Author Interview ~ Kate Lloyd

Kate Lloyd grew up in a colorful household of artists and intellectuals. Before becoming a writer, she worked a variety of jobs, including restaurant proprietor and car salesman. She lives in Seattle, where she writes daily, tends her garden, and walks with friends. She enjoys beach combing at her family’s summer home, learning Italian, and singing. But her first love is for her husband, Noel, and her two sons, Bryan and Chris. Kate graduated from college with a degree in Art, and a minored Art History, and her home is adorned with her and other family members’ paintings and sculpture.

What new book or project would you like to tell us about?


My first novel A Portrait of Marguerite, RiverOak/Cook released September 2006. It’s the story of a Seattle painter who recaptures her creative passion and learns about God’s forgiveness after her son leaves for college.

To read a review of A Portrait of Marguerite, click here.


Tell us about your publishing journey. How long had you been writing before you got a contract? How did you find out and what went through your mind?

I did not have much writing experience when I started A Portrait of Marguerite. I studied art and art history in college and later dabbled with kids’ poetry and songs, and made a stab at a romance novel. Seven years ago, while journaling one morning, the storyline, the ending, and the characters appeared on the page. Very exciting! I kept writing longhand and then asked my husband for a computer so I could type up the chapters. The manuscript was far from perfect, but I kept honing and fixing and rewriting. (I’ve joked that Rewrite is my middle name.) I joined a critique group and attended many writers conferences, where I learned the craft, made friends I intend to keep for a lifetime, and met my first agent. Completing A Portrait of Marguerite was worth every reject letter I received along the way. I feel honored and grateful.

Do you still have self-doubts about your writing?

For the most part I’ve tamed the negative voice nattering in my head that only notices my mistakes and doesn’t take compliments well. About ten years ago, I set a framed photo of myself as a two-year-old by my bed. Whenever I got on my case for not being perfect (“That was dumb, Kate, you’ll never get it right, don’t you know anything?”) I’d remind myself that inside me dwelled that same sweet little girl—so be nice to her, the way you’d treat any child. It really helped.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

Of course. But I’m persistent, what my husband calls disciplined. This morning I wondered if I really wanted to meet my friend for a neighborhood walk knowing I’d get drenched. But I put on the raingear and went out because she was relying on my company. Which makes me think about finding friends who are willing to venture out into stormy weather—encouragers, like my critique partners. I belong to the best critique group! I prayed to find them for five years.

What mistakes did you make while seeking a publisher or agent?

My manuscript was not ready for publication when I first put it out, but that was okay. Sometimes the reject notes included tips and ideas for improvement. Failures are opportunities to learn.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve heard?

Don’t tell others your story idea before writing it out, so it maintains strength.

Train yourself to write anywhere and at any time, whether you’re stuck in an airport terminal or waiting for your car to get its oil changed.

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

After reading my manuscript, someone suggested I delete my quirky descriptions, which is what makes my voice unique. The lesson learned: trust your instincts and sift through others’ advice.

What do you wish you’d known early in your career that might have saved you some time and/or frustration in writing? In publishing?

Read the WIN Informer, a bimonthly publication by Elaine Colvin, and/or Sally Stuart’s Christian Writer’s Market Guide to keep up on the latest publishing news.

Before going to writers conferences, know the market: visit bookstores and get online to scope out what the publishing houses are printing and what they’re looking for. It makes conversations with editors and agents much more productive.

Learn to write an intriguing query letter and strong proposal. Several agents provide free examples online, not to mention the many excellent books available.

What are a few of your favorite books?

I recently enjoyed The Novelist (Hunt), The Pot Luck Club (Everson & Shepherd), Straight Up (Samson), Susannah’s Garden (Macomber), Presumed Guilty (Bell), and When Love Dies (Bodmer).

All time favorites include Anna Karenina, War and Peace, Rebecca, Tale of Two Cities, and Ninety-Three (Victor Hugo). Heavy, but life-changing literature.

Do you have a scripture or quote that has spoken to you lately in regards to your writing?

1 Samuel 3:10, “… Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” (NIV)

My desire is to hear God’s direction for my life and my writing.

Can you give us a look into a typical day for you?

I’m a creature of habit. First thing each morning, I read Magnificent Prayer, a daily devotional by Nick Harrison, I pray, then I plunge into journaling or writing. If I start my morning off writing, I feel I’ve accomplished something no matter how the rest of the day goes.

Do you have a word or page goal you set for each day?

When writing a new manuscript, I try to produce a chapter a week. Even if it’s rough, I can go back and polish later.

Are you an SOTP (seat of the pants) writer or a plotter?

I could probably save myself a lot of time and headache by outlining, but I enjoy the adventure of writing a story. Writing and getting to know my characters is fun!

What author do you especially admire and why?

I admire Angela Hunt, Gayle Roper, and James Scott Bell. Their writing is top-notch and they are thoughtful and generous when sharing their knowledge with beginners at conferences, on their websites, or in articles. I admire prolific and adventurous DiAnn Mills, just back from the Sudan gathering information for her next book, and Lisa Samson because she’s a gutsy writer.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

I love spending time with other writers, and the thrill of finding elusive words and phrases that pop into mind when I’m gardening or walking the beach.

My least favorite part of being a writer is receiving reject letters, but that’s part of the business. I used to sell cars and learned to accept that not everyone is going to want what I’m selling.

How much marketing do you do? What's your favorite part of marketing?

I hired Jessica Dotta from Glass Road Publicity, specializing in fiction, to help launch A Portrait of Marguerite. Worth the investment.

My husband and I put on a festive launch party at a wonderful neighborhood café/bakery. We decided to treat the evening as our chance to entertain about seventy friends, neighbors, business contacts, and family. Fun to hear the lively chatter and laughter. New friendships were made, old friendships rekindled, and lots of books sold.

I have been very blessed. A Portrait of Marguerite was favorably reviewed by Aspiring Retail Magazine in October 2006, Northwest Christian Writers Association, and it was recently featured in the Seattle Times.

My favorite part about marketing is giving away free copies to people who would not have purchased one for themselves.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Don’t give up! I read this quote by J. Hudson Taylor in Magnificent Prayer.

“I have found that there are three stages to every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.”