Interview with Author Kate J. Squires
Kate J. Squires made her romantic fiction debut writing sexy stories on Wattpad. After accruing almost 14 million reads and gaining more than 78,000 followers on Wattpad, four of her novels have been released as ebooks through Harlequin Escape and PanMacmillan Momentum, including 30 LAYS IN 30 DAYS, and its sequel, 32 LAYS LATER.
An Australian author with a strange and varied career, Kate has worked for Disney, been a professional fire dancer, performed with dolphins and taught financial literacy, which was hilarious as she was flat broke at the time. Currently, she teaches hot yoga in between penning captivating tales for her readers – find her sharing funny cat links on Facebook or rambling randomly on Twitter.
I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?
I’m always working on a few things at a time! I’ve got a print deal in the works with Pan Macmillan, a new Wattpad book on the go, and ton of stories ideas wafting around in my head I don’t have time to get on paper yet – including a third book for The List series.
When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?
I wrote my first story at 12 (It was horrendous – moi was NOT a child prodigy) but I’ve been a story spinner my whole life. I love hearing great tales from friends and coworkers, and squirreling them away in my head to bring out at a later date, and I obsess over movie and book plots to an unhealthy extent. It’s only recently that I’ve dedicated myself to writing novels – I’ve completed ten books in the last two years, five of which are under publishing contract.
Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?
A bit like a crazy cat lady adopting every kitten she sees, I collect writing advice from everywhere and take it home with me. Always start a story with action, not a girl staring out a window contemplating life, is one of my favorites. That little gen came from an editor of mine, but I believe her exact words were, “Oh my god! If I read one more dammed submission that starts with a girl on a bus or a train staring at the rain and thinking about her life, I will lose my ever-loving mind!”
Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?
Heroes are a funny thing. One reader’s perfect is another’s ew. I don’t think you can pin down a physical feature, but emotionally I believe all heroes should be kind, hard-working, and invested in the pleasure of their heroine. And a little sense of humor goes a long way!
I met my hero ten years ago, and we continue to live in crazy, stupid, romantic love every day – due in big part to the fact he embodies the qualities listed above. Plus, he makes the perfect cup of tea for me every morning – #truewuv
What project are you working on next?
The List 3 will be next. The hottest of all my titles, I’ve enjoyed writing the first two because they’re easy and fun to create. Much of my other writing puts me through the emotional wringer, so for a break I love reading eroticas that are steamy, simple and fun – and that’s the way I write them too. Book three will be following a character from book two, and can be read as a standalone. I’ll be playing with the idea of role reversal from a traditional erotica set-up (sexually dominant man + virginal, shy girl) and creating a story around a strong, sexually experienced woman. Gasp!
Any place we can find you in person or on the net this month or next?
I’m always on Wattpad – where I respond to all messages from my passionate, gorgeous readers. Otherwise, catch me on Facebook, Twitter, or my regular blog on Heroes & Heartbreakers.
