Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m the oldest of six kids raised in rural Wisconsin. I have been a lifetime scribbler, always keeping journals or writing stories. My lifetime dream was to publish something that others could read, and it thrilled me when that finally happened. I still read every review and email sent from readers as even the bad ones. I live with about five to six stories planning in my brain at all times and can’t imagine what I would do if writing was taken from me.
I write contemporary romances with powerful characters and inspiration to keep the readers coming back for more. I love strong female leads and the men that adore them, despite their scars and baggage. When not writing, I spent time on Florida’s sunny shores near my home in Sarasota, FL, with my puppies Tesla and Harley Quinn, my daughters, and a host of kooky amazing friends.
Why Do you write?
It’s like breathing to me. Jobs have come and gone; I’ve traveled, moved, had kids, and divorced. The only consistent thing in my life has been writing, through the pain, the joy, and those brief moments that create amazing stories. I live through these pieces I help bring to life when woven together. I can’t imagine not writing.
What genre do you write, and why did you pick this genre?
Romance primarily is what I write, though I like to dabble in many genres. I love romance because I enjoy telling stories of strong women that have overcome them. I don’t write alpha males, or I mainly like to keep women in charge of their destinies. That doesn’t mean that some of my stories have horrible storylines of abuse, tragedy, a child’s death, and other such themes. The joy in the human condition is that love can carry us through the highs and lows of life, and for that reason, I enjoy romance storytelling.
Tell us about your book.
Unknown origins are about a man who has it all and yet doesn’t know his backstory as he is adopted. His parents “found” him one night and, through foster care agencies, etc., ended up adopting him. When he gives the chance to dig into his past through DNA testing, he faces some harsh realities about what his life would have been like and who he would have been without that tiny twist of fate. His assistant is the tough one through it all, driving to find answers, protect him from the press, and for me again plays a huge part in this discovery process for him. Of course, they fall in love and all of that, but I hope the readers enjoy a few twists and turn in the story. This is one of six stories in this eventual anthology dealing with life-changing secrets torn from today’s headlines.
How much time do you dedicate to your author career?
I now write full-time, which means about 50–60 hours a week. Nearly half of what I write is my work, as I’m a prolific ghostwriter for several authors. I would also have to set aside about 10 hours a week to do social media, interviews, blogs for my site, and other tasks. This is a long-grueling job that I’m uncertain I could keep pace with if I didn’t love it so much. I am also incredibly blessed to live where I do, as writing on a beach can be a regular activity, so who wouldn’t do that all the time?
How long, on average, does it take you to write your books?
On average, the first draft to the final draft of a novella is a month if the editor is available. A novel I’ve had to go two years to get Discord done, and four months for some. The depth of research, sometimes the book’s emotional punch, and other factors can determine more frequent breaks, etc.
What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?
I took classes by authors out there that I found at conventions. I love the inspiration, learning from them directly. There is just something about how passionate I find many of them that helped continue to fuel me. Sure, I’ve spent money on covers, editing, and marketing. Still, the classes where I get to engage and learn from someone in the industry are something I enjoy tremendously and give me a fresh boost of energy in the “write” direction.
What is the most challenging part of being an author?
Marketing. I wouldn’t say I like this aspect of having to keep up with various social media trends, marketing ideas and compete in what has become a bigger and bigger pond of works out there for readers to consume. I do many classes, research, and reading up on the latest and greatest and try to test to see what works and doesn’t work.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?
If you are doing this to get rich, get a different hobby. Your chances of being the next billionaire author are as good as the lottery, and you need to be realistic despite all the programs that swear they can make you a big-time moneymaker. Sure, some make it, but disappointment after a single or even a second failure drives many from the business. If you write because you love it, you will find ways to make things happen. There are many opportunities to get your writing out there in this day and age, blogging, serial apps, books, ghostwriting, and many other options. Those who love writing will stick with it and help forge new paths for their work and passion.
What is your favorite book?
The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank by Erma Bombeck is still my all-time favorite book. I loved her humor and the effortless, fast, and relatable style of writing she had. When I have a rough day, I still read passages I have highlighted from this one to make me giggle.
Follow Angelica Kate:
Website: https://www.authorangelicakate.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelicaKate5
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorangelicakate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aknaff12/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angelica-kate
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203177.Angelica_Kate
Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/Angelica-Kate/e/B00JTL5MLI