Get to know Kathleen…

Kathleen Fuller is the author of over twenty books, including the bestselling Hearts of Middlefield series. She lives with her husband and three teenagers in Geneva, Ohio. For more info, visit her website.

Let the conversation begin!

How many words do you write each day?

Depends, but I try to write at least 3k. Since I don’t always write every day, I need to write that many to keep on pace for my deadlines.

Outliner or seat-of-the-panter?

Both! I’ve done a combination in each of my books. I outline first, then as I write the story and characters usually change. That makes the writing process interesting!

In grade school, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I bounced back and forth from journalist to lawyer to marketing to psychologist–I decided to become a teacher, then a writer. I love working with kids and with words and stories.

Easier to write before or after you were published?

After, definitely. More deadlines, more pressure, more knowledge about the business. Although there’s something freeing about being blissfully ignorant about publishing and just writing what’s on your heart and for yourself.

Earliest childhood memory?

Getting baptized. I was a baby and my mother says there’s no way I could remember that. But I do, despite my swiss cheese memory.

If money wasn’t an issue, what would you add to your writing space?

I’d like to write in some type of covered garden that would stay cool in summer and warm in winter. It would have to have a water feature, too.

From idea to completion, how long does it take to write a book?

About six months.

Would you rather publish a string of mainstream books or one classic?

A string of mainstream books–I like having a writing career. Writing just one book, even if it’s a classic, isn’t a career. It’s an achievement.

If you could only write one more book, what would it be about?

Historical Ireland.

Do you begin with character or plot?

Plot, usually. Character comes out of plot for me.

Tell us about the book you’re working on.

I’m working on the second book in my Middlefield Family series, Faithful to Laura. I’m excited about this series. The first book, Treasuring Emma, releases in July.

Describe your perfect day.

Spending it with my family camping or at poolside, playing games and having a cookout.

What was the best thing that happened to you this weekend? 

Sunday June 12th was my 18th wedding anniversary. I’m married to an amazing and supportive man. I couldn’t do this without him.

What advice would you give young writers?

Enjoy writing while learning the skills of the craft. It can be done.

What was the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?

Rattlesnake. Tastes like chicken.

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Never stop learning, and remember it’s about the readers, not about me.

What one word describes you?

Contradictory. I have lots of contradictory personality traits and ambitions. For example, I long to be noticed, but cringe at the idea of being the center of attention.

Most embarrassing moment?

There are many of those, but my most recent one was falling out of my car last month in front of a restaurant. Who does that?

What’s the first item on your bucket list?

Go on a cruise.

What do you do to recharge your creative batteries?

Sleep.

If this was your last day on Earth, what would you do?

Spend it with my family.

What initially drew you to writing?

A love of reading.