Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Northern California and moved to Virginia about 11 years ago. I started writing over 20 years ago and just published my first book in February. I work a full-time job and on my days off, I’m spending my time either with family, friends, or writing my next book.
Why Do you write?
Sometimes I write as an escape. When I feel stressed, writing helps me feel at peace with what is going on in my life. I also have so many ideas firing in my mind that I need something to keep me focused.
What genre do you write and why did you pick this genre?
 I write Urban Fantasy. I Write this genre because it is mostly what I read, so it’s what I know. I am trying to branch out and have written stories in other genres like horror and science fiction. I don’t read these genres, but I want to try to find out if I can.
Tell us about your book.
Behind the Mirage is about an assassin from Avalon that is tasked with traveling to modern day Greece and stopping Zeus from resurrecting an ancient war and destroying humanity. The assassin is told that Zeus is responsible for her parents’ death. When she arrives in Greece, she realizes she is not the only one looking for Zeus. She meets unexpected allies, vengeful Gods, and unsolved murders, a personal prophecy, and the occasional malevolent portal to another world. Each dust up leaves her with more questions: why does the King of Avalon really want Zeus dead? Which powerful entity is trying to rekindle an ancient war? Why does Nathan, her demon lover, look so familiar? And whose side is Hades really on? As the betrayals pile up, Lex shakes off the devious forces, trying to manipulate her for their own cosmic ends, freeing her to learn the truth about her shadowy past and either join the battle, or walk away for good.
How much time do you dedicate to your author career?
I work a full-time job, so I try to write as much as I can. Either after my regular job, or on the weekends.
How long on average does it take you to write your books?
It took me over twenty years to write the first one, and it took me less than a year to write the second. It really depends on what is going on in my life.
What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?
The best money I have spent was hiring an editor. I am not fantastic at looking at the small details of a story when I am writing. I feel when you have a professional take that burden off you, you can spend more time writing your book. I felt relieved that I had someone in my corner to take that burden off me.
What is the toughest part of being an author?
Putting it out into the world. If you are not well known, or are a brand-new author, it is hard to gain traction; especially if you are self-published. You have to promote yourself, get into book groups, get reviewers. Sometimes it works, sometimes it can take a long time to get enough reviews to even make book sales. When you don’t have a publishing house behind you, it can make it harder.
 What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?
Don’t give up. It is frustrating and rewarding, but don’t stop. There are many times I have wanted to but kept going because it is something I want to turn into a career. Be prepared to stay in it for the long haul.
What is your favorite book?
Karen Marie Moning ‘Fever Series’ and Claire Farrell ‘Chaos Series’
Follow Katherine:
Twitter: @joy2write21
Facebook: Katharine Ann Melton
Instagram: KatharineAnnMelton
Website: www.katharineannmelton.com
