3/27/14

Interview with Cathy MacDonald

Welcome to JBR.  Today we have Cathy MacDonald with us. 

We are having a give away going on for March. What item are you giving away? (Anyone can win the item by going to the rafflecopter on the right hand side of the pg.) 

I am giving a $10 gift card

First why don't you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a business woman, former school teacher, wife, mother, and grandmother. We run an RV dealership with about 30 employees. I live way up in the mountains surrounded by the beauty of Nature, and have affectionately named our house, The Retreat.
 
Newest release? 

The Divorce Ranch

The Divorce Ranch

 
What can we expect from your stories, action, drama, romance, sex, blood and guts?

There’s romance, some sex, although years ago I promised my own children I wouldn’t be graphic. This particular novel includes a great deal of history about the divorce era.

Do you have a favorite character in your stories? Who? and Why?

 In The Divorce Ranch, Dorothy is my favorite. She was a screen actress in the 1930s, and fought the societal conventions of how “good girls” were supposed to behave. She believed what was good enough for men was good enough for women.

How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

Again, in The Divorce Ranch there are several vacant, plastic women who were placed to mirror the attitudes of the women who had embraced the fact that women had the vote, times were changing, and you didn’t have to be stuck in the kitchen with your apron on. (I have a huge disdain for vacant, plastic, pretentious women.)
 
Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

In 1936 people were beginning to wise up about Hitler’s antics. As Lily says at dinner, “But what do you think about this Hitler chap? I’ve heard some pretty disturbing things from people who have traveled over to Germany. They say he’s eliminated his government partners and the whole country is socialist. My friend told me he’s after the Jews, which doesn’t set well with me.”

Has there been any other authors who have inspired your work or helped you out with your stories?

Yes. I am an avid reader. Some of my favorite books come from Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Madeline L’Engle, Anne Tyler, Wally Lamb, Julia Cameron, Alice Hoffman
 
What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Have a book group where you can read and discuss the book, the setting, and the political times.
 
Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

As a reading specialist, I always remind people of the three levels of reading: Instructional (in class, learning a new concept), Independent (I like to think of beach reads.  Pure fun) Frustrational (way over your head. For me, Calculus) Find something that interests you to read; don’t worry about what your friends read. Writing is a skill.  The more you practice any skill the better you become. There are critics everywhere and don’t let them impede your goal of getting published. (if that’s a goal) Remember, many times critics are frustrated artists.
 
Do you have a favorite author? If yes, what draws you to that person’s work?

Hmm. Too many to list. I have a library with probably over 1000 books, plus the ones on my Kindle. I wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Can you remember one of the first things you wrote? What makes it memorable?

Yes. I wrote a play when I was ten. I produced it, and then charged people admission. And guess what? They came.

Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your work?

Life. I have a saying on my computer at work that says, “Careful…or you’ll be in my novel.”

Do you have any other interesting hobbies, pets or stories you would like to share?

Hobbies: I love to hike and ride my bike. I also practice yoga. I have a five-year-old labradoodle who comes to work with me. (I own the business.) And she rides in my granddaughter’s car seat in the back seat of my car. I love to look at people’s faces when I pull up next to them at a stoplight. They see Lulu sitting in the car seat and they always break into a wide smile. I’m that crazy woman with the dog in the car seat.

Favorite places to travel or visit?

I love France, the food, the wine, and the history. I love exploring old castles and sitting in quaint squares drinking the local wine.


From the book:
            “The rules are different for men and women. We are supposed to behave while men can have all the fun.” Dorothy glanced over and could tell he was still having a problem with the concept. “You’ve experienced my desire for sex. I feel it’s healthy and important for everyone, not just men. My husband couldn’t satisfy me, so I looked to someone else and when my producer found out, he threw a fit. Then my husband said he was hurt and demanded a divorce, even though he was carrying on with his own affair. Why is it only men can have what they want?”
            Jed turned into the small dirt parking lot. “Now, I’m just a simple cowboy, but I don’t understand why a beautiful, successful actress such as yourself would allow others to tell you how to run your life. It just don’t seem right.” He parked and turned off the engine.
            “Hmm. I can’t answer that. Unfortunately, I’m owned by the studio. They tell me what to do, who to marry, and what clothes to wear, and where I’m to be seen when I’m not on the lot.” She laughed. “They would not want me at this bar.”
            “What would they do if they found you here?”


www.supernovel.com



Thank you for stopping by for a chat.  We wish you much success.

Julie Ramsey
AMD, JBR

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