Kathleen Harryman
Links to book:
Website: https://www.kathleenharryman.com
Kathleen was first published in 2015 and has gone on to win several awards for her books. Developing a unique writing style, Kathleen Harryman grips the reader holding their attention until they become part of the story.
Kathleen Harryman is a talented multi-genre author of suspense, psychological thrillers, crime fiction, romantic suspense, historical romance, and paranormal romance.
Please tell us about your publications/work.
The Other Side of the Looking Glass was my first novel to be published back in 2015. It is a romantic suspense set in York. The Other Side of the Looking Glass Since is written over several POVs, allowing each main character to provide their own thoughts, desires, and fears.
Since 2015, I have gone on to write and publish three psychological thrillers, When Darkness Falls, Darkness Rising (Part of the Darkness Series), and Hidden Danger. There is something about thrillers that allow my creative juices to run. The main character in The Darkness Series is deadly, but also conveys a humorous side. This is something I like to do to break up the suspense, especially as these books are written from the killers’ perspective. Hidden Danger is similar, in that the reader gets a Birdseye view into the killers’ thoughts, but with Hidden Danger it is the relationship between daughter and father that gives it a sense of twisted horror.
In 2019 along with my co-author, and friend, Lucy Marshall, I published my first historical romance, The Promise. This book is based around stories my great uncles have told over the years, and my grandfather, James Chappell, who died during the D-Landings. Though the story differs from my grandfather’s life, it reflects the lives of those left behind at home and who fought on the frontline during World War II. The Promise is written from multiple POV’s and therefore has the intimacy of reading a personnel diary.
Hunted was the first book I ever wrote, even though it was never released until 2021. As an author I felt there was an element missing from the story. Hunted has grown from its first draft. One of the main changes I made, was the introduction of Arthur, a gnome and spy for the Saelee King, and Seberg, a magical staff which causes a lot of trouble for Vampwitch, Alice Quinn. Hunted is the first book in the Vampwitch series and is a paranormal romance.
Life’s Echoes, is a book of poetry, echoing life’s peculiarities, and the personal strength we carry within us.
When I started writing I was determined to become a multi genre author. I have always enjoyed reading a cross reference of genres and it feels wrong to limit my love of writing and storytelling to just one genre.
Do you think the written word (or art) bring power and freedom?
There is always a sense of freedom to be found in the written word. Words themselves are powerful instruments that can bring enlightenment and inspiration. Unfortunately, words can also wound. I like to feel that when we read, we travel with the characters. We live their lives, laugh when they laugh, cry when they cry, and become one with the suspense. What better freedom from life is there than to take that journey into a different world from our own.
Many authors use the power that writing brings. I believe that if I write something, and can feel what the characters feel, then there is no greater power an author can convey to the reader.
What’s your greatest networking tip?
Support others. We all need a helping hand; supporting our fellow authors or businessperson is key to building good relationships.
If you could have dinner with any literary character or author who would you choose, and what would you eat.
If I were to have dinner with a literary author, I would choose Agatha Christie. We would dine on the Orient Express, with afternoon tea. Cucumber sandwiches, scones, jam, clotted cream and tiny pastries.
How much research do you do for your work? What’s the wildest subject you’ve looked at?
Research is key to making any story credible. Behind every book I write, a wealth of research has gone into it.
The wildest subject I’ve researched would be when I was writing Hidden Danger. I was in Glasgow at the time with a colleague from the gas industry and we were looking how to blow up a house using gas. The catch is that the gas needed to be released over time, the occupants unaware of what was happening. We looked at all the components required, how to get the gas buildup without the smell alerting the occupants of the house, etc. It was one of the most hands-on research I have done. If anyone overheard our plotting, I’m sure they would have found us to be quite mad, and very scary.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about writing/publishing?
Never write like anyone else. You are unique and your writing should be too. I recall a journalist confessing how they had spent years looking for the perfect formula to get them the next bestseller. Writing in many other author styles, believing that this was sure to gain him that unattainable bestseller and movie deal. The thing is, he spent so long researching how to write like others, he never got round to writing. This was years ago, but I never forgot—be yourself, write like you, and feel everything you write.
Which authors have influenced you the most?
Enid Blyton
Agatha Christie
Sharon Kay Penman
What is your writing space like?
Cosy. I’m a neat freak, so everything has a place. There are shelves lined with reference books across a multitude of genres, from serial killers to ancient Egypt. And space for my dog, and writing companion, Reilly Roo to sleep.
Tell us about your latest piece?
I am currently writing another World War II romance due for release mid 2023.
What are your hopes for the coming year?
To keep being creative and to find something in each day that makes me smile.
Tell us a silly fact about yourself?
I still have my teddy bear that Mum and Dad had made for me and my sister when we were born. His red paws are no longer in tacked and his white fur is grey, his head wobbles from side to side, but he still brings me comfort.
What did you want to be when you ‘grew up’?
When I wasn’t pretending to be a writer, I wanted to be a dancer, not that I can dance, but I have always loved the freedom that dancing brings.
The Other Side of the Looking Glass (Romantic Suspense): http://getbook.at/TOSOTLG
When Darkness Falls – Book One in the Darkness Series (Psychological Thriller): http://getbook.at/WDF
Darkness Rising – Book Two in the Darkness Series (Psychological Thriller): http://mybook.to/DR-BK2
Hidden Danger (Psychological Thriller): http://getbook.at/hiddendanger
Hunted – A Vampwitch Novel – Book One (Paranormal Romance): http://mybook.to/HUNTED-BK1
The Promise (Historical Romance): http://getbook.at/thepromise
Life’s Echoes (Poetry): http://getbook.at/lifesechoes
Library of Erana 