If you’re joining us today, I’m with author Kathryn Magendie. We’re supposed to be discussing her new release, Sweetie, but I haven’t quite moved on from questions about her Graces Trilogy because…well, I’m the interviewer, so I have the power. 😉 (Find Part I here.)
Jan: I know this wasn’t part of my original questions, but I have to ask what prompted the photograph to my left.
Kat: Oh gawd. My good friend Christy Bishop is a photographer (and a chef) here in our Haywood County. She was good enough to come by one cold mountain morning and snap photos for my jacket cover on the books. I H A T E taking photos. I despise it. Anyone who knows me knows how frustrating it is to try to take a decent photo of me. So, she finally said, “Kat, please—puh-leeze—drink some wine. So I did. A couple glasses later (which is why there is also the photo of me looking languid in the rocking chair *teehee*), we went outside and I did what I like best when photo-sitting: act like an idiot *laughing* See the flushed cheeks? Yeah, a wine-induced Yippeeee.
Jan: And now back to books. <g> Virginia Kate feels a striking sense of “otherness.” In Louisiana, she blames it on the chasm between cultures and climate; in the holler, in part, to her physical appearance. She’s inherited her mother’s exotic beauty – her mother’s dark, exotic beauty. There’s a story there. A thematically big one, I suspect. Will we learn more in the next GRACES book about her mother’s ethnicity?
Kat: I’ve been surprised more people haven’t asked me if Virginia Kate is “not white” just by some things said or inferred in the books, especially VK’s comments about the paleness of others compared to her. Katie Ivene, Momma, evaded the question if it came up, but then again, perhaps Katie Ivene didn’t know much, either. Even when Grandma Faith was a child, her own mother evaded the question.
In this third book, I do hope Virginia Kate finds out more about her heritage/kin. A photograph has surfaced, but not sure what all it really will tell. I’d wondered if Virginia Kate’s Grandma Faith’s heritage came from Melungeon ancestors or from American Indian ancestors (though Melungeon does have American Indian in its heritage, too), but I am still unsure and guess I’ll find out as I write and discover.
I have a feeling that some of her kin or heritage may always be a mystery unless I were to write a book going way back in Grandma Faith’s childhood. But, I do believe that Virginia Kate isn’t fully Caucasian and whether that means Melungeon ancestors, or more American Indian, or something else—I don’t know.
The Shakespearean references: I loved them. If nothing else I thought them emblematic of the battle and divide between VK’s parents. Speak to me of Shakespeare, Kat: the references, the quotations, and the role they serve within the GRACES novels.
Kat: Oh! I had so much fun with Shakespeare! I even slipped some of it into dialogue or the narrative, without it being a quote by Frederick, just to see if anyone noticed (as I did song titles sometimes, too). But there were symbols that did hint as to what was swirling around Virginia Kate, her parents, Rebekha, Miss Darla, VK’s brothers, Soot, Jade, etc.
It also interested me that Katie Ivene pretended she didn’t know who that “Shakesfool” was, and thought Frederick should stop quoting all that “Flakesweird,” when all the while, she’d sneaked to read it herself. Her need to distance herself from Frederick was so great, Katie Ivene didn’t take the one thing that could have brought them closer—Fredericks love of Shakespeare—and use that as a bind to tie the family together. Though, really, Frederick would not have accepted that because Virginia Kate’s daddy used Shakespeare to escape from everyone, so VK’s momma may have sensed this and decided to snub her nose at her husband and The Bard.
Of course, I do have the obvious symbolism, like the Tempest reference, since there are many “storms,” and there is displacement (VK and her brothers set “adrift”), and feelings of loss, there is comedy, there is “magic” or “reality versus non-reality,” and feelings of ugliness or “not belongingness,” etc etc etc. Sometimes the Shakespeare references happened “accidentally,” but I think they worked well.
For me, spirituality permeates every aspect of these books: from the titles, to the voice; from themes about forgiveness, making peace with others’ addictions; that solace can be found within nature and creative pursuits; that one might be as easily mothered and healed through a grandmother’s ghost as a physically- and emotionally-present step-mother… Your books go to very dark places at times. I cried as I read both. Yet still… There is this sense of hope that permeates Virginia Kate’s world. Can you speak to that?
Kat: I am so glad you said that—about Hope. I wanted there to be hope. I hate when I read a book that is so dark and even when I am at the end, there has been or is no hope—I am left feeling exhausted and depressed. Virginia Kate has such hope and wonder and unique ways of seeing her world, and when it’s too much, she knows how to escape it so that even in her escaping there is beauty and wonder and nature.
It seems as if there are always ghosts or spirits who whisper warnings and encouragements that rise up in my novels. I wonder about that. How the “otherworld” becomes so important and has such a strong voice, sometimes stronger than the “real people” world.
But above all, I am a sap for a happy ending, doesn’t have to be, and sometimes rather it not be, tied up with a pretty bow; but, I want my characters, and my readers, and myself, left with a feeling of hope that everything will work out, that there is always beauty and wonder and love in our worlds and we will all really be okay after all.
Who are your literary influences and/or crushes?
Kat: Usually it’s whatever/whomever novel/author I am reading at the time and very much enjoying or thinking, “Oh! I wish I could write in this way!” I read A LOT—I had to cap that because you may not believe how much I read—every night at bedtime. I’m voracious, and I read so danged quickly so that I go from book to book or collection to collection or anthology to anthology . . . Boom Bam Boom!
But, I think I will just mention some regional authors who are on my shelves and for whom I have lots of respect—Ron Rash, Robert Morgan, Tommy Hays, Wayne Caldwell, Dot Jackson, Angela Dove, Kathryn Stripling Byer (who is a poet, but I wanted to include her!), and there are more; and that’s the danger of mentioning authors because later I’ll think “oh no! I didn’t mention . . . “—I’ll slap my forehead later when I realize I’ve left out really great writing and writers from our regional authors here!
And now , please tell us about your upcoming release, SWEETIE, which was released only last week. Are we back in the mountains of West Virginia? Is the character related in any way to the Virginia Kate story? Are the themes similar?
Kat: No relation! Sweetie is set in Haywood County, North Carolina. Its narrator is Melissa—who is not from the mountains or deep south, and in fact, she isn’t really from anywhere in particular—she’s from Everywhere.
Sweetie is a native North Carolinian, and if I had to say something significant about her that is compelling, but not the biggest part of who she is, I’d whisper to you even though I’m not sure I should tell, but, well, why not: Sweetie doesn’t feel physical pain—is she magical? Is she afflicted? Is she cursed? Is she just a tough mountain girl? Is she . . . well, that’s all I have to say about that. An early reader called Sweetie “Haunting but beautiful.” I like that.
I will also mention here that I have a novella that will be released along with two other author’s novella-length works: Deborah Smith and Sarah Addison Allen, who are both NYT Best Sellers, so I’m the “baby author” with them *laugh*. In my novella, Petey is the main character, and unlike The Graces and Sweetie, Petey’s family is pretty durn normal—imagine that! A normal mom, a normal dad, a normal Petey, a sort of normal brother who thinks he is a canine. That doesn’t mean nothing bad happens, but it’s pretty tame compared to most of my work. And, again, I do have displacement, place, home, belonging, as a theme in the Petey novella, for I suppose those things will always follow me, or interest me, or haunt
That’s some rarefied company, and I’m sure there are good things in store for your writing. I can’t say as I’m surprised.
And now, guys, Kat’s graciously agreed to both answer your questions and offer another giveaway — a copy of Sweetie. You are eligible for the prize if you: comment below, live in continental North America, and have your name drawn by RNG. To have your name entered twice, retweet this post, post a link on your Facebook page, or a link on your blog, then make sure to post the url below. Contest will be open until midnight MST November 14, 2010.
Many thanks to Kat for being here! Don’t forget to look her up on her blog, website, Facebook page, or on Twitter.
Wonderful interview again! I’m laughing about the photo because I can so relate. Hate having my picture taken. And yes, hope (please!) in an ending. Life can be so bleak sometimes. I don’t need a happy ending, but I need a hopeful one.
Nice interview with my friend and Smoky Mountain neighbor, Kathryn Magendie. _Sweetie_ release is this week. Go, Kat, Go!
Tracey, I’m trying to remember the last book I read and kept where there wasn’t a hopeful ending… Nope. Guess that’s not my taste in fiction.
write4chocolate, love your blog name! You know, I’m growing increasingly jealous of your tightly knit community. I don’t suppose you all would make a 2000-mile commute? Thanks for coming and commenting!
I love that photo! Kat clearly has a great sense of humor. And congrats on the upcoming book and the novella! That will be great exposure, and she deserves it. I guess my question is, How did you get paired with those authors for the novella? I’m interested in how those things (like anthologies) work.
Write4chocolate is my buddy Angela Dove- one of the local writers I mentioned! Hi Angela! Y’all check out her book “No Room for Doubt” !
Kellion – I was asked by my publishers if I was interested, and I said ‘Um YEAH!” *laughing* — but, I think Sarah Addison Allen was once connected with my publishers – had something published with them a while back I think? And Deborah Smith knows me well through BB 😀 – so she asked me would I write up something to go along with her and with Allen….I had 30 days to write a 30,000 word draft and it was a wild mad rush but I loved it.
Thank y’all for your wonderful comments — I’m a grinnin’ but not a pickin’ (okay if you never saw Hee Haw, you may not know what that means *laugh* -)
Wonderful interview! I love that picture: I can’t stand getting mine taken either, and a few glasses of wine might help with that. 🙂
These books sound totally intriguing to me. And I agree – I don’t need an ending to be happy, but I do want some hope in there.
Another great interview. I enjoyed the discussion on “otherness” and look forward to picking up a copy of Sweetie.
I am so intrigued by the parallels with THE TEMPEST, and the element of the “otherworld”–I cannot wait to read this book. I am also a total sap for a happy ending. I agree that it doesn’t have to be candyflower-happy (although sometimes I like that, too, and many of my read-over-and-over books are happily-ever-after) but I have to see some light. Some hope. Some way in which the human spirit has conquered.
Love Petey’s brother the canine! Whatever made you think of that?
Great interview! SWEETIE sounds very intriguing.
Fantastic interview! Makes me want to run out and buy buy buy!!!
I too love The Tempest, and the whole otherworldly aspect that sounds like it runs through your books. I’d love to know what you read as a child, what books stayed with you from that time.
“Flakesweird”! I love it.
Great interview! I love these, Jan, because the flip side of being a writer trying to get heard amidst the din is being a *reader* trying to find books that fit my admittedly picky tastes – Kat, after reading this, both you and your books totally seem like my kind of people 🙂
I have to say, that photo is epic. Sweetie would normally be outside my “comfort genre”, but I may have to read it, just because of that author photo.
Elizabeth – You know, while writing that novella for which I still do not know the title of!, I just had this image that kept coming of this little impy looking boy who ran around barking and howling and pretending he was an animal – but he loved dogs and especially loved wolves – the end of the story brings that full circle and I love the last image of Hill (that’s the brother’s name). He’s just the cutest thing and I love Petey’s brother. But, as usual, I don’t know where it came from – just spilling out that black hole in my brain. 😀
Liz – My very first book ever was bought by my adoptive mother – she wasn’t my adoptive mother yet – but she bought me Black Beauty and my brother Grimms Fairy Tales (I still have both those books – tattered and old, but they are my prized possessios!) . . . Black Beauty became one of my all time favorites, and then I began to read the Black Stallion books (when older) and The Incredible Journey, and Call of the Wild – anything that had horses, dogs, and wolves in it were gobbled up by me (hmm, maybe that’s why Hill is as he is! Some chunk of me in him *laugh*).
Thank you all again for your comments-taking the time to stop by, and for the wonderful questions . . . I’m blushing and giggly….teehee
fantastic interview, great foto and gorgeous cover!
thanks jan and kathryn. as for the “otherness” issue,
you really have to pound the reader over the head that
a protagonist is NOT caucasian, i’ve found, or it’s just assumed.
i’ve seen it time and again. i had the same problem with
my own novel–which is inspired by ancient china–where almost
everyone in it looks asian.
Howdy, Kat! Great interview, Kat and Jan!
All of your books sounds really interesting but I love the idea of the novella collection — I have my first short story coming out in a collection next year and for whatever reason, I was so excited to be in the company of other, way more accomplished and better-known authors. Is that a little of what you’re feeling with the novella?
As always, Kat is interesting and entertaining … whether one talks with her in person (which I’ve been lucky enough to do) or reads a great interview (like this one) … she’s fascinating! Love the picture!!
Okay … my question to Kat … now that you’ve got two successful books on the shelves, Sweetie arriving soon and Petey making an appearance pretty soon … do you feel like an author? Do you feel like you’ve arrived? And a second question … is it easier to get your books published once you’ve had one published?
Thanks! 🙂
I’ve tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/smallftprints/status/2495526587080706
Thanks!
Cindy – I wonder if a “non caucasian” read my book if she/he would see the “otherness” in a different way than if a caucasian read the same words — perhaps we just reflect who we are into the character – which is really what we want anyway — it’s a question I’d love to know the answer to!
Other Lisa – I think so! They have made the New York Times best seller’s list and I haven’t been reviewed by NYT’s yet (ohhhh….where are they? dang! *laugh*) – but I don’t feel “less than” only an excitement that their readers may come to know me – so yes, it’s a fun thing isn’t it!
SF *smiling* — and I have had the pleasure to meet the wonderful SF . . . do I feel like an author? I think finally I do *laugh* …. someone introduced me as a novelist and it sounded so ….so ….wow! Novelist ..haw! I don’t feel as if I’ve “arrived” though – maybe if the NYT’s makes me a best seller -whoop! 😀 … and it’s only easier to be published again if you write a good book – no publisher/editor will publish your book if they don’t like it or think it will sell, no matter how many books you have out! Unless maybe, just maybe you are Stephen King or some iconic author as that, and even then, well, I wonder if he still worries as he writes his next book!
Y’all are great!
And rereading what I wrote I realized it did not quite come across the way that I intended. Anyone who has published as many books as you have is pretty dang accomplished! It was what you were saying about being in the collection with the NYT best sellers. For me (someone who has only published one book), it felt like, wow, I’m in a collection with these people, and that means…we must be peers. And that was such an awesome feeling.
Fascinating interview.
Thank you, all, for coming and commenting! I have a cold that’s kicking my butt so have left Kat to handle all your kind words. Apologies and again, I appreciate your time!
Wow–what a fantastic interview! I can’t wait to buy a copy of Sweetie!
Great interview! I love the photo and story behind it.
Other Lisa – I didn’t take your comments any way but how they were so nicely presented! I knew exactly what you meant *smiling* — I mean, I’m tickled pink as a pink-toed ballerina to be in this anthology with two NYT BS’ers! So, no worries – your comment came across just fine! 😀
Jan – oh no – please feel better — *hugs*
And everyone – I’m reading all your comments and enjoying them . . . thank you!
I’d love to be entered! Thank you so much for the contest (and interview).
I’ve only recently discovered Kathryn Magendie and I am in love with what I’ve read so far!
Hi Lydia! 😀
Hi, all. I faded from my cold and being online too much, but I *so* appreciate you all coming and cheering Kat on, and for your kind comments about the interview!
And Kat, thank you for holding down the fort. 🙂 You are one class act, lady.
Teeheehee *blush* — takes one to know one Ms. Tart!