#Interview with @KateRessman, #Author of To Market

About the Author:

Author's Amazon Page

Kate Ressman has been writing for her entire life. It's true – she has proof of a second grade story where a cat inherits his human's money. She is the author of Cherry Blossom Express and Sugar and Spice. A bit of a nomad in the past, she has settled down and currently lives in Northern Virginia. She has two businesses, a day job, and an imaginary cat.

Interview with Kate Ressman

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?

I have always loved writing and making books. In fact, I did my best to skip recess in elementary school to make an alphabet book. I wasn't sure it would be anything like a career path, but I always wanted to be in print and to write.

What inspires you to write?

My brain doesn't stop. I've got enough plot bunnies to sink a battlecruiser. So, I write to get the bunnies to be quiet.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?

My office-mate had a chronically ill child. I took some of that and thought, what would he do to make her better? Would he take the chance on a cure even if it meant turning his world upside down and taking a leap of faith? I blended that quiet desperation with a mother trying for custody while she had an addiction that I came across during an internship. And my cousin who used IVF to conceive. I blitzed all of that together with a dream I had of a market where everything was for sale and the colors were like an Indian painting. Then, I added a glittered coating of faerie and stirred well.

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?

Yes. Oh, yes. There are stories that are hidden in the corners of boxes and in drawers and in the recesses of my back-up drive. A few might creep out into the light. But some of them never will. Even though I can't conscience deleting them yet.

Tell us about your writing process.

I like to write in compressed spurts. I occasionally take a three-day weekend, rent a hotel room and just write. Sometimes, I'll do 45 minutes sprints of writing to get the words down. I find that the tight constraints of writing this way means I actually manage to keep my plots consistent and the colors of my characters eyes the same the whole way through the story. Then, after letting it sit for a little bit, I'll edit it. I am a ruthless editor and do not fear the red pen.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?

There is one scene where, in a market where anything is for sale, all Bianka wants is the comfort of a familiar space and a refresh of her hair dye. It talks to the reality of needing a community and connection and the small parts of self-care that help us keep going when we're caregiving.

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?

Bianka has my fascination with science and my nerdom credentials. But beyond that? Nothing intentional.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?

If the book is too slow to get away from me, I'll read it. Within reason. My favorite modern authors are Martha Wells, Simon R Green, Ben Aaronovich, Richard Kadrey, and Lawrence Block. My favorite classic authors are Arthur C Clark, Ray Bradbury, Lewis Carroll, Douglas Adams, and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Oddly enough, my writing style is more like Hemingway than any of my favorites. Though, I might have snagged a bit of Lawrence Block's banter or the insanity of Carroll's Wonderland.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?

Write what you would like to read.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Start writing. It's as easy and as hard as that.

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?

Duct tape, a knife, and a mirror.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?

I read usually. Sometimes I do crafts like needlework or knitting. I play D&D with my friends.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I would like to see Prague.

What do you have in store next for your readers?

I am actually working on a sequel to this book and the sequel to Sugar and Spice. (My second book.)

About the Book:

Check out the Book on Amazon

Every fairy tale has consequences.Bartender Bianka Freeman meets all kinds across the sticky bar at Murray’s. Usually they’re cagey drunks with more money than sense and bad taste in liquor. Sometimes they’re red wine drinkers with blue hair and fancy blue lipstick. Periwinkle Jones may drink her weight in box-wine, but she tips well and when Bianka’s daughter winds up at the doctor—again—Peri thinks they can help each other. If Bianka accompanies her to The Market while she sues for custody of her child, she’ll pay handsomely. While the money is helpful with a chronically ill child, the offer of a market where anything can be found and everything is for sale is the real lure. If Bianka can find a specialist who can cure her daughter? Well, she'll put up with dragons, fairies, giant bakers, and hell hounds. She'd do anything for Serenity. Every magical cure requires a sacrifice.