How Cate Nolan Finds Time to Write
Multi-published author Cate Nolan recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
I actually started out writing historical, but I always loved reading romantic suspense. Back in 2013, the Love Inspired editors announced a “Killer Voices” contest to find new talent for Love Inspired Suspense. I had followed Emily Rodmell on social media, and I knew she loved witness protection stories. The first round of the contest just required a first page. I had an idea for a WITSEC story, so I submitted it. Emily chose me for her team, and I progressed step by step until I had to submit the full manuscript. It was a whirlwind, and then Emily called to tell me they were buying Christmas in Hiding. I’ve been writing suspense ever since because I discovered I love having that extra element to add to the story.
When do you find time to write?
My best answer to that question is one word: Summer. During the school year, I teach grades six to eight English Language Arts, so my days are pretty full. I try to manage 1,000 words a day during the school year, but summer is the time I really get to set everything aside and focus on my stories.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
I literally get my ideas everywhere. My brain seems to be constantly open to suggestion. I was walking the dog with my daughter recently, and we saw something. I said, “That gives me an idea for a story.” She looked at me and said, “Let’s be honest. What doesn’t give you an idea for a story?” She’s not wrong. For example, I was walking to school one day, and I saw an abandoned veil on the ground in a child’s size, most likely lost by a young girl making her First Holy Communion. By the time I got to school that muddied veil had sparked an entire story.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
Most often the location is dictated by the characters and the story I want to tell. I have to think about where that would work best. Sometimes, the setting is triggered by something I discover in my research. For example, Colorado Mountain Kidnapping is about an ex-Army Ranger who suffers from PTSD. I knew I wanted him in a remote area. In my research, I discovered Wilderness Therapy and some specific programs located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Voila! I had my setting.
Which of your books is your favorite and why?
I chose this question, but I don’t actually have the answer. I know it’s a cliche, but that’s like trying to choose your favorite child. You love them all for different reasons. Christmas in Hiding will always be a favorite because it was my first. I fell in love with Jackson and Callie, and didn’t think I’d ever love any other characters the same. But then came Christine and Blake in Texas Witness Threat. They hold a special place in my heart because a lot of people were turned off by the snake on the cover. I’ve since learned to cover it with a “Signed by the Author” sticker.
Colorado Mountain Kidnapping is really special to me because Adam Dalton is the kind of heroic man who sacrifices his own well-being to protect the innocent. He suffers from PTSD, but he pushed through because it’s what he needs to do for Isabelle and the children. Who wouldn’t love a hero like that?
About Cate
Cate Nolan lives in Maine, where she loves to leave her real life behind and play with the characters in her imagination. She’s got that suspense writer gene that sees danger and a story in everyday occurrences. Cate particularly loves to write stories of faith enabling ordinary people to overcome extraordinary danger.
Connect w/Cate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCateNolan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catenolan4/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cate-nolan
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCateNolan
Colorado Mountain Kidnapping
An infant in peril…and nowhere to hide
A cryptic phone call sends Isabelle Weaver running from armed intruders—with her daughter and best friend’s baby under her care. Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except former army ranger Adam Dalton. Together, they must uncover a kidnapper’s motives while protecting the children. But as danger tracks them through the mountains, can they outwit a criminal mastermind before they all lose their lives?
