’t give too much away... he’s somewhat flawed, but I love creating complex characters.

Where can any new followers find you?

My blog, http://catemasters.blogspot.com, has news about releases and writing in general, and I often feature other authors too. My web site, www.catemasters.com, has an Events listing, plus individual pages devoted to each story containing the blurb, excerpt, trailer, and any reviews. I’m also on Facebook, Twitter and a few other sites, all linked to my blog and web site.

Life as a writer can get very lonesome. What do you do to overcome the loneliness?

Hm, good question. Not enough! I love the support of other authors online, but there’s nothing like actual interaction as opposed to virtual. :) I helped cofound a group of local authors called The Susquehanna Writers, and we sometimes get together for signings and other events. I lean quite heavily on my family for conversation. Occasionally I’ll talk my husband into taking me out. It’s important to come up for air once in awhile.

What’s your advice to new writers?

Join writing groups, and take workshops locally or online. Anything to hone your craft. Find honest critique partners who’ll be tough but caring. Lastly, read as much as you can. And writing, of course!


What did you want to be when you left school?

Journalism was my goal then (seems like a lifetime ago!). Though I loved the writing part, in college I found I hated interfering in people’s lives. Interviews felt like intruding on people’s lives, and I couldn’t imagine myself doing it if the subject had lived through some sort of disaster. So that’s when I turned to fiction. I later worked as a correspondent for my local newspaper writing features, and it was really gratifying to see some of my stories on the front page. Eventually I worked in many media-related jobs, and wrote fiction for me.

Thanks cate, it’s been a pleasure. Before you charge off, what actor/actress gets your pulses racing.

For me, it’s a combination of the role they’re playing, and how well they fit the skin of that character. I love actors who can be chameleons, such as Hugh Jackman, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslett, Alan Rickman, Johnny Depp… I could go on and on but I’ll spare you! Suffice it to say I appreciate any artist who takes his/her craft seriously.






Ooh yummy. Good choice Cate!

Thanks again for having me, Margaret! It’s been such a pleasure.