And our Sue's Clues Mystery Author is:

Kathleen Givens is a new name on the romance shelves at the bookstore, having just published her first book in 1999. She's quickly become known to readers who look forward to each new one and is sure to be around for a long time. She's always wanted to be a writer but, like alot of us, put her dreams on hold to get married, get a job and have kids. It wasn't until 1996 when Kathleen decided to seriously give it a go. She's a lady who is constantly on the go. We were fortunate to catch her home, getting ready to go on yet another trip. Kathie took the time out from packing to answer some questions for us. Thank you, Kathie!

1. I read that Mary Stewart was an influence on your writing. What books really caught your attention? I've been a huge fan of Mary's books since I discovered the 'Merlin books' and was kind of surprised to find she had written so many others that were contemporary when she wrote them.

OH, Mary Stewart! I love her books. I found her suspense novels when I was a teenager and was thrilled with the discovery. I've read most of those books several times and have read all of her Merlin books, which are exquisite and a wonderful re-telling of the Arthurian legend from a different perspective. She's one of my all-time favorite authors. If I had to pick favorites, I'd choose MADAM, WILL YOU TALK?; MY BROTHER MICHAEL; and WILDFIRES AT MIDNIGHT. But then I do love THIS ROUGH MAGIC and THE MOONSPINNERS. I love her intelligent and resourceful heroines, honorable and gorgeous heroes and the mix of history and suspense in her books.

2. I had to laugh when I saw that you re-wrote the ending for LITTLE WOMEN to how you felt it should end when you were just 9 or 10. *G* I thought that was great, considering that even as an adult there are stories I'd like to re-write the ending for. Do you still get the urge to re-write endings or has the fact that you are now an author curbed that?

I laugh at that too, but I'm right, you know, and I'm not alone. So many women agree with me that Louisa had it all wrong. Poor Laurie! It still breaks my heart. I have no regrets.

I don't get the urge to re-write endings for books any more - it's difficult enough to create my own endings and I have much more sympathy for other writers - but I love to analyze plots and characterizations in movies and usually come up with some different things than the screenwriter and director did. Don't get me started!!

3. As of 2002, you were still working as an accountant part-time. Has that changed? Are you now working full time as a writer.

I'm working much shorter hours, but still keeping my hand in. I love the job and I think it keeps me grounded in the real world (and it pays the bills). Someday I'll quit working there, but I know I'll miss it. I think it actually recharges me to have such different worlds to travel between. And it makes me more efficient.

4. How much research did you do before writing about the twins, Neil and James? It sounds like you found the whole idea of the bond between twins rather fascinating. Did you look into scientific research and/or personal experiences of twins and, perhaps their parents' observations?


The research was amazing. I found a ton of scientific data corroborating my very non-scientific personal research. I talked to twins and twin societies, which gave me a wealth of info (and story ideas). Almost every set of twins told me that there was a special bond, usually a wave of emotion that passed between them. They couldn't explain it, but they knew it existed because they'd had so many experiences with it. They'd show up at the same place, at the same time, in the same clothes, without discussing it, that sort of thing. And when one was hurt, or experienced any strong emotion, the other knew it. My favorite find was a neuroscientist who mapped and recorded the brain activity in twin boys who were communicating - without words and not even in the same room. She had no doubt that they were communicating quite effectively. How could I not use that?

5. I think it's great that you've set your stories during the first Jacobite uprising. ITA when you say that it is an overlooked period when it comes to both historical romance and historical fiction alike. What made you choose this time period for your novels?


Its inherent drama. The earlier uprisings - the '15, in which I set the Kilgannon books, and the original rebellion against William of Orange's usurpation of the thrones, in which LEGEND and DESTINY are set - are compelling. People had no idea whether their political views would lead them to victory or to death, and there were so many fascinating players in the period to mix with my characters.

And I like the clothes.

6. How did you feel about leaving the readers hanging at the end of KILGANNON? From what you said in another interview, they would have to "... read WILD ROSE [OF KILGANNON] to see if Mary and Alex resolve their problems." Did your publisher have reservations about publishing both books so closely together? Personally, as a reader, I would prefer to have books published closer together if they are a continuation of the other. Unfortunately, publishers don't always see it that way.

I'm so glad you asked me this! I never intended KILGANNON to have a cliff-hanger ending. This is what happened: I wrote a manuscript that was massive. My agent told me it was too long, my editor told me it was too long, and finally I accepted that it was too long. We broke it into two books, but published them three weeks apart so the wait wouldn't be horrible. My editor was great about linking them and I was pleased. You'll notice I learned my lesson with my next books.

7. Do you see yourself writing books set in other time periods?

Sure. In fact, the book I'm writing now is set in the 13th century - Vikings and Scotsmen and Irishmen. Perfect for a love story, right? I've found the period to be fascinating and am considering following these families through several centuries. Times change, but people don't. Politics and technology and clothing may be different from period to period, but motivations and relationships are still governed by human nature. I'm just glad I have our 21st century to actually live in.

8. Just noticed that in another interview you said you were thinking about writing "a contemporary romantic suspense book, set in Southern California." Is there anything in the works for a contemp or is this still something you are still considering?


I currently have my hands full with historicals, but I do like the idea of writing contemporaries. I have several sketched out; they are just pages in a notebook right now, but on those days when I am frantically researching some minor detail, I dream about writing a book in which I know what my characters would have had for lunch and what shoes they would have worn. I'd love to feature my favorite spots in Southern California and have some great local characters who are inspiring.

9. Do you think it would be difficult to switch from the 17th century to the 21st, as far as writing is concerned?


Not at all. We live in the 21st century and watch shows and read books set in other times without difficulty. I don't find writing in two - or more - centuries difficult. It's like going into another room. The view is different and your reaction different, but it's still a room.

10. Going back to other interviews you've given - You mentioned that for years you had written stories, only to tear them up and toss them out. Were any of them related to the stories you have written and published since? Are there stories that, having discarded them, perhaps you'd like to take a stab at again?


KILGANNON was one that I spent years playing with. I had to figure out the theme of the book first, then it all fit into place. I take out my old stories now and then and find that I still like some of the basic ideas. The writing is abysmal, but the ideas are salvable. I'm hoping the new work will be better than my first attempts. Can't be any worse!

11. I had never heard of the Brahan Seer until reading about your books. After doing a little research, I found that even today festivals are held in his honor in the UK, which attracts visitors from all over the world. How did you discover the legend of the Brahan Seer?


I sign my books at a lot of Scottish and Celtic festivals and have gotten to know many of the clan representatives. Steve McKenzie, the President of the Clan MacKenzie Society of North America, told me about the Brahan Seer and provided many sources for my research. Many of his predictions have supposedly come true and it was just too good not to play with.

12. When you are not writing, what do you do with yourself? Do you have any hobbies?


Spending time with my husband and family is my favorite activity. I love to travel and am usually either planning my next trip or packing for the current one. I read constantly, both fiction and non-fiction, and have a pile of books on every flat surface, and love movies. And I'm unsuccessfully trying to grow orchids. I used to do needlepoint, but gave that up when I started writing. The orchids may have the same fate.

13. How about favorite authors? What authors do you read? Do you read other romance novels, or do you stay away from romance when you aren't writing?


I usually don't read romance, but occasionally check out what's new. There are so many good romance writers that I couldn't pick out one or two. I love the big historical epics (surprising, isn't it?), written by people like Pearl Buck, Robert Elegant, M. M. Kaye, and Anya Seton. I enjoy Nelson DeMille, Dorothy Dunnett, Dick Francis, Michael Connelly, Anton Myrer. So many good writers out there - I can only think of a few right now!

14. Those who frequent the Cafe know you have been pegged with the nickname Kaffiene? Was there a reason for this, aside from the obvious fact that it is so close to your name, Kathleen?


WHY DO YOU ASK ME THAT??? Seriously, it's a combination. It is close to my name, and might just have something to do with the fact that I drink enormous quantities of tea. And I'm fairly energetic. And talkative. And it's all just a coincidence. Really!

Visit Kathleen at her website to see what she's cooking up next!