Katherine Kobey, a long time corporate executive, decided to change directions and pursue her dream of writing short stories, poems and novels. A Heart of Steel was her first novel published in 2016 and as her readers say “thank goodness it’s a trilogy” so there will be more to read! Set in the South, it’s the story of one woman’s life. Katherine finds inspiration by traveling often and her heart-felt friendships with women over the years.
Katherine on the opening day of Forge!
Who are your biggest influences?
I would say my biggest influences came from family and friends, sharing stories from the heart. We all have a story to tell and we share them with each other every day.
I love to take those memoirs, create the characters and have them come alive on paper.
Who inspired you to do what you’re doing now?
A very special friend; His name was Kenny, who loved being a part of my writing. I would read him what I was working on and he would always put his two cents in; saying no I don’t like that re-write it… we would laugh together. He always told me never stop writing. That special friend still inspires me to write today even though he is no longer with us.
Also, Egla Nora Richey, my BFF. She will often join in creating the characters personality. We’ve had a blast brainstorming on the characters’ next move.
What is your biggest challenge with continuing to write each day?
I would say my biggest challenge with continuing to write each day is the day-to-day obligations. You see, while we spend a lot of time in our imaginary world, writers do have a life, just like the average person who rises every morning and punches a clock. Only we work unusual hours and it’s when the voices of our characters start talking, we start writing. Regardless of the time of day or night and many times it’s for hours at a time.
What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?
The biggest lesson I learned was I needed a course in Basic English again. A fellow author told me to buy “English for Dummies,” which of course I did. Then I thought about it and said ‘heck that’s my editor’s job!’ So I don’t anguish over it anymore. I have a wonderful editor, Marley H. Gibson who teaches me bits and pieces along the way.
Where and how do you work best?
I travel for inspiration and often will stay for several weeks, away from home while writing. I find working from home is not as productive for me unless the voices start talking late in the afternoon or evening. I just recently partnered with Forge and now have an office to report to every day. I’ve been thrilled with the progress I’ve made on finishing my newest Novelette, “A Playful Journey.” Which will release in early December. I’m also continuing the work on my next novel. “Hoping you’re someone I use to know,” with a release date summer of 2018.
“Forge has made it possible to have a place where I can focus on my writing in a quiet and fun environment.”
Inspiration flowing from Katherine’s desk at Forge!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
‘Your intuitive soul is never wrong, so quiet the noise in your mind and listen patiently to your heart.’
Facebook: Katherine Kobey
Twitter: @katherinekobey
Instagram: katherinekobey
Website: katherinekobey.com
“A Heart of Steel.” Trilogy – available on all platforms; Print and Ebook: Amazon, Apple iBooks, Scribd, Kobo, Yuzu, Inktera, Baker & Taylor Blio. Online Retailers: Barnes & Noble, Books a million.