BIO:
KS Weachter is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She loves to read, write, knit, crochet and travel. Though she started writing poetry, it was her love of fictional romance that brought her to writing novels. She grew up in the Midwest but currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their dog, Mickey.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison
I have always had stories in my head and though I tried to write thirty years ago, the words didn't flow until after I had my children grown and the grandkids were born.
Did you have any influencing writers growing up?
My great-aunt was a poet with three published books of poetry. She is the reason why I wrote poetry from the time I was six until a few years ago.
Are any of your characters based on people in real life?
Some of my characters have characteristics of people I know or knew but I don't base them solely on the real-life person.
Where do you draw your book inspirations from?
To get inspiration, I jot down a brief situation from something I hear or see or have experienced.
Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?
I have a basic idea of what I want to write but no matter how hard I try the characters take over and turn things upside down on my. I've learned to work with them.
When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?
I usually have an idea of what they look like but until recently hadn't put pictures to the faces. I find this is more important when you have a very large cast of characters.
Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?
My happy place is on the beach with my feet in the sand, the waves rolling in, an umbrella overhead and a book in my hand. Walking trails in historical parks would fall into a close second. I love exploring woods and caves.
Who are your favorite current authors to read?
Marie Hall's historical romance. I haven't really found another author I'd be willing to read every book they write.
What are your favorite books by others?
Kathleen Woodiwiss is my all-time favorite romance writer and I fell in love with Jean Auel's Earth Child series after seeing the movie Clan of the Cave Bear.
Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?
Not really. In my historical romance I created an island off the coast of Northern Africa and set it in the 1600's before the fall of the Ottoman Empire. I set one contemporary in Des Moines where I've been many times, another in Missouri near Jefferson City not far from where I lived. I have yet to write a story where the MC is in the woods with just a little town where everyone smells you coming similar to the area I grew up in.
Do you write in single or multiple POV?
I have written in first person alternating POV, third person and omniscient. It all depends on what the characters want. My favorite is first person and alternating.
What do you find to be your best research tool?
That all depends on the story. In my historical I used the etymology dictionary as well as researched Indian tribes to give one of my characters ancestors to find. It was really interesting to discover a tribe near the area that disappeared with no known direction.
Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?
I consolidated my first and middle initial to create my "pen name". It is the only one I use after the first novel. Despite writing in three different genres I like having it all under one name.
What genre do you write and why is this your preference?
I love historical romance the steamier the better but find myself writing contemporary romance with the twist. Either way I like to add a little mystery to every story.
Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky traits....what led to you being you?
I grew up in the Midwest and come from a very large family. After graduating HS, I went into the Army as an administrative specialist (a glorified secretary).
I love to travel and have moved around several times over the last 45 years. Of all the places, I have loved the Ozarks the most.
I'm that person that will tell you like it is with enough volume in my voice to make sure I'm heard.
I graduated in the top of my Licensed Practical Nursing class; the ten-month crash course offered in Arkansas; and worked in the cardiac wing for several years.
Though I love helping people, I don't care for the politics of the medical field.
I'm the person that can trip over my own two feet, remember conversations from years ago and hold a grudge for longer than most people can remember.
What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Keep at it. Don't be afraid to ask for help and be willing to take criticism. Not everyone is a great writer with the first book or chapter or paragraph they put down. It takes time and feedback to perfect the art.
How do you deal with and process negative book reviews?
Since you can't please everyone, I take it into consideration and move on.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Keeping the story moving despite the characters demanding more of their side story.
What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?
Nothing in particular, but I can't write in a noisy room or amid a trade show, though I'll carry my laptop in hopes of a few minutes.
What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?
I have a serious sweet tooth, so something to satisfy it.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?
Though it's not possible, Mark Twain aka Samuel Clemens would be the man I'd love to spend time with.
Living in the midwest and knowing the influences on him, I'd like to know more about why he chose those stories.
What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?
I write while listening to a mundane tv show with water nearby. Snacks might include dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter and crackers or cookies.
Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?
I have listened to music in the past. The playlist was anything from Bach to Metallica.
Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
Other than Mick insisting on a trip outside, I don't have that problem.
What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?
Knowing I have made a mistake in the continuity of the story or something wrong with my kids.
Have you ever killed off a character that your readers loved?
No, but I have killed off characters I loved. Cried like a baby.
How do you celebrate after typing THE END?
I don't really celebrate. I open another document and jump into the next story.
The celebrations come as the sales roll in.
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