Interview with author Cate Masters - BK Walker Books virtual book tour

As I continue to host the BK Walker Books Authors Promoting Authors virtual blog tour, today I welcome author Cate Masters.

Welcome, Cate!

Please tell us about your current release.
My historical adventure romance novel, Angels, Sinners and Madmen, is due out July 27 from Freya’s Bower. It’s set in 1850s Key West, in the heyday of the wreckers, who salvaged ships that wrecked on the reef beyond Key West, earning them their name.

Here’s the story blurb: What happens in Key West, stays in Key West. Especially in 1856, when men outnumber women by ten to one. Wrecker Sam Langhorne came to Key West eight years earlier to forget his ruined engagement. When he rescues Livvie Collins from a watery grave, he’s swept away by her beauty and spirit. He’s sworn off love, but is soon captivated by Livvie’s wit–and her determination to remain single.

The death of Livvie’s father leaves her no other option than to sail to New Orleans to live with her brother Wendell. Though she hopes to support herself by writing novels, she’s sure Wendell will try to soon marry her off, and is determined to experience life to its fullest before reaching New Orleans.

Sam is handsome and attentive, constantly surprising her with his intelligence and his interest in current literature and happenings. She gives herself to him in a night of passion so she can know the true emotion at least once in her life. But can she save herself after she arrives in New Orleans?

What inspired you to write this book?
A few years ago, my family vacationed at Key West, Florida. The island’s surrounded by a clear aqua-green sea and is so steeped in history, its streets almost seem like characters. While visiting a maritime museum, a story flashed in my head, and I spent the next two days in the Key West library copying old articles and letters while my family went parasailing and snorkeling. I knew I wouldn’t be getting back there any time soon, so finding that information felt like unearthing sunken treasure. I was fascinated by the history of the wreckers, men who salvaged wrecked ships long before any diving equipment had been invented.

What exciting story are you working on next?
On August 7, Eternal Press will release a Native American historical novel, Follow the Stars Home. Surfacing, a contemporary fantasy novel, will also release in August, from Whiskey Creek Press. I’m awaiting release dates for two other contemporary novels. In the meantime, I keep writing. About a dozen stories are vying for attention right now, but I’m finishing up another contemporary fantasy novel.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I never had an “a ha” moment where I said, “I am a writer.” I’ve always felt most in my element while writing, so it just seemed a natural thing to do. While my kids were little, I wrote sporadically, but now that they’re grown, I’m finally able to concentrate on it, and it’s been wonderful.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Although I have a day job, I do write full time, and consider it my real job. It can be a challenge to balance life with writing because my muse throws so many ideas at me, it’s sometimes tough to keep up. My TBR pile keeps growing because I love to read and discover new authors, too. I also love gardening and photography, but most other hobbies I’ve sacrificed to have more writing time.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know that I have a quirk, necessarily. It can take me awhile to get into the flow of a story sometimes. I need quiet as opposed to music in order to concentrate.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A journalist or editor. I knew writing was my main strength. I didn’t discover fiction until my twenties, but after that, never looked back.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Here’s the trailer for Angels, Sinners and Madmen:


I love to hear from readers! Leave a comment anytime on my blog at http://catemasters.blogspot.com, or email me at: cate.masters AT gmail.com.
Thanks for having me as a guest today Lisa! It’s been a pleasure.

Thanks for stopping by today, Cate and sharing so much with us.


Readers, leave a comment to be entered into a drawing to win one of several gifts from promoter of this VBT, BK Walker. Gifts include: a $25 Visa Gift Card, book light,a free-of-charge virtual book tour, or one writing package which includes a journal, pen, book light, and book marker.

My next guest for the blog tour is July 15 - Lorrie Struiff