Meet the Author: Cat Kalen

Thank you to Bewitching Book Tours for letting us be a part of this tour.  Cat Kalen, author of Pride's Run, has joined us on our tour stop today to answer a few questions.


How long have you been writing?
I was always an avid reader but hadn’t thought about writing until later in life. I went to university and completed a Business Degree and started working in the finance department for Environment Canada. It wasn’t until after my hubby was posted up North (population 800) and I ran out of books that I first tried my hand at writing. I was in my early twenties but I put the writing away, and didn’t pick it up again until my kids started school.

What inspired you to write Pride's Run?
I wanted to write a dark, edgy werewolf story with a vulnerable but strong female protagonist. I write in other genres but there is just something so real, raw and emotional in teens that make the writing and reading journey that much more satisfying to me. I love the character growth and discovery, the way teens face obstacles and how these obstacles change and shape young adults and prepare them for adulthood. I love watching them discover who they are, what they want, and what they believe in.

I love the flaws, and they way teens struggle openly and honestly. They can make mistakes that adults can’t, and we can forgive them for it because we realize they are trying to find out who they really are. Also, writing YA is less restrictive and I can explore issues in YA that I can’t in adult books.

Which of your characters do you relate to most and why?
I’d definitely have to say Pride, because while she’s quiet on the outside she has an inner strength and stands up for what she believes in.

What is a secret about Pride that nobody else knows?
Ooooh, I want to tell you, really I do. But I can’t. That secret is going to come out in the third book!!

If your real life as a teenager was a Young Adult book, what would you, the main character, be like?
Happy, easy to get along with, go lucky kid who took things in stride and totally hated her parents because they were stupid and had NO idea what they were talking about. LOL

What book have you read too many times to count?
Hunger Games!!!! Love, Love, Love that series and can’t wait for the movie!

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Write everyday and hone your craft. Try not to listen to those negative voices, the ones coming from inside your head and from those people who don’t believe you can do it. Surround yourself with positive, like minded people and believe in yourself!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned during the writing process?
I think the most surprising thing for me in writing Pride’s run was how much she spoke to me, how easy it was to bring her to life. I’ve never had a character speak to me quite like she had. Pride is a tortured heroine who has been kept caged her whole life and her struggles touched me deeply. Not only did I care for her, I ached for her and there were times when I was telling her story that my heart broke for her. I put her in grave danger but I gave her the inner strength to fight her way out. Pride is my heroine and she never once let me down!

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love to watch movies with my husband, watch my son play soccer, and either shop or bake with my daughter. I love to get together with friends over drinks and food, and I love to chat with my sister over a steaming mug of coffee.

To learn more about this book and the author, visit Cat Kalen's Website. You can also visit her on Facebook and Twitter.

You can also read this interview on Examiner.

**The First Giveaway!! One lucky person will win tan ebook version of Pride's Run by Cat Kalen!!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway ** The Tour WIDE Giveaway! **