Thursday, 14 December 2017

Author Interview + Giveaway: Kathryn Haydon

Making The Difference by Kathryn Haydon
Release Date: January 2017 (e-book format) & March 2017 (print format)
Publisher: Mezzanotte.
Genres: Medical romance


Single mum, Phoebe Jackson is stunned to find her new neighbour is hot, new doc Oliver Grey – locum consultant for Greenways Hospice where she is a specialist palliative care nurse. At their first encounter sparks fly, but soon there are sparks of a different sort. However, Oliver makes it clear from the outset that he’s not a settling down kind of guy. Having a family is not for him. Phoebe must decide if a summer romance is enough – or can true love change his mind?



EXTRACT
       “I like you, Phoebe Jackson – very much.” Placing a finger on her lips, Oliver silenced her. “If we take things any further it’s your call. Only before you make that decision you need to know something. I don’t do families, or long-term commitment. I’m a man who can’t offer roses round the door and a happy ever after ending. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, never say I didn’t warn you.”
       Feeling her cheeks flame, Phoebe gasped. Stepping back smartly, she broke Oliver’s hold, head held high.
       “I think you’d better go,” she hissed, keeping her voice low because of her son sleeping upstairs. “Though, for the record, aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself, Oliver? I’m content with my life the way it is. Noah and I are fine on our own. It would take a really special kind of guy to make me even consider changing the status quo. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve already got roses round my door!”
      
       “Hell, Phoebe, I didn’t mean - - -” Cursing under his breath, he reached for her.
       Fending him off, Phoebe’s eyes blazed.
       “What exactly did you mean, Oliver? I’m not sure.” Her voice was saccharine sweet. “Are you suggesting, since we live in such close proximity, that you pop round for a spot of sex whenever the mood takes, no strings attached? We are both single, how very convenient. I’m afraid you’ll have to let me get back to you on that one. I haven’t had much experience of playing the hussy.”
       “Phoebe, be a gown up. I’m moving on after the summer.” Oliver gave her a hard look. “We both know that. I’m not into making promises I can’t keep.”



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33973082-making-the-difference?from_search=true

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW



Do you write under your real name or is this a pen name you use? 


Kathryn Haydon is a pen name I use. I feel it’s a better fit than my own name for the genre I write in. Haydon is a nod to my mother, as this was her maiden name – and I picked Kathryn as the combination just seemed to flow well.

Where are you from?

 I am from the West Country. The landscape is varied and inspirational. I grew up in the estuary village of Starcross, near the seaside town of Dawlish and these days I still live locally, about nine miles away in Exeter. So, I haven’t moved far! I love coastal strolls, walks through Haldon Forest and treks across the rugged moors. 

List 3 interesting facts about yourself.

Ooh, difficult!! On the Haydon side, my Mum always claimed we could trace our ancestry right back to the reign of Richard the Lionheart. One of my daughters is currently trying to do this!
I have a husband who comes from the beautiful island of Mauritius. Last October, we went back to Mauritius to visit relatives and I travelled with my laptop. So, the final edits of ‘Making the Difference’ were done in tropical climes after early morning strolls along stunning, white sand beaches. Idyllic! And yes, the ocean really is the same amazing shade of turquoise blue that you see on post cards.

What was the first thing you ever had published? 

As a school girl, I won a national essay writing competition, sponsored by Cadbury’s. I remember the occasion, although not my exact age. Maybe ten or eleven years old.

Do you have a writing routine? 

Not really, although I prefer mornings. Early morning, with a mug of tea at my elbow and the local radio station, Radio Devon playing softly in the background; this is my best time. I love the sense of peace, especially in summer with the sound of birdsong and soft light of dawn.

Do you have any writing rituals? 

Only putting on the kettle for a cuppa before I start! That’s a must.

Where did the idea for your most recent book come from? 

They say write what you know and I am a retired palliative care nurse. So, it seemed a good idea to try the medical romance genre. Also, I wanted my book to portray palliative care in a positive way – because it really can make the difference. 

Who was the first person you shared your book with? 

My friend and ex-nursing colleague, Jenny. She liked it!

Do you have a current work in progress? 

Yes, I am under contract with Mezzanotte and working on a sequel, due to be published sometime in the New Year. ‘Prognosis Guarded’ follows on from ‘Making the Difference,’ although both are stand-alone books. 

Do you have any advice for budding authors?

My advice for budding authors is to go for it, full throttle – and enjoy the journey. If writing is in your soul, you will do that anyway. Also, garner support wherever you can; by its nature writing is a lonely business. Two key words are discipline and perseverance. Write regularly, whether you feel inspired or not. It helps to hone your craft. Don’t be disheartened by rejection; even the greatest authors have had their share of rejections and struggled to be published. You have your own, unique voice and a story to tell – so, just tell it.
Good luck and very best wishes. It’s been great to have this opportunity to chat with you all.
Kathryn. xx



A WORD FROM KATHRYN HAYDON


Hello readers, pleased to meet you and have this chance to introduce myself. I am a West Country author; indeed, the red earth of Devon is steeped in my bones. I write under the pen name of Kathryn Haydon – Haydon as a nod to my mother (it was her maiden name) and Kathryn for no other reason than it flows well!
        From as far back as I remember, I’ve loved to write and always hoped to be published ‘one day’ – but, as all writers know, the road to publication is a tough one and it’s taken me a while. Although short story competition wins, not least the Crediton Courier prize in June 2016, felt good, publishing a novel remained elusive. However, in January 2017, my dream was realised. What a thrill to see ‘Making the Difference’ launched via Amazon.com, first as an e-book and later, March 2017, in print format. A big thank you to Bettina at Mezzanotte for all her support and guidance along the way.
       What were the highlights as I worked steadily though my six- month contract with Mezzanotte, bringing my book to completion? There were several, starting (of course) with Bettina’s email stating that she liked my synopsis and first three chapters – and could I please send her the rest. You bet I could; in fact, I couldn’t send the remaining chapters off fast enough! The thing that stands out most, though, is the excitement I felt on being involved in choice of my book’s dust jacket. A real ‘wow’ moment, especially as I love it! 
       Why choose the medical romance genre? Well, they say write what you know and I am a retired nurse. So, it made sense to use a medical setting as the backdrop for my story. Also, I remain passionate about good palliative care; it really does make the difference. So, if you’re looking for something new – a ‘feel good’ book to curl up with on a winter evening by a cosy log fire, perhaps – then look no further. ‘Making the Difference’ is waiting for you, with an ending that won’t disappoint.
       I’ve enjoyed writing Oliver and Phoebe’s story very much. I hope you have equal pleasure reading it.
       Very best wishes,
       Kathryn Haydon.



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