Interview with Kathryn Brown

Kathryn Brown writes about the world of spirit and is the author of the paranormal romance novel, Discovery at Rosehill. When not writing, Kathryn is busy running a farm alongside her husband in Northumberland. 

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My review of Discovery at Rosehill

I read Discovery at Rosehill in just a few sittings – and well into the night – as I couldn’t bear to not know what was going to happen next! And during those hours reading, I grew quite fond of Camilla Armstrong, the main protagonist.

The story opens as her deceased grandmother leads her to Rosehill – a rundown Georgian manor house. And where most of us would probably find the house entirely empty, Camilla, a medium, senses the spirits of a variety of visitors to the house and is able to communicate with many.

When she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the Rev Marcus Calloway things get a tad tricky, not least because the vicar has a few secrets he’d rather keep under wraps. A relationship between the two develops though it isn’t an easy ride, with mistrust and doubts on both sides.

To add to this, there is an ongoing mystery concerning the house and its past occupants, so the book has just about everything, romance, intrigue and hauntings, within its covers.

Kathryn Brown’s writing style and 'voice' is characteristic of classic novels making Discovery at Rosehill a truly memorable read.

INTERVIEW WITH KATHRYN

Is there a special place you like to write?

Yes. I inherited a beautiful antique desk from my late father. Because he inspired me to write Discovery at Rosehill, almost six years after his passing, it felt only right that I should use the desk. I am quite sure his energy surrounds it, which made writing a paranormal novel all the more interesting.

Do you have a writing routine or any odd writing quirks?

The only routine I have is to write when I am in the mood. To discipline myself whilst writing this particular book was quite hard as I spent a long time unable to write because of my epilepsy. My life is quite hectic as I not only help my husband run the farm, but I also care for my autistic daughter so my hours are limited. However, when editing Discovery at Rosehill, I did have lots of support from my husband so that I could at least try to stick to a deadline.

What do you feel are your writing strengths and weaknesses?

I’m not sure whether it is a strength or a weakness, but I am a stickler for grammar and typos. Every author is capable of letting the odd error slip through the net but I find myself in a state of panic if I realise I have missed a typo and someone else has picked it up. I guess it’s a bit of an obsession!

One strength I do pride myself on having is not giving up. I knew I had to write Discovery at Rosehill, however long it took me, because I felt I needed to make my dad proud. Even though he is no longer with us in person, he will always be here in spirit and to feel him around me when I was writing the book gave me all the strength I needed to continue.

How important is it to you to plot your novels?

I honestly didn’t do a lot of plotting for Discovery at Rosehill. I think I underestimated the amount of plotting needed and I just went ahead and wrote the book. Changes were obviously made, characters taken out and scenes swapped around, but there were many times when I would ask my spirit friends to guide me with the story. I’m quite sure they did.

I did, however, meticulously plot the novel I am currently working on called Hideaway. I spent a few months making notes, drawing up characterisations, creating place names and of course the plot, and it took only two months to write the first draft. I think this taught me a valuable lesson!

Did the inspiration for Rosehill come from a real place?

Yes it did. It came from my own home, a large Georgian farmhouse which is filled with astral energy. The house was built in 1750 and there are many parts that are active, including the staircase, a guest room, the dining room and the upstairs landing area. In all these areas, including others within the house, I have felt a presence, and I occasionally see shapes and movements.

Are your characters ever based on people you know?

In Discovery at Rosehill, the main character, Camilla, is based a little on me. I don’t have her romantic interests towards a vicar of course, nor has my mother passed away, but I do share her sensitivities to the spirit world. The character of Ross was also based on someone I know but haven’t seen for a very long time....

Who is your favourite author and why?

That’s a really difficult question. I have so many books on my shelves, not to mention on my Kindle, I couldn’t begin to think of a favourite author. I love reading Catherine Cookson, Josephine Cox and I have many chick-lit authors on my shelves, too, but to pin just one down is impossible.

What qualities do you think writers should have?

Following my experience writing Discovery at Rosehill, I think new authors in particular should have discipline. As I stated above, I found it hard to find a routine until I was editing the book but that was because of my personal circumstances. If one is writing as a sole career path then I imagine discipline and finding the right balance is paramount to being a successful writer.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on a murder mystery called Hideaway. I finished the first draft back in November 2011 and have recently started editing it. The story is about Lydia who believes she has the marriage made in heaven until she finds out her beloved husband has been having an affair. A murder, a fugitive, a romantic encounter and a lot of secrets make up the novel, and I hope to have it ready for submission shortly after Easter.

Kathryn Brown was talking to Maureen Vincent-Northam, co author of The Writer's ABC Checklist (Secrets to Success - Writing)

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