Kathy Harris is an author by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business. After graduating with a Communications degree from Southern Illinois University, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to work with a well-known gospel music quartet. A few months later, The Oak Ridge Boys began their transition into country music, and Kathy had the opportunity to help build an entertainment empire from the ground up.
She worked her way to becoming a member of the Operations Management Team, eventually heading up the company's public relations and marketing department. A lifelong fascination for books and editing led to her working as a book agent for Oak Ridge Boys' vocalist Joe Bonsall. Joe, subsequently, published three books, including his bestselling inspirational biography, G.I. Joe & Lillie: Remembering a Life of Love and Loyalty.
For several years, Kathy freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote (as well as ghost wrote) news stories and columns for various Christian and country music publications. In 2007, she sold her first Christian non-fiction story, “Walk on Water,” which was included in Thomas Nelson's All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa. That fall, one of her devotions was included in The One Year Life Verse Devotional, published by Tyndale House. Kathy's writing is also included in Chicken Soup for the Soul Thanks, Mom.
An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the publicity officer for Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, Kathy lives near Nashville with her husband and their two Shiloh Shepherd dogs. She regularly interviews literary and music guests on her blog at www.DivineDetour.com. Her author website can be found at www.kathyharrisbooks.com.
Abingdon Press will release Kathy's Christian fiction debut, The Road to Mercy, in September 2012.
What others are saying about Kathy's books:
"Exquisite writing, wonderful characters, and a captivating story left me devouring this book. I couldn't put it down. Novel Rocket and I highly recommend it." - Ane Mulligan, Sr. editor Novel Rocket
Q&A WITH KATHY
Q: When did you first know you wanted to write a book?
A: I started writing a book when I was seven or eight years old. Then life got in the way… until about ten years ago and I realized it was time to make good on my dream.
Q: How long did it take you to write your first book?
A:It took about four years for me to finish my first full-length fiction manuscript. I spent about the same amount of time on the second. Thankfully, the third didn’t take quite so long. Those first two manuscripts were a part of my learning curve. During the time I was writing them I was learning the craft—and learning who I was as a writer.
Q: What was the greatest challenge in getting your book completed and or published?
A: Time. And focus. I finally realized that I could write a scene a day if I organized my life in the correct way. From that point on, the second manuscript almost wrote itself.
Q:What provided the greatest assistance to you in getting your book completed and or published?
A: Other writers… my crit partner, members of my writer’s group, the ACFW, and teachers of the craft who helped me learn and to believe in myself as a writer. Almost more than anything else, writers need each other. It’s a lot more fun that way too.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring authors?
A: To never give up on your dream. It’s hard work. But if you truly love writing, it’s impossible to quit, so why even try?
Q: Can you tell us a bit about The Road to Mercy?
A: It’s the story of three people whose lives intersect on a journey of faith and forgiveness. Here’s the back cover copy:
Dr. Ben Abrams, rescued as an infant from a fiery crash that killed his family, turned his adversities into success but lost his heritage of faith. Fifty years later, Josh and Bethany Harrison face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth's carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death, even as she's pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Abrams urges her to abort the baby to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and continue the pregnancy.
During the next few months, Josh, a contemporary Christian singer, struggles with his faith while Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.
Q: What's next?
A: More writing! I need to edit my third manuscript!
Thanks for having me here, Kym!
Now for a chance to win a copy of Kathy's book,
THE ROAD TO MERCY.
1) Leave a comment with your email address or check back later for the winner. If you won, you’ll need to email me your information.
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