Get Lost with Debut Author Cathy Perkins

Get Lost in a Story Readers, I'm very excited to bring you today the debut author of THE PROFESSOR.  I read a partial of Cathy Perkin's unpublished version of this story in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and I was wowed.  Watch this woman!  I assure you she's the real deal in authorial talent. 

Set in South Carolina, stopping the serial killer who is terrorizing college campuses drives the plot of THE PROFESSOR. Charismatic State Agent Mick O'Shaughnessy wants more from life than work and a pretty face. Fiercely independent graduate student Meg Connelly always wanted a loving family and professional success, but has to learn to trust in order to get either. The Professor knows the only way to get what he wants is to take it—and taking Meg’s life will destroy Mick with the same stroke of his knife.

A dark edgy murder-mystery/romance that will keep you spellbound page after page. ~~ Night Owl Reviews

Hi, Cathy:  Congratulations on your debut thriller, The Professor. 

Cathy: Thanks for having me here today, Donnell. I appreciate the chance to talk about The Professor, my upcoming release from Carina Press.

DONNELL:  So let's get to it.  It’s clear you like scaring people…so answer us this… Are you afraid of the dark?

CATHY:  My husband says “cat” is part of my name for a reason, but I really can’t completely see in the dark. It baffles him how I walk around the house at night without turning on lights. I’m convinced women can see at night to take care of the kids, but that’s a different story.

To take it one step further, I’ve been a runner for years. Sometimes the only time I could fit training into my schedule was very early in the morning or late at night, so I ran in the dark. Great for balance—and learning to trust yourself! Should I throw in a disclaimer – don’t try this at home?

DONNELL:  You’re stranded on a desert island. You have a choice of a life raft or Hugh Jackman.  What’s it going to be?

CATHY: You know, after a while, if Hugh and I really wanted off that island, I bet we could build a life raft.

DONNELL:  Coffee or tea?

CATHY: Uh, hello? I live in Washington State, which has to be the most caffeinated state in the country. And for the record – Seattle’s Best not Starbucks. Did you know there is a very real, very small town in eastern Washington named Starbucks? Trivia fact for the day.   

DONNELL:  Morning person or night owl?

CATHY: I’m a night owl, which doesn’t always work well with a day job, kids, a morning person hubby (he makes me coffee <3). Someday, the 4-5 hours’ sleep a night is gonna kill me, which would be a boring end to a romantic suspense writer.

DONNELL:  Complete this sentence.  When I want to relax, I. . .

CATHY: head to my tropical island on my private jet… Oh, you want real life? Our mountain property is our Shangri La getaway. As soon as we park the car, we can feel the tension slide off our shoulders. From there, relaxing can mean getting outside – hiking, snow showing, cross-country skiing or just working on the property – or curling up on the couch in front of the fire.

DONNELL:  what is your favorite sound?

CATHY: I love music – I have something playing nearly all the time. My taste runs across the spectrum – alternative to jazz and back through country to contemporary. My kids introduce me to new artists and I’m a fan of the Internet sites that start with a song or musician and build a playlist.

Going back to the mountain place – we brought a TV up there for movies. When we plugged it in, the poor thing kept cycling, looking for anything, but I love that it couldn’t find a single channel. Music, books and quiet conversation instead of TV at night – what a concept J

While we’re there, I love the sound of the river over the rocks – and as long as I’m safe in my bed, hearing the wolves sing to the moon at night is a rare treat.

DONNELL:  What’s in your refrigerator right now?

CATHY: Opens door – ouch! It looks like the ‘fridge of one of the guys I write about: condiments, beer, a bottle of wine and some sad looking lettuce. Whew, there’s some fresh pasta and a chunk of Parmigianino; at least dinner’s covered! Definitely need to hit the store and farmer’s market. We are so blessed here in the Pacific Northwest with access to fabulous fruits and vegetables as well as free-range, well, everything. The taste—and health—difference is phenomenal!

DONNELL:  Now it’s your turn to ask readers a question.  And readers, Cathy will be giving one lucky commenter a digital downloaded copy of THE PROFESSOR from Carina Press.  http://cperkinswrites.com/

CATHY: Readers, what do you think?  Mystery, suspense or relationship –what part of the story do YOU find most important?

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