Hello! I’m Kathy, and I’ve been living in New Market since 2007. I’m originally from a small town in Maine. I attended the University of Maine and then moved around quite a bit before settling in beautiful New Market. I love the small-town vibe here, which actually reminds me a lot of where I grew up. I also wanted my daughter to have a similar type of childhood to the one I had. So, we moved here when she was five. I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve written over thirty-five books in several genres. I started my career writing paranormal and contemporary romance, but now I’m focused totally on cozy mysteries. I’m an avid reader, and I’m also addicted to podcasts. I’m a huge fan of all things spooky–I guess being a Mainer, I was influenced by Stephen King. I am also animal crazy and have way too many pets. Nine of them! On top of all that chaos, I’m the full-time caregiver for my mother, who has dementia. Fortunately, my career allows me to stay home with her.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my fiancé, Bill, who is a medical driver and my lifesaver. He helps me so much with my mother’s care and the general insanity of my house. My daughter, Emily, also lives with me. She is a server at the newly reopened Vintage restaurant while she decides what path she wants to take with her further education. And my mother moved in with us about three years ago. Oh, and the pets. We have three dogs and six cats. It’s a zoo in my house.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I absolutely love my career. Being an author is an awesome job! I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many of my favorite authors, to travel, and to work with aspiring authors. I also love working from home! I’m currently writing several mystery series. The Friendship Harbor Mysteries, which take place in Maine and features a spunky, ex-actress heroine who inherits a pub and a pet llama. I co-author these books with my best friend, Erin McCarthy. I also write books for The Magic & Mayhem Universe series, which includes books from many other amazing authors. This series was created by the wildly talented author, Robyn Peterman, who happens to be the wife of the actor Steve Zahn. I also write The Cauldron Crew series, which features witches who don’t get along but have to work together to solve mysteries. I created this series with my friend, Elle J Rossi. She also does all my book covers. Then my solo series is The Brew & Bones Mysteries, which is set in New Orleans and involves an amateur sleuth, a Boston Terrier, the paranormal, and murder! I’m also starting to work on a series called The Breakfast Club Mysteries, which will revolve around Gen-X and 80s nostalgia. All my books include humor, quirky characters, and a fun mystery–and usually murder. You can’t beat a job where you make up stuff all day.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in New Market for fifteen years and in Maryland for twenty-one. I think. Did I mention that I’m middle-aged? Things get hazy these day.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’ve met many interesting and talented people here–and I have the honor of calling all of them my friends. Shannon Hart, who is my neighbor and a fabulous photographer. Stephanie Hatmaker, who is also a fantastic photographer. Will Byrd, who does so much for this community. Honestly, the list goes on and on.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Now that I’m officially, ahem, middle-aged, my biggest advice is just be yourself. Don’t waste time trying to be anyone other than yourself.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Selling one of my mystery series to Netflix or Hallmark Mystery Channel.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love being in a rural area but still close to cities. It’s the best of both worlds.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still writing and in New Orleans. I love New Market, but I also love the crazy, artistic, and eclectic vibe of The Big Easy. And now that my daughter is grown up, it seems like a good time to make that move.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hmm, I spend every summer from eight-years-old to twenty raking blueberries. Most people don’t even know what that is. My family owned acres of blueberry land in Maine and how you harvest the berries is by raking them. It’s very physical, hot, and miserable work. For very little money. I have permanent calluses on my hands from it. But my dad always said it built character. I think he was right.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
My family owns a cottage on a lake in Maine. There is nothing better than sitting on the porch and looking out at the lake. Clear water, the sandy beach, and mountains. It’s stunning and so relaxing.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Halloween. I love fall and love decorating my house for Halloween. The spookier, the better.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Iced tea. I’m an iced tea junkie.
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
I’ve had several impactful people and events in my life. But firstly, I have to say my parents. They were both teachers and really instilled me with the love of reading and learning. Then, I’d have to say having my daughter. That’s the moment I realized I’m not just Kathy anymore. Now, I’m Mom. And finally, selling my first book. I always wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t even try until my thirties. So, that first book sale was a big moment for me.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, love, and security.
