She was young, she had a dream no one knew about; she went to college only 6 weeks before dropping out; she married, worked part-time, raised three children. But the dream didn't die, wouldn't die. So she decided to do something about it. She got a computer, sat down in front of it and began to write. She sold her first book to Silhouette Desire in 1999. Now, a few years later, she is a best-selling author that writes about everyday people who like a little spice in their lives. Her characters are full of life, easy to identify with, and tempered with a little humor. Visit http://www.kathiedenosky.com for information on Kathie's upcoming releases, contests and more.

Eliza Ferree took an opportunity to talk with Kathie about her work.

CASSIDY'S COWBOY DADDY
Silhouette Desire
May 2002
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MATERNALLY YOURS
Silhouette Desire
Februarly 2002
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HIS BABY SURPRISE
Silhouette Desire
JUne 2001
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Writerspace: Kathie, I see that you've been writing for some time now. What would you like to tell first time writers?

Kathie: No matter how many rejections you get, NEVER GIVE UP! Only you can take away your dream of becoming a published author by not writing. Read something every day to see what is in style and write something every day to continue to improve your writing skills. Join a writing group and find a critique partner that shares your same interests and goals.

Writerspace: Please tell us about "Cassie's Cowboy Daddy."

Kathie: Cassie and Logan's story is set in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, where it seems like you could reach up and pluck the stars from the night sky. I enjoyed being able to describe the gorgeous scenery surrounding the area to the readers, as well as bringing Cassie and Logan to life.

Writerspace: I've read that you listen to country tunes while you write. Is there a particular song/CD that went along with "Cassie's Cowboy Daddy?"

Kathie: A Fire I Can't Put Out by George Strait.

Writerspace: There were a lot of hilarious moments in this book. Logan grabbing duct tape to keep the diapers together, walking back to his bachelor cabin to find it remodeled with lace or even slipping on the polished wax floor. Were any of these inspired by people you know?

Kathie: The duct tape diaper scene was inspired by my late father-in-law. When my oldest son was about a year old, my father-in-law volunteered to baby-sit while my mother-in-law and I attended a baby shower for a friend. It seems that he couldn't figure out how to get the diaper tapes to work and resorted to what men seem to consider a solution for everything -- duct tape. When we returned from the baby shower, there was my father-in-law with a big grin for being so resourceful and my son in his diaper held together with pieces of duct tape.

Writerspace: What were some of your favorite scenes? (I loved seeing the rough cowboy asleep with the baby in his arms.)

Kathie: That was one of my favorite scenes, too. I also like the camping trip into the mountains where Cassie meets Samson, the black bear. Another one of my favorites is when Cassie was sick and Logan had to care for the babies. There's just something about a big, tough cowboy's heart being melted by a couple of adorable babies.

Writerspace: What type of research did you do?

Kathie: For all of my books I do a lot of research, before I begin writing. I visit the locale, interview people that live in the area, buy and read lots and lots of research books on the area, and do a good deal of internet research. When I begin to write the story, I like to feel that I really know the area I'm writing about.

Writerspace: I've read that you like to visit the places you write about. Did you visit the Wyoming ranch? What was it like?

Kathie: Since the ranch is something that only exists in my imagination, I couldn't really visit it. But, I did visit the Wyoming area, plus I have a friend that lives there and she provided me with invaluable technical advice.

Writerspace: What would you like to say at this time to your readers?

Kathie: I hope the readers enjoy reading my stories as much as I do creating them. I love to hear from readers and invite them to write me at PO Box 2064, Herrin, IL 62948 or email me at kathie@kathiedenosky.com with their comments.

Writerspace: What should we expect to see in the upcoming months?

Kathie: COWBOY BOSS will be released in August. COWBOY BOSS is the sequel to one of my books from last year, THE ROUGH AND READY RANCHER. In November, A LAWMAN IN HER STOCKING will chronicle the tale of a heroine that moves out west to start a new life and has it complicated by a handsome sheriff and a meddlesome, quirky grandmother. I'm currently finishing up a LONESTAR COUNTRY CLUB continuity for release in July of 2003 and working on my own three book series about three brothers that live on the Lonetree Ranch in Wyoming.

Writerspace: How can your readers reach you or find out more about you?

Kathie: They can always contact me by snail mail at PO Box 2064, Herrin, IL 62948 or email me at kathie@kathiedenosky.com. I also invite them to visit my website at www.KathieDeNosky.com for information about upcoming releases, my backlist, contests, and other information.