“Questions for Cathy; some random, serious or to hopefully make you smile.”
Personal questions:
Your best friend:
That’s easy, because I only have less than a handful of friends in total.
My best female friend is a woman I’ve known for 16 years now. We met in school and we have not many similarities at all. But despite our differences, I love her to bits and I know, that she’ll always be there for me, no matter what.
First crush:
A boy called Yann and who was/is a year older than me. I was 9 and he was 10. He’s also the reason I wear my watch and the right wrist. 🙂 Yann was a twin. His brother was never as gorgeous as he was, but most girls disagreed with me on that. He had blonde hair and brown eyes. Really dark eyes and a wicked smile.
Hot or cold
My tea should be hot. Beer should be cold as should be white wine. My feet should be neither too hot or too cold. My bath is scalding and my coffee lukewarm. I like dry and cold winter days as much as I like rainy summer days.
Biggest regret
I don’t believe in regrets, but if I would allow myself one, it would be that I rushed into many things and therefor settled for less.
Favorite person
My husband. He’s a great friend. Makes me laugh so much and he makes me happy. The moment our romantic feelings will become less, I know that we will remain good friends. He supports me silently. And lets me live my life the way I want to live it. He doesn’t cage me.
Favorite thing to do
Sitting down with a good book, a glass of chilled white wine (or hot maté tea), my favorite music in the background and diving into a story, forgetting life for a brief period of time
Worst thing to do
scrubbing toilets
Goal in life
Finding happiness and a state of serenity within myself, that I can preserve even in times of inner darkness.
Favorite song
Running up that hill by Kate Bush
Favorite poem
If you forget me – Pablo Neruda
What makes you happy?
Music. Falling leaves. My kids. Seeing others succeed. Sunrise. Little things that I didn’t expect – aka surprises. Art. Sleeping in. A message in my mailbox from people I like. Stormy weather, that tousles through my long hair…
Do you live by certain rules?
Yes! Part of those rules are: no regrets… choose carefully… you always have a choice… never get up with the left foot first… always put CDs back in their original case… always tell the truth… be kind… be honest… never judge a book by it’s cover and many many more…
Favorite male and female celebrity?
I like Matthew Rhys and Christian Slater. Female, I’d say Angelina Jolie (because she is passionate and fearless. She stands up for her principles, is strong and still vulnerable) and Emma Thompson.
Role model (famous or non-famous)
I honestly don’t know. There are so many inspiring people all around the world and most of the would be good role models, but in the end, the most important thing is to find my own way.
Writing
Which of your stories would you publish? Why?
That’s a no-brainer. Definitely “When The Right Door Opens”. It’s a good story without clichés. The characters, although flawed, are lovable. The end is unpredictable and unusual too. Maybe it’s only because it’s the one of my books that were the most successful when I first posted it here on Wattpad or maybe, because the story just flowed out of my fingers. The story has since found a home at http://www.tablo.io
Where do your ideas come from?
A sentence in a book can inspire an entire character for me. A line of lyrics can set the mood for a story. A visual in a movie can make me want to write a story.
Why romance/ mxm?
Hm… I never really thought about why I write romance. My romance has a heavy side of drama too. I don’t know. And mxm… well, I started writing fanfiction for a TV show called Brothers & Sisters and it had a gay couple. I did some research on the actors and the whole new world of fanfiction suddenly lay at my feet. After asking someone to write a story for me with an idea I had, she pushed me to write it myself and so, one day, I sat down and wrote. That was the start. 2 years ago. Before that, I only wrote poems or lyrics to songs.
I kind of stuck with mxm and when I started creating my own characters for a challenge (these characters were Darragh and Callum from “A Long Journey To Love”) it really took off.
What’s your spelling/grammar like?
It’s not the best, but not the worst either. I learned English grammar in school, but that’s a long time ago. It’s not perfect, but I give my best. I also write lots of typos, even more so when I am tired. I try to correct them and always work with a spellchecker and a translator in the back, but some things just fly under the radar.
How long does it take to finish your writing?
If it is a one-shot and I am really inspired, I can write really quick. A short story can be written in 2 hours plus time to edit it. A long story with multiple chapters usually takes me around 3 months to finish, but that is the rawest draft and without being edited.
What do you look for in a story?
As a reader, I am very visual. If the writer can show me the story rather than tell it, I am sold. I want strong characters who are no stereotypes and a story line that is refreshing and not like every second story I find. I can read a book in a day or two, if I am really interested in the story. I am one of those who has trouble setting down a good book before it is finished.
Would you prefer to write on paper or electronic equipment?
My poems and lyrics are all written on paper. Some ideas and chapters for stories have been on paper too, but I also like to write on my laptop. My typing has improved a lot recently.
Paperback or Ebook?
Paperback.
Bonus question
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be and why?
I would try to be happier and less withdrawn.