Author Interviews
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MWSA's Impact on Military Authors

Kathleen M. Rogers, an award-winning novelist and MWSA member, discussed her experiences with the MWSA community, emphasizing its role in providing friendship, networking, and support. She shared a personal story about how MWSA founder Bill McDonald helped her during a challenging time when her son was deployed. Kathleen also reflected on her recognition as MWSA's 2024 Writer of the Year, which she attributed to the organization's significance and her husband's support. Her military background and experiences as a military spouse have profoundly influenced her writing, as she aims to bring the military family into the mainstream narrative, focusing on the emotional aspects of military life.

The Llano County Mermaid Club

Kathleen discussed her upcoming novel, "The Llano County Mermaid Club," which explores themes of childhood friendships, adult affairs, and the loss of innocence, set in the Southwest. She explained her writing process, including the challenges of integrating dual timelines and magical realism, and emphasized the importance of emotional engagement for both herself and her readers. Kathleen also reflected on her transition from nonfiction to fiction writing, highlighting how her experiences with nonfiction narratives and magazine writing shaped her approach to crafting novels.

Hope and Perseverance in Writing

Kathleen discussed the role of hope in her writing and personal life, emphasizing its importance even in the face of trauma and loss. She shared her personal journey with imposter syndrome, encouraging others to recognize and confront their own negative self-talk. Kathleen also reflected on her experience with rejection before her debut novel in 2008, sharing how she maintained perseverance and advice for writers facing similar challenges.

Writing Process and Therapeutic Benefits

Kathleen shared her writing process, emphasizing the importance of revision and letting work "get cold" before re-evaluating it. She discussed her upcoming sixth novel, which explores themes of imposter syndrome and is set in the Southwest, featuring a writer protagonist named Kitty McCracken. Kathleen also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of writing, noting that it has helped her process personal challenges. She advised fellow writers not to get caught up in concerns about publication and sales, but to focus on connecting with individual readers.

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