1. Tell me about your writing process? Do you have the story mapped out in your mind or on paper before writing? Or are you a “pantser,” making it up as you move along?
I definitely get an idea for a story quite vividly. It’s usually the characters that come to me first, the scenery/location and the ‘tone’ of their story they want me to tell. From there, it really just evolves. I hadn’t really mapped out my story until this Arthur Academy series, because there are so many moving parts and intertwined stories developing that I definitely had to ‘nut it out’ to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. Whilst writing though, the actual ‘story’ itself does go in its own direction sometimes, which for me, is quite organic and natural as the characters sometimes tell you during the writing process where they want to go 😊
2. About how long did it take you to write the book?
I can write a book quite fast if I spend the time, so it does vary. But Broken Wing probably took a solid 3-4 months to get the full story down on paper. Golden Crown (which is the second book in this duet and series), has been about the same as well.
3. What was your inspiration for this book? What gave you the idea to write it?
I’m always inspired by characters, I myself, would love to read about. I love, LOVE multi-layered characters so you will find all of my books have quite layered, flawed characters with a strong ‘mis-understood’ hero. Being an Aussie, I do love the American colleges and the entire collegiate world that is so different to what we have here so that’s definitely inspired my last two series. I’ve spent years researching them by travelling to the states many times over the last ten years, visiting campuses across the East and West coasts, and have been pretty obsessed!
4. Do you have any other books in the works?
Always! 😊 For me though, it’s finding the time to get them on paper! Currently, I have Golden Crown (the second book in the Arthur Academy series), and the third book in my Lake Shore Uni series in the works. I also have a draft of a paranormal romance as well, which I have been so keen to write for a looooong time! I love paranormal romance novels too 😉
5. Will this be a stand-alone, or do you have a series in mind for this book?
It’s definitely a series. Broken Wing and Golden Crown, are Hendrix and Paxtons story, with another book after that for Austin (who I adore) as well!
6. If you had to compare this to any book out there, what would you say this like? Or is it a combination of a few books? Or is it like nothing we may have read before?
I guess on the surface you could say it’s similar to many other academy romances out there right now, but I do like to think you know when you are reading a ‘Kathleen Maree’’ novel. I really like to focus on character development and a solid plot, to make it an engaging read, and ofcourse the slow-burn romance is my go-to as well. Many books in the new adult category are quite heavy on the steam, but I’m definitely not a ‘full-steam’ writer!
7. Do you have any interesting facts or anything about your book (or the writing process) that you want us to know about?
Some of the storyline that I’m ‘laying’ for my future books was really pulling my attention away from Hendrix and Paxtons story at times. I definitely had moments where I had to steer myself back to them, but it does excite me for the future of the Arthur Academy and what Austin, Banks and River all get up to!
Something extra: If anyone who reads this interview on your blog would like me to gift them a free book of mine to read – please ask them to email me kathleen.maree@yahoo.com.au
Broken Wing
Kathleen Mare’e
(Arthur Academy, #1)
Publication date: April 26th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
Hendrix:
It’s funny the things you notice as a child.
Like the way people uneasily glance away from me whenever I catch their eye.
Or the way a stranger seems to smile happily at other children, but when I say hello, their smile looks more uneasy than warm.
But as I approach the steel gates to the elite Arthur Academy, I can’t help but take a long-awaited breath towards my freedom. Finally, I have the chance to build the life I want. A future. Something that gives me more to live for than the daily beatings my childhood only knew. The girl I used to be doesn’t exist here. But even as the confidence grows about a life I now have control over, I can’t help but feel there could be something else waiting for me here. Something I’ve never faced before.
And it isn’t something I could prepare for.
And preparation is what got me out. It got me here.
I can’t afford to lose this opportunity, because if I lose this hand, it’s more than just a loss.
It’s like not being able to breathe. Not being able to fly.
It’s like, having a broken wing.
And without it, I lose my control. My freedom.Paxton:
I grip the leather ball in my hand, finally feeling the weight of the year pressing down on me. If it was just football, I could deal, but with my last name – it’s everything else that suffocates me. The Arthur Elite is what they call us, and we each have our roles to play. But my fathers given me the next two years to do what the hell I want without his interference, before he’ll own me to be his pawn.
Two years. After that, when college is done, I dread the life I’ll have to lead. The role I’ll have to play.
It should be simple. Just stroll through the steel gates and be the crown they all see; but I can’t help but feel there is something lurking beneath the surface. There is something different about this year that I sense inside my dark soul.
And it isn’t something I am prepared for; even when staying ahead is the one thing that ensures my next breath.Because when I lose a hand, it’s more than just a loss.
It’s like losing a limb. A bird breaking its wing.
And without that – I can’t fly toward freedom.
And my freedom right now, is all I have to hold onto.
Author Bio:
Kathleen grew up in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, where family holidays by the beach and tormenting her two younger brothers, was how she spent her early years. But at the young age of 11, when she submitted a short story to a talented writing competition through the NSW schools program, not only did she win it, but she quickly found a love for it as well.
Throughout her schooling, writing was a hobby, along with sketching and various sports. But fast forward to her adult years when she moved to Europe to follow her husbands field hockey dream, and her love for writing surged to the surface.
Her debut story, Cut, was penned over two years where her hobby seemed to lead to the completion of Pennys’ world. The rest of the series came the following year.Kathleen enjoys writing stories full of self-discovery, emotional journeys and of course, love.
Something else she loves is hearing from her readers, so feel free to follow her blog or drop her an email.For signed copies of her novels, more information about upcoming stories, or to follow her blog, please visit her website http://www.kathleenmaree.weebly.com
Dream often. Believe always.
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