Tug of love sparks custody battle

Hi  Kathryn.  And welcome to Adventures in Authorland. Please get comfortable and tell us about your adventure.

Kathryn Daugherty

What book are you reading now?

     I’m reading three books right now on POW’s during the Vietnam War. The Passing of the Night  My Seven Years As A Prisoner of the North Vietnamese by  Colonel Robinson Risner. Colonel Risner was shot down and captured on September 16, 1965 and was a “guest” of the North Vietnamese until his release on February 12, 1973.

     I’m also reading Code to Keep: The True Story of America’s Longest-Held Civilian Prisoner of War in Vietnam by Ernest C. Brace. Ernest Brace tells the story of his captivity. Even though he was a civilian at the time of his capture he continued to live by the Military Code of Conduct.

     The third book I’m reading is S O G The Secret Wars of America’s Commandos in Vietnam by John L. Plaster and tells the story of volunteers from various fighting units.

     Now please don’t get the impression that I have an obsession about the Vietnam War. I’m doing research for my new novel. The novel is not about war either, but a piece of the story is a flashback to an Air Force pilot who is a POW. In order for the story to feel authentic, I want to be able to tell the truth about what these outstanding men went through for faith and country.

Can you give some details about your upcoming release? 

     I stated in the above question I’m doing research into the lives of POW’s during the Vietnam War. My story revolves around the lives of two women who accidentally meet on a flight from Los Angeles to Omaha, Nebraska. One woman is in her sixties and the other woman in her thirties. The Log Line for the new book is: Two women meet on a plane and find their lives intertwined. The past comes to haunt and preserve their future. Because the first 25 pages are entered in a contest, I’m not allowed to mention the title at this point.  After the announcement of the finalists, you will be able to find the title on my website. http://www.kathryndaugherty.com

If you could time travel back, or forward, for one day, where would it be and why?

     This is a question close to my heart. The day would be Friday, May 2, 2003. That day I was busy cleaning house, and I received a phone call that my mom, sisters, and aunt and uncle were meeting in Ames, for lunch. Could I come and join them?  Ames was a 45-minute drive from where I lived. I had not showered or put on makeup, by the time I was able to do that they would be done with lunch. I was too busy to make the trip. What I didn’t know was the following Wednesday May 7,2003. My mom would leave this earth to spend eternity with my dad who had passed away in December. If I could go back to that day, I would do anything to go have that last lunch with my MOM. Oh, what I would give to have a chance to have seen her alive one last time. That regret has taught me a lesson though. Never pass up the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, don’t worry that your hair and make-up aren’t perfect. It is you the person they long to see, not the perfection you want to portray.  

If you could have any superhero power, what would it be?

     Actually I have two super powers I would like to possess; the first one is duplication to have the ability multiply my own body and hopefully my mind goes along with that power. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I wish I could be in several places at once. How often I want to be sitting at my desk writing and yet be able to be at my children or grandchildren’s activities, or other family activities. Maybe even be at work in one body and still be able to write my stories. I would wager there are many writers that would also choose this superpower. The second one would be invulnerability, the ability to not get hurt or feel pain from physical, mental, or spiritual influence. You know the saying about:  “sticks and stones can break your bones and words can never hurt you.” So the critics inner and outside could not make me feel defeated. The other part of this superpower is because several years ago I had a bone fusion done in my back. Since then sitting for prolonged periods is difficult. This means I need to get up often to move around and again I don’t have my seat in a chair writing. There are many super powers, but I feel these two Duplication and Invulnerability would make my life easier.     

Do you have any advice for new writers beginning their adventure?

     My recommendation is to find a critique partner.  There are several points to look for in this person.   1) A person who has similar goals and writing level skills.  If you are working with someone that does not take writing as seriously as you do, then you will be disappointed, if they do not have the same urgency as you.  2) A person who understands or better yet writes in the same genre.  A person who writes and reads in the same genre will be able to help you with common themes, formulas, and structures used in your particular genre. They also will give you feedback from the same outlook as a possible reader. 3) A person you can trust. In order to improve on your writing, you need to work with someone who will give honest feedback. You want the truth, but at the same time, you want to work with someone who will give you advice on improvement without destroying your ego. 4) A person who will work within consistent time constraints. When you set up your schedule of critique times make sure you are able to stick to the schedule. Not only in the meeting times but if you’ve agreed to read either a certain number of pages or chapters each time you meet. Make sure you both agree, and the commitment is real. If you are getting too many excuses about meeting or not being able to read. Find a new partner. 5). The person you are looking for is also looking for a partner. In other words to have a good critique partner you must be one. 

Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.

     1) When I walk or exercise, I listen to motivational speakers rather than music. The voice of some speakers will push me harder and faster than music.  2) I miss working. I know I’m old enough to retire. I loved meeting people. When I worked at the motel front desk I enjoyed meeting new people. 3) I’ve worked since I was 10, and I’ve had 32 separate jobs since then. From delivering papers to an Operation Officer at a bank. I like writing the best.

Blurb: A CASE OF HEARTS

     Carol Matthews, has experienced more than her fair share of loss. After the death of her beloved older brother, the responsibility of raising his son, Jeff, is the only thing that keeps her going. Seemingly out of nowhere, Jeff's rich and well-connected grandparents petition for Jeff's custody, leaving Carol in search of an experienced lawyer.

     For attorney Donovan Delaney, Carol’s case could be the chance he needs to repair the shambles of his career. With not only Jeff's future at stake, Carol and Donovan fight their undeniable attraction to each other to focus on what's really important. Can Carol willingly open her heart to another possible loss? Will Donovan risk the career of his dreams? If winning means success, what will be the cost?

Excerpt

Donovan swore as he snapped his phone shut.

Looking up, he saw an attractive woman standing at the door to his office. He felt the color rise in his face—to curse at the bar with a bunch of guys or on the playing field was one thing, but he knew better than to use that type of language in front of a lady. And, this was one impressive-looking woman.

“Excuse me,” she said.

“I didn’t realize you were standing there. Please accept my apology for my language.”

The woman in the doorway had riotous auburn hair, with shadows of deep gold and rich red strands. She pushed escaping curls behind her ear.

“I’m looking for a Mr. Donovan,” she said.

“I’m Donovan, Donovan Delaney.”

“I’m sorry I got the name mixed up . . . I’m somewhat muddled today. Are you moving?”

Donovan shook his head. He’d been about as amiable as he could be for one morning. “What this? Nah, I make a mess like this once a week just so I can clean it up.”

 “You don’t have to be so snarly. It was just a question.”

 “Tell me, who are you and what are you doing here?”

 He presumed she was another bill collector. Even if that was true, he wouldn’t mind negotiating with her—as long as he got to discover what was under her red T-shirt and form-fitted blue jeans.

 “I need an attorney. Ralph Overton recommended you, but it appears he must have made a mistake. I think I’d have better luck checking the yellow pages.” As Carol turned to leave, her hip connected with a packing box, sending the carton crashing to the floor.

“Now look what you’ve done!” Papers spilled from several files. Donovan thought about the hours it would take to reorganize his office, once he got things worked out with Feldon. He stormed across the room, hoping to stop more of the boxes from toppling over.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose.” Carol bent down to pick up the folders.

“Never mind, I’ll get it later. Why do you need an attorney? Did you say Ralph Overton recommended me?” After righting the carton he reached out to help her stand. Ignoring his outstretched hand, Carol placed a stack of papers back in the box.

“It doesn’t matter; I don’t think I can work with you.”

 Knowing he needed to get his practice back on track, and finding this woman quite

appealing, it became important to keep her here. Coming from a different angle, he shoved his hands into his pockets, like a twelve-year-old boy would do, and gave her his brightest smile.

“We really got off on the wrong foot. I apologize. Can we begin this conversation over?” He extracted his right hand from his pocket. “I’m Donovan Delaney, and you’re . . .”

She met him halfway and accepted his grasp. “I’m Carol Matthews. I need an attorney to fight a custody case. After Ralph recommended you, I tried to phone, but got a disconnect message.”

Ignoring her comment, Donovan’s hand lingered longer than necessary.

About Kathryn

Kathryn Daugherty always dreamed of writing, her first opportunity to pursue the craft came in 2005, when back surgery sidelined her from other activities. Kathryn began her writing journey by taking an online romance-writing course. Following this, she attended conferences and workshops, continuing to improve her skills. Her sister Linda inspired her first published short story, “White Lies.” The story appeared in the Secret Attic, a United Kingdom publication, in May 2007. Kathryn’s second taste of success was with another short story, “Secret Alliance.” The story placed first in the Short Story contest and was published in the November 2007 issue of Writers’ Journal. She also received honors at the All Iowa Writer’s Conference in 2012 with her short story “Consequences,” and again in 2013 with her story “Lightening and the Lake.” All short stories are available at her website. 

Her first novel, A Case of Hearts has received honors in recent months. It was honored as a finalist in The Midwest Publishing Awards, in St. Paul, Minnesota this spring. The cover received First Place in the Readers Choice Cover Awards, in the Single Title/Mainstream category. Sponsored by the Houston Area Bay Romance Writers, “Judge A Book By Its Cover Award.”

Though Kathryn did not have the opportunity to go to college, she is grateful to her father for encouraging her to learn to type. Her father always said that her typing skills would serve her well. Since she has worked at a variety of careers throughout the years, she is appreciative of her father’s advice. Typing skills not only proved to be useful in many of her previous occupations, but also allowed her to pursue her passion for writing. Kathryn lives in central Iowa with her husband, Cliff. They have a blended family of five grown children and several grandchildren. Jessie, a seventy-five pound German wirehair pointer who believes he’s a lap dog, rules the house.

Buy Links:

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Case-Hearts-Kathryn-Daugherty/dp/0985807792/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378138453&sr=1-1&keywords=Case+of+Hearts+Kathryn+Daugherty

This one takes you directly to the Barnes and Noble site.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-case-of-hearts-kathryn-daugherty/1116744609?ean=9780985807795