Mini-interview: Kate Martin
Why write?
I can’t help it. Really. I have quite honestly been writing ever since before they taught me how to make those meaningful scribbles on paper in Kindergarten. And I think I was plotting and sending my toys on adventures even before that. Now, I write because I find the stories of my characters exciting, and there’s something exhilarating about deciding the fate of the world–even though most of the time my characters do what they want and pay no attention to me.
If you didn’t write, what would you do?
If I didn’t write, I would dance. But I do that anyway. And really, writing is in everyone’s best interest since I tend to get cranky when I don’t put anything on paper. If I couldn’t write or dance, I would probably be either a Forensic Psychologist or an Archeologist. I like puzzles, the past, figuring things out, seeing things from other worlds–the history channel is a good friend of mine.
If you could hunt any speculative fiction creature ever imagined (except one of your own), would you?
Oh sure. I have a bow and I like to think I’m fairly good with it.
Which one? Why?
Not really sure what I would hunt, per say. I would have to have a good reason. I’m the kind of person who cries when the dog dies in the movies. I’m not much for hunting for sport. Whatever I was hunting would have to have done me some great wrong, or be a danger to everything I loved–which is pretty much the reason most heroes hunt creatures. So, I can’t really pick one creature. I can’t imagine thinking it would be just plain fun or exciting to go out and stalk a Griffin, or a hellhound or something like that. If it’s evil and a danger, then count me in.
If you could have any speculative fiction creature ever imagined (except one of your own) as a pet, would you?
Yes, please.
Which one? Why?
Most likely a dragon. I love dragons. It would be fun to hatch one and raise it straight from the egg. When it’s still little I can cuddle it, and as it gets bigger it would probably act as an incredibly good “guard dog.” Besides, there’s just something about dragons–they’re the first thing most people think of if you mention magical creatures.
I could be tempted away by something furry and cuddly though. I have a friend who writes about Kitsune (fox creatures) and I would definitely run home with one of those.
You are on a holodeck: You’re sitting in an intergalactic bar, sipping your favorite beverage, waiting expectantly for someone to take a seat at your table. Which author from any era does?
Oh, gosh. Not sure I would actually want to meet anyone. I’ve heard too many horror stories about people meeting idols and ending up disappointed with the real thing. If, however, we assume that this person is as nice and wonderful as I have always hoped, then–as geeky as it is–I think I would want William Shakespeare to walk in and sit with me.
Why?
Why? Well, other than because I don’t need a holodeck to (hopefully) meet living authors, let’s face it; the man was some kind of genius. He wrote in almost every genre, and he wrote for the people. Yes, he wrote plays, but he was still creating Popular Fiction at its best.
What do you talk about or do?
I would be curious to talk with him about his inspirations, his creative process, heck, I’d talk with him about almost anything given the cultural differences that exists between our times.
More importantly, which chair does he sit in?
He would sit directly across from me, for that is the best way to talk with someone–eye-to-eye.
Why Rica? What initiated her story and made you complete this particular tale?
Rica was the one who answered when I sat down and asked who had a reason to hunt a Cockatrice. One she appeared, I admired her determination and her commitment to a cause she really believed in. At the same time, she doesn’t quite believe it when people tell her she’s something special, and her insecurities when it comes to a power she isn’t sure she possesses, isn’t sure she wants to possess, but at the same time craves because it means she can avenge her family, are what make her a multilayered, relatable, and emotionally complex character.
What appealed to you about being included in Rage of the Behemoth?
The appeal of this anthology is simple: it’s the best parts of every book we’ve ever read, all compiled into one, easy to carry, place. I love the fight scenes, the action sequences, the creatures that threaten the hero, the creature that is the hero, and the dangers that face the cast of characters. An anthology like this creates a way to get your pulse pounding without having to flip through your favorite books for the “good parts” (Not to say, of course, that we don’t love the other parts as well…). I love to write action, to get my pulse pounding, and to watch the scene play out in my head so quickly that my fingers can’t keep up. So when I came upon the opportunity to write a great hunt without the task of building a 100,000 plus novel around it, I jumped right in.
Do you write/read aloud to/with anyone (family member or friend)?
Aloud? No. I do make family and friends read something while I’m sitting in the same room as them though. I like to hear and see their real time reactions to the text. Having someone give or send you notes later, even verbally, just isn’t the same.
Quick: For each of the below, what’s your first thought in regards to the future of genre fiction:
Publishing: Dying, dead, on life support – or just going through a change? If it’s any of the first three, will it be euthanized or revitalized?
Just going through a change. Technology is growing so quickly it’s basically an obnoxious teenager that thinks it knows everything. Eventually things will even out again–I hope.
Reading Formats: Print, electronic, audio, or interactive?
All of the above. Different people like different things, so the newer formats will stick around for a while, and will work for some people, but anyone who thinks Print is on its way out underestimates the number of people who love the feel of paper and ink their hands. Nothing beats the sensations that come with reading a true book–the feel, the smell, it’s all part of the experience.
Books: Hardcover, trade paperback, mass market, other?
I’ve never been much of a fan of the hardcover–it’s too big, and too expensive. Paperbacks and mass market are easier to travel with and are much easier on the wallet, and that means almost everything at the moment.
Preference for reading/writing: Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Horror Fiction?
The majority of my reading is Fantasy, as well as my writing. Science I can find in the real world, and horror just jeopardizes my sleep. When I read I like to experience something that I probably won’t encounter in my everyday life. So, I’ll dip into the Historical pool from time to time, as well as the Science Fiction, but Fantasy is always a guarantee.
Thank you for your thorough answers, Kate – and for your contribution to Rage of the Behemoth!
Kate Martin’s “Poisonous Redemption” appears under the ‘Mysterious Jungles’ theme in Rage of the Behemoth. Kate has been writing all her life and has, by the grace of everything good, managed to design her life around it. You can visit her little bit of the web at www.kate-martin.com.
An opening excerpt
Razor sharp teeth are not the easiest thing to avoid. Especially when pressed against exposed and vulnerable skin. Saliva dripped down each elongated tooth, oozing onto Rica’s arms, thick and warm. She had to remind herself over and over again not to move, not to flinch. Innate instincts made every fiber of her body scream to flee, to fight.
But this wasn’t her enemy. This was her friend.
The point of one canine nicked the inside of her forearm. She jerked against her restraints involuntarily.
“Ow! Damnit, Weylin, be careful!”
His teeth bit closer, and finally the rope around her wrist came free. Rica quickly reached across and undid the sloppy knot around her other arm while Weylin worked on her ankles. He managed to only puncture her skin one more time.
She rubbed at her sore appendages before wiping the sweat from her face. The humidity was unbearable; not yet midday, and it would only get worse. Dawn, apparently, was the perfect time for sacrificial offerings.
Though Rica was fairly sure it didn’t count when the offering was an abducted traveler and not one of your own. The townspeople who had ambushed her were in for a world of trouble. Either from the unappeased creature, or from Rica.
If they were lucky the creature would kill Rica first and they would be spared her wrath…
Watch for review praise for “Poisonous Redemption” and Rage of the Behemoth!
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