An Interview with Catherine MacDonald: Author, Educator & Entrepreneur

 

Sylvia: Welcome Catherine. Please give our readers an introduction of yourself and a little about your book.

Catherine Macdonald

Photo Credit: Catherine Macdonald

Cathie: Hi Sylvia. My name is Catherine MacDonald and I am a former school teacher, current business woman, and an avid reader. This is my eighth book. I read an article about Divorce in Nevada and was intrigued, so I started researching the subject and found out that I live close to several of the former divorce ranches. My grandmother and great aunt lived during these times, and I remember my aunt telling me about working in Hollywood as a secretary. (There is an actress in my story).

 

Sylvia: What inspired you to write your first book?

Cathie: I completed The Artist Way and followed Julia Cameron’s suggestions. I had written in high school and college, but life took over—kids, job, soccer, dance. My first book, Reaching the Summit, was about inner strength and running.

 

Sylvia: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Cathie: Yes. Women have come so far since the setting of The Divorce Ranch. No longer do we have to be demure, wear gloves, and hold our tongues.

 

Sylvia: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Cathie: Make the time to write. Treat it like the priority it should be. I know we’re all busy. Maybe my busy can talk with your busy!

 

Sylvia: What do you think it takes to be a good writer?

Cathie: One way to be a good writer is to read. I used to teach college English and I had many students who wanted to write, but they didn’t like to read! There is so much information and power in books. Reading lets you escape into another time and place. You are the producer, the director, and the set designer. I’m lucky. Both of my adult children are avid readers, and my grandchildren love books. Charlie just started school and is learning to read. There is something exciting about watching a young child learn to read.

I hope you check out my website and my books. I write a daily blog about living a balanced and stress-free life, with a little Buddhism thrown in.

 

Sylvia: I actually have been on your website and enjoyed reading some of your daily writing. One of my favorites, “Why Start Your Day With Gratitude?” What marketing techniques have you used to sell your books and which ones

have been most successful?

Image Credit: Catherine MacDonald

Image Credit: Catherine MacDonald

Cathie: I sell my books in my parts department. I have a local following. I also use Amazon, and I have put my books in Kindle.

 

Sylvia: Why should we buy your book?

Cathie: Honestly, I tell a good story. I’m a story teller. Over the years, I’ve developed my voice. I have a crisp, clean writing style, and I do hook you in the beginning.

 

Sylvia: Is there a special place that you prefer when you write?

Cathie: I have an office at home, yet I put my work in Drop box and take it to work. When I have a few minutes, you can find me in my office. (just like now).

 

Sylvia: What projects are you currently working on?

Cathie: I am working on The Buddha and the Bear and Romancing the Vines (sequel to Seasons of the Vineyard)

 

Sylvia: What is your POWER WORD? Why this word?

Cathie: My power word is Self-reliance. My books all deal with strong women, or women who didn’t know they were strong until life threw them a curve ball.

 

Sylvia: Now, I like that word! Cathie, thank you for sharing your life with my readers and subscribers. Please share your social media and book contact information.

Cathie: You are welcome. I want to thank you for the opportunity. Here is my info:

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