Author Kat Simons Shares Their Story
Kat Simons earned her BA in Zoology studying dolphins in Hawaii and her Ph.D. in animal behavior studying deer in Ireland. She takes that background and turns nature on its ear in her paranormal romances. Her Tiger Shifter series follows the struggles of the tiger shapeshifters to survive in the face of extinction and how they handle love, lust and survival. When not writing, Kat loves to read, bake, travel, play with her sons, and go to sporting events with her husband and sons. She also plays entirely too much Sudoku. Currently, Kat lives in New York with her family, her funny little dog, and a library’s worth of books.
About the Author
Kat Simons earned her BA in Zoology studying dolphins in Hawaii and her Ph.D. in animal behavior studying deer in Ireland. She takes that background and turns nature on its ear in her paranormal romances. Her Tiger Shifter series follows the struggles of the tiger shapeshifters to survive in the face of extinction and how they handle love, lust and survival. When not writing, Kat loves to read, bake, travel, play with her sons, and go to sporting events with her husband and sons. She also plays entirely too much Sudoku. Currently, Kat lives in New York with her family, her funny little dog, and a library’s worth of books.
What inspires you to write romance books?
I love the complexity of romance. It encompasses some of the most significant parts of our lives as human beings–making connections and forming bonds that will last for years. I must admit I adore the sexual tension and sex too. What can I say? But I like best when all that tension and sex results in love and a long term relationship.
I’m also inspired by my own romance. My husband is my personal hero and he keeps me believing in romance.
Tell us about how you write:
I write completely by the seat of my pants–with some mild planning 🙂 I think through things for awhile before I sit down to write. At least that’s how I do things now because I have too many projects going to just sit and start writing the moment inspiration hits. However, I never know the full story start to finish until I start writing. I tend to have a vague idea how things will end, and obviously because I write romance, the goal is for the couple to end up in a stable, Happy for now at least, relationship. But other than that, I sit and write. Sometimes it flows. Other times I have to force out the next few paragraphs. In the end, it usually works out. I just keep going until I get to The End. Then I have to edit. A lot. I mean, really, a LOT of editing goes into the book after The End. That’s the price of seat-of-the-pants writing. It’s a price I’m willing to pay. 🙂
Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes. For both. I suspect–like most writers–if I wasn’t writing I might be confused for a mildly deranged person. I walk around talking things out out loud a lot. Or acting out scenes, playing with dialogue. And yes, my characters talk to me and let me know if I’m making them do something that isn’t quite working–most of the time. They don’t always step up and put me in my place when they should. But they do try. 🙂
What advice would you give other writers?
Love what you do. It’s always obvious when someone has written a book they weren’t interested in writing but did it for various commercial reasons. Especially in romance. You have to love spinning out a complex relationship and focusing on that relationship. A part of you has to really believe in Happy Endings. If you don’t enjoy reading romance novels, please don’t try to write one. (We can tell!)
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to self-publish the Tiger Shifter series because it’s something of an experiment on my part and I wanted to be able to control all the details like cover art and price. I adore this series, but it’s a little different from the current paranormal market because it’s so focused on this single species of shapeshifters. Self publishing gave me the chance to really test the waters and also publish the books as quickly as I wanted to to help build an audience. I do hope readers like the Tigers as much as I do because I can write these books for several years to come.
For new authors, all I can say is to consider your options carefully. There are ups and downs to every publishing avenue. There’s no magic pill or guarantees, so you have to do what you’re comfortable with and what seems like the best option for your books. Read everything about publishing, then form your own opinions. Once you’ve decided on the right path for you, don’t let others belittle it. Everyone has to walk their own road in this industry.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
That it will continue to change a bit more, but there will always be a market for books. At least I hope so because I love to read and I don’t want to run out of new books to buy! 🙂 I think in 10 years publishing won’t look much like it did 10 years ago, but books will still be booming. And I think authors are in a position–for the first time in decades–to really control our work and our careers. At least as much as any artist can. I love that the self publishing revolution has given us so much freedom and control. It also gives readers a wider range of possible options and as a reader I love that part too!
What genres do you write?
paranormal romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, urban fantasy romance, shapeshifter romance, tiger shapeshifter romance
What formats are your books in?
eBook
Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
Link To Author Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7554922.Kat_Simons
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kat-Simons/1430791730466744
