Author Spotlight + Giveaway: Katy Lee -- Two Wrongs to Right

Today, we have the lovely Katy Lee joining us.

#1 Publishers Weekly best-selling author Katy Lee has penned over forty novels full of character-driven intrigue, romance and inspiration. She is a multi-award nominee for both the RITA® Award and Daphne du Maurier Award for her excellence in mystery and suspense. Katy lives in Utah’s beautiful, rugged mountains where she is a special education teacher and runs a literary non-profit called Story Haven Writers to help people write their stories. Keep up with Katy and her latest news, including her monthly newsletter, “Novel ideas,” at KatyLeeBooks.com.

First off, welcome to my blog. It’s so great to have you here!

What first sparked your passion for storytelling, and how has your journey as a writer evolved over time?

Reading for me was for escape. The worlds in my books were exciting and safe. They showed me other ways people lived, and I learned so much through the choices characters made and the places they went. I wished my school history books were as engaging. I dreamed of writing my stories that would do the same for my readers, but it took a long time before I was ready to share those words. God prepared the way, and when He said, "Now," He opened all the doors. Writing with Him has been an amazing journey of healing, humor, and love.

What unique aspects of your faith influence your storytelling style or the themes you explore?

I knew when I finally made the decision to write that I wanted to tell stories of adventure, love, and victory that no reader had to compromise to read. I wanted the books to honor God and lead others to Him and to their own stories of victory.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage that has guided your writing or life journey?

My verse for writing my stories of victory is based on Micah 7:8. "Don't gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my right hand."And my verse for why I write stories of showing love is based on 1 John 3:18. "Let us not love in words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

What’s your favorite scene or moment in the book, and why does it hold special meaning for you?

My favorite scene in Two Wrongs to Right is the moment Grady gives up his fight for vengeance and chooses love instead. It's a pivotal moment for him that once he makes that decision, he never wants to go back. He becomes a new creation because he chose love.

Are there any surprising lessons or revelations you discovered about yourself or your faith through the writing process?

I'm not only a writer, but I am a teacher. I've learned before I can teach someone something, I must go through the learning process myself. I must fully understand the topic. It's the same with writing. If I want to write about forgiveness, God must take me on the journey of forgiving first. I do not have the authority to teach others until I can say, "I've been there, and I survived. Now, let me tell you a story..."

How do you incorporate prayer or spiritual reflection into your writing routine?

I keep my Bible reading and studying up at all times. I can't pour out what hasn't been poured in first.

What do you enjoy most about connecting with readers, and what feedback has resonated deeply with you?

My favorite message was from a reader who had never heard of me before, but when her husband was dying in a hospital, she found my book Grave Danger in the family waiting room. Someone had left it there on an end table. She picked it up for a reprieve, and read it from beginning to end. She put the book down, and emailed me immediately, saying, "Thank you. You gave me what I needed to begin again."

God is so good!

If someone were to adapt your book into a movie, what would be your dream casting for the main characters?

HA! I've done this for Grave Danger. Bradley Cooper would play Wesley the sheriff, and of course, Emily Deschanel would play Lydia the forensic anthropologist. She did so well in "Bones".

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out?

Fall in love with your characters. The reader will know if you haven't.

Lastly, before you go…Can you talk about any upcoming projects or books you’re working on?

I'd like to tell you about my story Two Wrongs to Right, which is in the anthology Love Blooms on Valentines. Grady is from a previous book called Real Cold and made a grave error in that book. This error is what leads him to Royal Bay. He must redeem himself. But thankfully, he meets widow Rubi and her little girl Luna who show him a way to healing and love. Join my monthly Novel Ideas newsletter and learn more about the owner of Royal Bay, Patrick Joyce, in my free novella Table for One. Sign up here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/4p9kuzeuet

Now let me tell you a little more about her story in the Love Blooms on Valentines:

Two Wrongs to Right - Katy Lee

Rubi Stone is a single mom who is navigating her recent widowhood as she keeps her charter boat business afloat in Royal Bay. Grady Andrews is only interested in taking down the billionaire tycoon who runs the seaside town. Could Rubi’s love be the lifesaver he needs to set him on the right path…and into her arms forever?

If that's too long then just the last line:

Could Rubi’s love be the lifesaver Grady needs to set him on the right path…and into her arms forever?

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a ebook copy of Grave Danger!

(Giveaway runs from the 10th through the 24th. Winner will be contacted by author.)