The Incomparable Kathleen Eagle

 Get Lost in a Story Readers, today's guest published her first book, a Romance Writers of America  Golden Heart winner, in 1984.  Since then she's published more than 40 books, including historical and contemporary, series and single title, earning her nearly every award in the industry.  Her books have consistently appeared on regional and national bestseller lists, including the USA Today list and the New York Times extended bestseller list.   Please welcome Kathleen Eagle.

One Less Lonely Cowboy

He's ready and able… Jack McKenzie is an old-school cowboy. A loner making a good living at a Missouri ranch, he just wants to collect his pay, keep to himself and—most important—forget the past. But the return of his boss's daughter changes everything…and makes him long for more than his solitary life….  But is she willing?  The last place Lily Reardon had ever imagined going was home, but there she is—the prodigal daughter with a child of her own. Estranged from her father, she struggles to reconnect. Slowly, with the help of strong, silent ranch hand Jack McKenzie, she begins to see her past—and even her future—in a new light. But can Jack trust in love enough to take his place in Lily's renewed family?

And now let's learn about Kathleen Eagle. . .

 

DONNELL:  Welcome!  According to your bio you have written more than 40 books.  Now, my first question for you is:  When do you sleep?

KATHLEEN:  Thanks for inviting me to hang with this terrific group today, Donnell.  Sleep?  I confess to being a night owl, which makes me a night writer.  I do enjoy an afternoon siesta when I can sneak one in.  And zeroing in on fifty books, but it’s taken me almost  30 years.

DONNELL:  You’ve no doubt gotten some advice over the years, so here’s your chance to share:  What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  And What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?

KATHLEEN:   I met LaVyrle Spencer shortly before I attended my first RWA convention, and she was a wonderful mentor.  Best advice:  hire Steven Axelrod.  I already had an agent, but when he retired a few years later, LaVyrle hooked me up with Steve, and I’ve been with him ever since.

Worst advice—and everyone gets it somewhere along the way—has to do with trying to write what’s “hot” at the moment.   

DONNELL:  LaVyrle Spenser as a mentor? She was recommended reading when I joined RWA in 2001. I'm having a "wow" moment.  What’s in your refrigerator right now?

KATHLEEN:  Vanilla ice cream right next to the Lean Cuisines, lots of Trader Joe’s brand stuff—even the staples  like milk, eggs, mayo, mustard, chicken, cheese.  Honey crisp apples, mmm, and heirloom oranges, both of which will soon be out of season so I’m enjoying my fill.

DONNELL:  Heels, hiking boots or tennis shoes?

KATHLEEN:  Crocs.  Flip-flops for summer and winter clogs.

DONNELL:  You’re written so many books.  Have you ever had writer’s block? Was there one in your memory that you almost didn’t finish? 

KATHLEEN:  Lately I worry about repeating myself.  I had a dry spell a couple of years ago, so I went back to my series roots and focused on straightforward romance for a while.  I’m not a fast writer, and in some ways that makes it harder to write commercial fiction for a living.  But do you want it fast, or do you want it good?  Every woman knows the answer to that one.

DONNELL:  (I want it good) :) What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned in researching a book?

KATHLEEN:  Researching SUNRISE SONG—soon to be re-released by Bell Bridge Books—was an eye-opener, even for someone who’s lived in Indian Country and been part of a Lakota family for over 40 years.  Did you know that from 1902 to 1934 the U.S. government ran an insane asylum for American Indians?  We didn’t until we attended a lecture, then traveled to Canton, SD, site of Hiawatha Asylum For Insane Indians. 

DONNELL:  What is the most unusual thing you have in your closet.

KATHLEEN:  I was just digging around for something and found an old rug beater.  Wondered where that thing went.  I collect women’s tools from times gone by.  Things like hankies and button hooks and hand-operated egg beaters.  I like to hold them in my hands and  imagine who used them

DONNELL:  If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be?  And why? 

Kathleen:  One person?  I’m a history buff, so I’d go back in time.  My husband is from Sitting Bull’s band.  He was quite an amazing man— powerful, insightful, charismatic and wise—whose life spanned a transitional period.  There’s so much to be learned from people who stood their ground, as Lincoln said, “with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right.”  Lincoln.  Oh, I’d love to meet him, too.

Kathleen, now it’s your turn:  Time to ask Readers a question:

QUESTION FOR READERS:  Let me turn the tables.  If you could be a character in a book you’ve read, who would it be, and why?  What would you do differently?

Book Giveaway  I’d love to send an autographed copy of my new book, ONE LESS LONELY COWBOY, to one of today’s commeters.

Links and Contact information

Web site:  www.kathleeneagle.com

Blogging at www.ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/kathleen.eagle1 

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