Kat Flannery - Award Winning Historical Romance
Kat Flannery’s love of history shows in her novels. She is an avid reader of historical, suspense, paranormal, and romance. A member of many writing groups including the National Romance Writers of America (RWA), Kat enjoys promoting other authors on her blog. When she’s not busy writing, or marketing Kat volunteers her time to other aspiring authors. She’s been published in numerous periodicals throughout her career, and continues to write for blogs and online magazines. A bestselling author, Kat’s books are available all over the world. The BRANDED TRILOGY is Kat’s award-winning series. With seven books published, Kat continues to write two novels a year. As our Author of the Day, she tells us all about her latest book, Fern.
Please give us a short introduction to what Fern is about.
Sure, Fern Montgomery is a healer. Using the herbs, plants and vegetables in her garden, Fern helps those in need with ailments, broken bones, etc. She learned this from her father who was a doctor. However, the doctor in town is sure she is a fraud, and when Fern’s friend turns up dead, the fingers are pointing to her as the one who did it. Sheriff Gabe Bennett has a problem on his hands, and it isn’t just the pesky doctor and townsfolk insisting he arrest Fern; he’s fallen for the vixen and he doesn’t even know if she’s innocent.
What inspired you to write about a herbalist who is falsely accused of murder?
I’ve done a lot of research into the herbs and plants that heal from my previous book, Lakota Honor, and so I thought I’d use some of this knowledge and create a woman who wants to make it on her own helping those around her with what grows in the ground. I love strong liberated women and I love writing about them. This idea of murder and being accused was perfect for Fern’s story.
Tell us more about the series. How do the books tie in together and can they be read as standalones?
Fern, Poppy and Ivy can all be read as standalones. The only thing they have in common with each other is that they are sisters. I wanted to write each woman’s story as their own, and in doing this I wrote individual stories. This series is about each woman and their struggle for independence.
What makes Fern Montgomery so special?
Fern is smart, caring and above everything else, she is loyal.
Tell us more about Sheriff Gabe Bennett
Why is he a great male lead? He is cocky, self-assured, and a little bit ego driven, but he is also honest, and he is good at his job. He determined to find out if Fern killed her friend or not.
Where does your love for history come from?
I’ve always been fascinated by stories that took place before my time. Whether it was my grandpa telling them, or I was watching it play out in a movie.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes.
Is there an underlying message you wish to relay about basic human nature through your characters?
I write my characters as if they were real, well they are to me. How they react in certain situations goes with the type of character I’ve written. I’ve chosen to make them real and with that being said, sometimes they react the way they should but not the way a reader wants them to.
Why the Wild West? What drew you to this setting for your book?
The west is where I seem to thrive as an author. Plus there wasn’t much independence for women back in those days, which made these stories even more exciting to write.
You also promote other authors on your blog. Why?
The answer to this question is simple: I believe in helping each other out. This industry is difficult enough that we don’t need to compete with one another. It’s all about giving back.
When working on a new book, what’s the first thing you do?
Pour myself a glass of whiskey. No I’m kidding that usually comes later when I’m stuck, or I’m in edits. Generally I plot. Once I have the story, or the base of it I can write.
Do you ever have days when writing is a struggle?
You bet! I am human. Those days come in waves. Sometimes it takes weeks for me to settle in, and some times it’s an hour.
How are you working on right now?
I am working on the Kelly Brother’s a new series of outlaw brothers.
Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?
I’m all over social media, facebook, instagram, twitter. I have a newsletter and you can subscribe via my website or facebook, or just drop me a line (email) I love hearing from my readers.
