Author Interview with Kate Palmer

Today I’m part of a blog tour for Kate Palmer’s debut novel, The Guy Next Door. Kate is an elementary school teacher turned fulltime mom, with six children, and she keeps a blog with information about food, life in the country, and, of course, reading and writing. She’ll be signing copies of her book at the Logan Deseret Book this weekend for Ladies’ night for any readers living nearby. Keep reading to the end to find out how to win a copy of The Guy Next Door, some candy (Junior Mints–the main character’s favorite), and a recipe for lemon chicken.

Here’s the book’s synopsis:

And now, the interview:

If you were stuck in an airport with nothing else to read, would you rather have a copy of Twilight or Hunger Games?

I loved both of these books so this is a really tough question. I think Twilight would win out because it’s a stronger romance.

Favorite quote:

I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down . . . (Nehemiah 6:3) This is something I tell myself when I’m too busy with my family to get any writing done. 

That is a great scripture. And it can be challenging to find the right balance of being a mom and being an author, so what a wonderful way to remind yourself what is most important.

Favorite Shakespeare play:

Taming of the Shrew

That’s a good one.

What household chore do you have the hardest time keeping up with?

Laundry, specifically the whites. My family knows that whenever I have a baby (and for at least six months after), they can find clean socks, underwear, and towels piled in a large basket on the laundry room floor. Everyone paws through it to find what they need. Daily. 

Hey, as long as it’s clean!

When did you start writing?

I started writing fiction four years ago. I never even considered it before then. 

How do you come up with ideas for your books?

I take events from my family history and ask how could this happen today. What’s the modern version of this story? Then I like to combine that with something from the news that interests me. 

What is your favorite thing about writing?

I love the flutter of excitement I get when I’m drafting and my daily writing time is approaching. It seems kind of crazy since I’m the one writing the story, but I can’t wait to get back to working on the manuscript to see what happens.

I know exactly what you’re talking about!

You can learn more about Kate on her blog (and pick up some ideas for dinner) or facebook page.

And if you’d like to win a copy of the book, you can get entries by subscribing to her blog, liking her facebook page, tweeting about the giveaway, or leaving a comment on any of the blog posts on the tour (full schedule available at The Book Bug). It’s a Rafflecopter giveaway, so click the link and have at it (US addresses only, must be at least 13 years old to enter, giveaway goes until November 2nd).

Here’s the book trailer: