Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .
What drew you to the genre you write?
I grew up loving murder mystery tv shows and movies. Psych, Monk, and Murder She Wrote are some of my favorites. When I first started writing, I actually chose romance. I’m not sure why, because I’d never actually read the genre and had to study it before I could start writing in it. Now that I’m strictly writing cozy murder mysteries, I’m having the time of my life. It turns out that killing off people can be more fun than making them fall in love.
What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
One of my main characters in my French patisserie mystery series has kleptomania, which is a problem when she starts stealing evidence…😬
How did you come up with your pseudonym?
Growing up I always wished I could change my name, I was bored with mine, and one day I decided I wanted to be called Kat. So I made my sister call me it. She was the only one, but when I was choosing a pseudonym, I realized that I could get everyone to call me Kat, which was really exciting for me, ha ha.
Tell us how you got into writing?
Before I graduated college, I only wrote what I needed to for school, but never for fun. My cousin had some crazy stories of stuff that was always happening to her–stories that were almost too crazy to be true. So I started writing them down and turned them into a fictional story. I haven’t stopped writing since.
What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
I’ve had everything from fast food and call center jobs, to obtaining my degree in psychology and working as a psych tech. I’ve also been a financial consultant, and most recently, I am an academic advisor.
How many books do you have published?
I have about 30 books published
Where do you write?
I write in my car, waiting rooms, my couch, the library…anywhere that will help me get the words written.
What is your ideal time to write?
Ideally, I’m writing first thing in the morning and am done by breakfast. Unfortunately, I don’t live in a perfect world where that gets done, but the earlier the better for me.
What is your favorite deadline snack?
Peanut M&Ms
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Non-fiction and Mysteries
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m terrified of opening the pressurized biscuit cans. My heart starts racing even watching a Youtube video of someone else doing it. I don’t even buy them anymore, ha ha.
What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
Water. I’m boring, I know.
Who is an author you admire?
I know this is a cop out, but I can’t choose one. There are a lot of amazing writers out there, but for me it takes character for me to admire someone. I know authors who struggle with debilitating illnesses, and yet continue to write and inspire, never letting it defeat them. I know authors who work tirelessly on their farms/ranches, and still manage to find the time to write beautiful stories based on their experiences. I also know authors who struggle with the weight of raising their families, and balancing that with maintaining an individual identity as a woman and an author. Many authors give their time and resources freely to other authors, always looking to lift up the community as a whole. You can see now why I’m finding it difficult to choose just one.
Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?
You are a writer, no matter where you are in your journey. You are a published author after you’ve released that one book into the world. It’s easy to compare yourself to others who are much further along. I constantly find myself comparing myself to other authors who write full time and support their families. It turned out that that didn’t fit my personality. I would much rather work outside the home, and write in my free time. Not every path is right for you, and it’s okay to meander as you figure it out. I started out in a completely different genre with completely different goals than I do now. It’s okay to not know everything–exploration and creativity is what makes being an author so wonderful. Play with it. Have no expectations. And always make sure you’re having fun.
What are you reading now?
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
What is next for you?
I am currently working on the third book in my French patisserie mystery series, Bullets and Beignets. I’m also slowing down my publishing schedule. In the past, I’ve released 4 books/year on average. This next year my goal is 2 books. Eventually, I’ll reduce that further to 1 book a year. I’ve come to look at writing as something that complements my life, rather than something that IS my life.
Where can we find you?
My books are on all major retailers. You can also find me at Amazon | Bookbub | Facebook.
Download a free mystery HERE.
Now to have some fun . . .
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner:
BREAKFAST. All day, every day.
Fruits or vegetables:
Fruits
Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor:
Mint Chocolate Chip
Sweet or salty snacks:
Salty
Ice cream or cake:
Ice cream
Cooking or baking:
Cooking
Dining in or dining out:
Dining In
City life or country living:
Country Living
Beach or mountain:
Mountain
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall:
Fall
Extrovert or introvert:
Introvert
Early bird or night owl:
Early Bird
And even more fun . . .
What is your favorite movie?
Rocket Man. NOT the movie about Elton John. And NOT Rocketeer. It’s a Disney 90s slapstick comedy. If you haven’t seen it before, this is your homework. Nothing is as important as this.
You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
Water. Mango Tree Seeds. And Rocketman.
My bio:
Kat Bellemore is a small town romance and cozy mystery author. Deciding to have New Mexico as the setting for two of her series was an easy choice, considering its amazing sunsets, blue skies and tasty green chile. That, and she currently lives there with her husband and two cute kids. They hope to one day add a dog to the family, but for now, the native animals of the desert will have to do. Though, Kat wouldn’t mind ridding the world of scorpions and centipedes. They’re just mean.