On Inspiration: KateMarie Collins

When I was first contacted by Barbara at Women Writers, I was excited to write this post. Guest blogs, for me, are a blast. A chance to show more than just a link and book cover…readers can sample my work! You get a way to read something original from me without investing any money. Given the economy, that’s important.

And then she told me my topic. Inspiration. Whew. That made me stop and think for a few days. Is it in relation to how I find my stories? Where I draw from to keep from screaming at my screen before giving up out of frustration? Or if I see myself as worthy of inspiring others?

For the record, the last one is out the door. I live my life, write my books, the best way I know how. If someone else finds inspiration in that, so be it. I’ve learned that it’s better to be true to myself over being what someone else expects of me. 

I started writing later in life. I was 40 when it all started. Why that old? I grew up with a mother who was terrified of anything beyond the small town we lived in. She didn’t understand how to raise a creative child, and imprinted her fears onto me. Honestly, I wasn’t worried about rejection letters. I expected them. However, I was terrified of hearing the words, “We love it! Here’s a contract offer!” Why? Because I was told I was never going to be good enough so I shouldn’t even try. That was her fear, not mine. 

It took me time to not shake when I hit the submit button. My kids were small, in grade school, though. No matter what, I wanted them to grow up learning something different. I wanted them to have the belief that it was worth it to chase their dreams. Would it take years? Yes. Will they likely have to work jobs they hated first? Certainly. But if they wanted it, they needed to put in the work.

The best way for me to teach them this was for them to see me go for it. Along the way, my self confidence grew. I unlearned the lessons my mother taught me while I showed them a better way of thinking.

I write fantasy. I’ve always loved the genre, both in movies and books. I’m an avid Dungeons and Dragons player, too. We have a group of friends now that we’ve played with for about five years. The game is a constant source of inspiration for me. Sometimes the banter between the players, both in character and out, makes me stop and listen.

I also participate in medieval re-creation groups (when COVID let us meet up, that is). Having extensive knowledge of history from a time where most fantasy seems to fit in helps! I’m not a fighter, but I have friends that do. I can go to them to get the right words for armor, or help with writing a fight that reads correctly. I’m a stickler for accuracy! I won’t say a blow to the knee will shatter a bone unless I’ve spoken with someone who can confirm it. 

In 2018, I made a trip to Scotland. I stayed in a restored castle, revelled in the first-hand knowledge it gave me about circular stairs and how thick walls were. The trip remains a major inspiration for me, and I’ve searched through the photographs for small details that bring a scene to life in a book.

Inspiration is everywhere. You only have to find it, make the connection. It might be the way a fog lights up as the sun’s first rays hit it early in the morning. Or it could be a phrase said by someone you work with. The feeling of curling up under a blanket on a stormy night, a cup of something warm in your hands. The sound of wind rustling dead leaves on the ground in the fall, or the laughter of children running through a sprinkler in the heat of summer. It’s in our families, chosen or biological, who encourage us to chase our dreams instead of hiding from them. It’s the quiet moments between loads of laundry, or screaming in excitement from riding a roller coaster. 

It’s not just ideas for our books. It’s the courage to try a new recipe, or decorating a space. It’s found in the bedspread we didn’t know we wanted, or the outfit that makes us feel invincible. 

It’s cosplaying at conventions, becoming our heroes for a day. Seeing a movie that reminds us that hope hasn’t left us, or the thrill of not just seeing someone we love but knowing they love us in return. 

It’s the music we dance to, the soundtrack to our lives.

My office is full of art, antiques, Star Wars figures, and stuffed animals. The artwork ranges from family portraits to signed pictures to a Winnie the Pooh print that I can’t bear to part with. There’s one piece, right below an award I won, that I look at every time my resolve falters. It reads: Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”

Inspiration is the same way. If it’s not there today, it will be tomorrow. You just have to find it.

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Born in the late 60’s, KateMarie has lived most of her life in the Pacific NW. While she’s always been creative, she didn’t turn towards writing until 2008. She found a love for the craft. When she’s not writing, she loves playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends, watching movies, and cuddling up with her cat. KateMarie resides with her family in what she likes to refer to as “Seattle Suburbia” while her agent, Denise Barone, is working on finding homes for her books.

You can find KateMarie at the following sites:

Twitter:  @DaughterHauk

Her blog:  http://www.katemariecollins.com

Via email: katemariecollins@gmail.com

Denise Barone: DSBlawyer@outlook.com

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INVERSION OF MAGIC

According to the histories, men once held power through using magic. Then the Domines took over, banning it. The women ran things differently, making sure any boy showing even the slightest bit of magical aptitude never reproduced.

Ten years after their mother sold her brother into a caravan, Arine’s now part of the Moreja Sisterhood. Working out of Sanctuary, she rescues boys from abuse and arranged marriages. Arine is bringing Cavon back when she discovers something terrifying.

He can do magic.

When the chance comes up for her to go back out and rescue her own brother, Arine eagerly takes the chance. But can she talk him into coming back to Sanctuary? And can they get there before the Domines band together to destroy her home?

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